Say say say say say say say say?

[hoveringsombrero]

"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

Comments

[agent-kirasawa.livejournal.com]

Well, I guess that makes me feel better about my political/religious/philosophical views.

I don't tell (because I honestly don't feel) that my God is any more valid than any other person's. I don't dismiss other beliefs, far from it.

I study (almost ravenously) other philosophical views, and cultures.
I am of the opinion that a belief unexamined or untested is (although no less valid or interesting) somewhat poorer for that lack.

I can no more contend that my mixture of Taoism and Moravianist Christianity is the correct way of life, than I could suggest that I am the greatest thinker of all time.

I often find that quiet, earnest argumentation (in the gentler mode) about my views is the only way I can find strength and comfort in them.
How strange it is to me that we check and double-check our parachutes, going so far as to fold and pack them ourselves, but that most people will gladly accept a ready-made religious standpoint, without delving deeply into the contents.

The other problem is similar to the difficulty America is having with a bi-partisan system of governance:
Whether a politician or religion, many people are content to seek the candidate which exemplifies one of their strong personal views (Pro-Life, Pro-Choice, Homo-phobic, etc.), and to give their entire support in that direction, despite minor disparities. Depending on which issue is at hand, all candidates are the lesser evil, with a few (currently relevant) exceptions.

Perhaps I am too vague in my belief, but I take very seriously the Moravian motto: "In all essentials Unity, in non-essentials Liberty, In all things Love."

So, friend Eris, I apologize for my sermon, especially since I recognise and appreciate the nature of the quotation.

I thought you might find it important, having posted views which appeal to you, to know those that appeal to me, in friendly dialogue, which is so rarely found these days.

- Kirasawa