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Re: Thought inducing post !
Afzal,
Thank you for reading.
Cheers,
dja
posted by
Atrophy
on June 3, 2007 at 12:03 PM
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Re: Hi Atrophy - enjoyed reading the last five or so blogs - good work.
Tony,
I agree with your perspective. I think Dawkins casts aside the social benefits of religion as an afterthought. In his mind, this aspect of religion has nothing to do with its truth value, so he doesn't dwell on it. Although I agree with Dawkins completely in this respect, it probably will not work well in reaching those who are not already a member of the choir, so to speak.
Cheers,
dja
posted by
Atrophy
on May 30, 2007 at 5:24 AM
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Hi Atrophy - enjoyed reading the last five or so blogs - good work.
Also watched that clip of O'Reilly - useful, as I've never seen the show, as I live in England. Although I agree with what Dawkins says from a scientific viewpoint, I don't think he attacks religion particularly effectively. I've not read the book but I've read reviews of it, and there was also a TV series he did about a year ago over here attacking religion, too, and I saw some of that. He is a scientist, true, but he needs in my view to look more at the social aspects of religion to fully understand its appeal, and therefore to be able to attack it more successfully. The solidarity, the sense of community and friendship, or just the sense of purpose being in a church can bring; the way other people in that community can help you find a house otr a job or a marriage partner; the way it puts you at the centre of things and promises you life after death, justice after death, etc. There are issues of politics, economy and sociology and more that need to be addressed in analysing and criticising religion, as well as science.
posted by
Antonionioni
on May 30, 2007 at 12:59 AM
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Thank you, Atrophy
I think that in order to be offended one has to be just a bit unsure of themselves and care too much what another thinks of him/her. I don't see that in either you or I so I did not consider that my words might offend you, or feel offended myself. Likewise, I can't remember the last time that I was offended. There are those on Blogit who are, way too easily. When I find that out, I am very careful what I say to them or avoid any controversial works they post. Welcome to Blogit. I have enjoyed reading you, including your post about your Grandmother in your other Blog.
posted by
TAPS.
on May 29, 2007 at 3:49 PM
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Re: Atrophy
TAPS,
Thank you for the response.
I think it's important to remain critical and honest, and that is what I try to do. I want to foster an active dialogue so that we may learn from one another's ideas.
Regarding your "fool" statement, I don't view you as such. And based on the little information I have gathered through your words, I surmise you are not one. In fact, I find your spirit both refreshing and uplifting.
Above all, I hope that my writing--as critical and harsh as it may be at times--does not offend, but rather encourages all of us to discuss important issues and work toward making this world a better place for us and future generations.
Cheers,
dja
posted by
Atrophy
on May 29, 2007 at 9:53 AM
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Atrophy
"...when two opposite points of view are expressed with equal intensity, the truth does not necessarily lie exactly halfway between them. It is possible for one side to be simply wrong." (--Richard Dawkins)
I missed this interview because, quite frankly, I find Mr. O'Reilly offensive in his attitude, his demeanor, and the sound of his voice. I do, however, find it ironic, that in spite of what I do not like about Mr. O'Reilly, I choose to believe in the God of The Holy Bible and the message of redemption through Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God. In spite of that, I find the scientific world and studies most fascinating and the contradictions that some scientists find between science and religion to be exhilerating. I also realize that my beliefs probably place me on the "fool" level of your rankings of humans, but that does not keep me from finding your writings and your points of view, and the way that you express them, interesting and worth considering.
posted by
TAPS.
on May 29, 2007 at 8:43 AM
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Thought inducing post !
posted by
afzal50
on May 29, 2007 at 8:29 AM
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