Journal Entry # 139
July 23rd, 2010
A Muslim, a Jew, a Christian, a Buddhist, an Atheist and a Hindu are sitting at a table. They have come together to solve the problems of he world each thinking they have the answer. Each one discovers after days and days of talking that they are not willing to step out of their box while feeling that the others are not willing to step into their box. They each feel that the others see it the same way. If no one is willing to be wrong then who will be right? If they each are the measuring stick of each other and those measuring sticks will not bend then how can anything be tested? This is the dilemma.
If I am a Christian and I see all things from that perspective, that god’s word is the final authority and that all answers can and do come from god will I be able to see another’s perspective. This is the same for all points. As an Atheist will I be able to step outside of my box and step into another’s. During a lengthy discussion last night on the internet I realized that we had come to an impasse. Reason vs. Faith…. Now my usual position was to say that this person was unwilling to see my position but for the first time I also realized I was unwilling to see theirs. In order for me to truly understand their position It would appear I would have to jump into their delusion and if I did this would it be a delusion anymore. I could not fake it because then I could never truly understand their position. The same would apply for them to understand mine.
So how do we solve this problem? How do we solve this when some people will not bend or compromise?
We have to find a common measuring stick in other words we have to find the truth and we have to acknowledge it. If I could go back in time and see the story of Jesus unfold and we found out the truth about it would each person acknowledge it? I know I would if it was true but I believe that all other religions would not and would try and find some way to fit it into their view even though it would not be true.
Here is my question; if there was no reward or punishment for believing in your god would you still believe. If you take out the idea of a heaven and eternal life or a punishment what now is the incentive to follow. What is in it for you?
“I contend that we are both atheists. I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours.” Stephen Roberts.
If this statement if not ignored it is probably the best demonstration of deduction and reasoning against what a believer does not believe. Unfortunately they will just say all other religions are wrong because my god speaks the truth as he told me. I guess the only way to solve this dilemma is to have god show him/herself and take all the doubt out of the picture but there is only doubt for the unbeliever. As long as reason and faith are mortal enemies this will never be solved. As Mulder said “The truth is out there” and I for one will never stop looking and in the meantime I will question everything. It is not really about belief at this stage it is about how we impose those beliefs on others.
“I encourage diversity but discourage ignorance” Gary David Currie
Seek the truth always
Gary David Currie
