Quote:
|
Originally Posted by ArmchairGeneral
Rather than discard reason, Christians are to use their reason to the fullest. Christianity assumes God is inherently reasonable, so that if something is unreasonable, or I should say anti-reasonable, it should be rejected. Where faith comes in is when doubts come. Sometimes a seemingly reasonable issue comes up which raises doubt. Sometimes a completely irrational doubt arises based on emotions. Either way, it's not wise to give up a belief at the first difficulty, as scientists can tell you. Doubts will always occur, but do not always turn out to be accurate. Perseverance in pursuit of a goal, however reasonable, requires faith.
|
I can understand this PoV and certainly dont disregard that people of all major religions have contributed hugely to human understanding and to moral philosophy more generally.
I do think there is a difference between faith in the rightness of a goal, and faith in the teachings of a religion. For eg, religious faith implies (in my view) that a doctrinally difficult part of a religion just needs to be accepted by a true believer, in the hope that the rationale for it will be revealed later. My view is that if I am unable to accept that view, then it needs to be rejected.
Part of what jaundices my view of religion was my own Calvinist/Baptist upbringing which was very doctrinal and rigid. I do realise not all Christians/Jews etc have such a rigid approach and that is healthier to society. It also renders the religion itself almost meaningless, if you pick and choose what you believe.
A case in point would be Christians claiming to follow old Testament laws (belief in the whole Bible) - but eating shell-fish and pork, for eg. Yet Christians will quote OT laws in condemnation of homosexuality....
Religious teaching's ultimate authority does derive from "revelation", and that is what concerns me most. Many of the conclusions of the religions are laudable and I agree with much of the idealism of the Christian faith (and Buddhism especially too). I do think we need to seperate those beliefs from the religion - and they do not need the religion to make them stand.