So What Have We Accomplished?
kida
Join Date: 2003-02-20 Member: 13778Members
Join Date: 2003-02-20 Member: 13778Members
<div class="IPBDescription">A converted soul? A change in opinions?</div> Anyways, this is kind of off topic, but do you people think that what we argue or discuss on the forums acomplishes anything or nothing? Do you discuss for different reasons?
I highly doubt there have been many people, who "converted," or people who really changed their minds about certain strong issues. In my honest opinion, the best way to understand something, like a religion or as I like to call it, faith, is to understand it hands on. Instead of thinking what you and I might think is right or wrong, it is best to understand both sides to get the bigger picture. What you strongly believe is probably not justified to be "right," unless both sides have been understood equally well. I don't think a lot of us are open enough to venture in all sorts of worship centers, like a church, a temple, and try to be open minded with a fresh view of things. Reading something and believing in it, basing your standpoint on scientific analysis, or simply thinking something is true, because by all logical means it has to be, doesn't mean much. It reminds me of Stephen Hawking's point of things, that what we believe to be true in our point of the universe could be different or wrong at another point in the universe. Is that correctly worded?
IMO, scientific theory does prove that there is "the presence of a superior reasoning power." Other words, God.
Weird but true, we are but pharisees and sadducee's, in that we do nothing but talk and talk, using old laws (well not really) and logic to base our motives and understanding. We are not willing to make a difference, when we can and should, because of our ignorance, arrogance, lack of believe and courage. I may preach the word, but I sure 85 percent of the time don't practice it. Sad tis true.
Anyways, I personally like to discuss things, because I get to share my opinions and engage in something that requires brain power, (it really is a good brain exercise).
I highly doubt there have been many people, who "converted," or people who really changed their minds about certain strong issues. In my honest opinion, the best way to understand something, like a religion or as I like to call it, faith, is to understand it hands on. Instead of thinking what you and I might think is right or wrong, it is best to understand both sides to get the bigger picture. What you strongly believe is probably not justified to be "right," unless both sides have been understood equally well. I don't think a lot of us are open enough to venture in all sorts of worship centers, like a church, a temple, and try to be open minded with a fresh view of things. Reading something and believing in it, basing your standpoint on scientific analysis, or simply thinking something is true, because by all logical means it has to be, doesn't mean much. It reminds me of Stephen Hawking's point of things, that what we believe to be true in our point of the universe could be different or wrong at another point in the universe. Is that correctly worded?
IMO, scientific theory does prove that there is "the presence of a superior reasoning power." Other words, God.
Weird but true, we are but pharisees and sadducee's, in that we do nothing but talk and talk, using old laws (well not really) and logic to base our motives and understanding. We are not willing to make a difference, when we can and should, because of our ignorance, arrogance, lack of believe and courage. I may preach the word, but I sure 85 percent of the time don't practice it. Sad tis true.
Anyways, I personally like to discuss things, because I get to share my opinions and engage in something that requires brain power, (it really is a good brain exercise).
Comments
Although some religions are, but not all are the resultant of logical progression.
Personally, I notice being affected by other peoples opinions within the discussions I'm having on NS.org - my understanding for GIs, for example, has greatly increased since before. Discussions aren't really going to lead to convincing people of your arguments, although it's a good ideal to keep in mind as it'll keep you patient. What discussions can do is make people slowly adjust their opinions, which is almost always a two-way process.
:: pokes at nem :: you always stirring the bee hive <!--emo&:p--><img src='http://www.natural-selection.org/forums/html/emoticons/tounge.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='tounge.gif'><!--endemo-->
I doubt that, after reading a discussion topic, anyone will say: "Okay, you convinced me!"
But it's a fact that I (and I believe most other readers) <i>are</i> affected by these discussions. We won't change our minds, but we'll see other points of view. Even if we dislike them or simply declare them "stupid", we'll still have read them and they <i>will</i> have an influence on decisions and opinions we may still develop.
Nemesis made a good point with the GI example. I'm a 16-year-old student from a very pacifistic family in Germany, so I probably never had any chance to hear arguments from american soldiers for or against war.
And although I didn't change my mind regarding for example the Iraq war, in the future I'll consider more different points of view before making out my opinion, even it it happens only unconsciously.
On the other hand, a american kid from texas (sorry for stereotypes) may never have heard the opinions of a french father about gun-control or owning a weapon in general...
Good for non-visually violent entertainment
Good for stirring up emotions
Bad for changing opinions
Good for non-visually violent entertainment
Good for stirring up emotions
Bad for changing opinions <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><span class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd-->
If those last two are your reasons for being on this forum Confuzor, they aren't the right ones. :/
whats not to love? <!--emo&:D--><img src='http://www.unknownworlds.com/forums/html/emoticons/biggrin.gif' border='0' style='vertical-align:middle' alt='biggrin.gif'><!--endemo-->