Religious attitude is nothing more than holding our beliefs - personal or collective, sound or unsound, such as God, free will, humanism, even kindness - as a general truth. That is to say, we are religious as long as we let our beliefs govern our reasoning.
I like your definition, yunyi. You seem to be equating a "religious attitude" with egoism, assuming that what is true for oneself must also be true for everyone else.
In most cases, religion is already selected for you when you are born and hence has every chance to mould the impressionable mind of a child. At its roots, religion is a tool of social control. Its greatest strength is also its greatest weakness: rigidity of rules. As for your conclusion, not everything religious is bogus. It may be an unparalleled force in providing solace to many a hurting soul.
Great point Uma! I think faith is very important, or probably the most important drive for our survival purpose. Reason is a luxury, as it almost completely has nothing to do with our practical life.
You are asking a very interesting question. A question that we don't always like to answer, at least, not in public. I am a scientist, and have never have trouble saying that I believe in God. For me religion means to believe and trust; reasoning is not essential.
Religion or belief of whatever is what we hold on to as a guide. For me it's not compulsory or binding. In my life I have experienced events and people that have made look at things differently. Insight and wisdom can be gained true different ways. Following a book or strict set of rules simply won't work for me because I am uniquely stubborn and have my own way of thinking. However I am open to whatever the truth might be but they better be convincing because I not accepting of truth without evidence. Until then I hold on to the religion instilled upon me by my parents and take from it what works for me.
I like your definition, yunyi. You seem to be equating a "religious attitude" with egoism, assuming that what is true for oneself must also be true for everyone else.
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what I am trying to say. I also found it's actually very hard to get out of this trap of "egoism".
DeleteIn most cases, religion is already selected for you when you are born and hence has every chance to mould the impressionable mind of a child. At its roots, religion is a tool of social control. Its greatest strength is also its greatest weakness: rigidity of rules. As for your conclusion, not everything religious is bogus. It may be an unparalleled force in providing solace to many a hurting soul.
ReplyDeleteGreat point Uma! I think faith is very important, or probably the most important drive for our survival purpose. Reason is a luxury, as it almost completely has nothing to do with our practical life.
DeleteAnd I think it is precisely because of reason's non practical nature, it sees the real truth, which not many people can stand to look at it!
DeleteI agree.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kris! Cheers :-)
DeleteYou are asking a very interesting question. A question that we don't always like to answer, at least, not in public. I am a scientist, and have never have trouble saying that I believe in God. For me religion means to believe and trust; reasoning is not essential.
ReplyDeleteThanks Marina Silva to share your view. I think believing in God can coexist with reason, as long as they both stay in their own places.
DeleteReligion or belief of whatever is what we hold on to as a guide. For me it's not compulsory or binding. In my life I have experienced events and people that have made look at things differently. Insight and wisdom can be gained true different ways. Following a book or strict set of rules simply won't work for me because I am uniquely stubborn and have my own way of thinking. However I am open to whatever the truth might be but they better be convincing because I not accepting of truth without evidence. Until then I hold on to the religion instilled upon me by my parents and take from it what works for me.
ReplyDelete