(December 3, 2012 at 7:37 pm)naimless Wrote: Do you write stories for a living?

No, but I aspire to, however, whether I do or do not is inconsequential to how it affects my life.

Quote:I thought it was fairly obvious trusting in a higher power gives you a higher self-esteem

It depends. For me, the idea of a psychopath with superpowers who is against the idea of letting people enjoy their life is quite a scary one.

I think that most religious people believe that they have a special connection with their god. I don't think that I could emotionally connect with most gods even if I believe that they existed. It's probably because I don't feel special, nor I want to be. I'm more interested in harmony and peace of mind than in discipline, ambition or euphoria.

(December 4, 2012 at 6:44 am)Kirbmarc Wrote:

Quote:I thought it was fairly obvious trusting in a higher power gives you a higher self-esteem

It depends. For me, the idea of a psychopath with superpowers who is against the idea of letting people enjoy their life is quite a scary one.

Well I agree... so why do Dawkins & co. persist in disturbing those who enjoy a spiritual life?

(December 4, 2012 at 6:44 am)Kirbmarc Wrote: I think that most religious people believe that they have a special connection with their god. I don't think that I could emotionally connect with most gods even if I believe that they existed. It's probably because I don't feel special, nor I want to be. I'm more interested in harmony and peace of mind than in discipline, ambition or euphoria.

Right, that's cool and all, I respect that... but imagine if you have already been to Disneyland; simply riding the swings all day every day after that becomes the most horrible of experiences once you realise you can't go back to Disneyland again.

Quote:so why do Dawkins & co. persist in disturbing those who enjoy a spiritual life?

I'm sorry, but when is the last time that Dawkins came to your house and yelled at you to "stop believing"? Nobody is stopping you from doing whatever you want. Dawkins is simply pointing out that there are other, more rational ways to be happy. You are free not to agree with him, but he's entitled to express his opinion and argue for it just like you are.

He's not special, but neither are you. If what Dawkins says disturbs you, maybe you shouldn't read his books. And quite frankly, if another man's opinion disturbs you so much, maybe it's time to grow up a little, toughen up a touch and learn that the universe doesn't revolve around you.

Quote:but imagine if you have already been to Disneyland; simply riding the swings all day every day after that becomes the most horrible of experiences once you realise you can't go back to Disneyland again.

This is why you have to enjoy it while it lasts. It's you worrying about the future that ruins the fun. Live in the present.

(December 4, 2012 at 7:31 am)naimless Wrote:

(December 4, 2012 at 6:44 am)Kirbmarc Wrote: It depends. For me, the idea of a psychopath with superpowers who is against the idea of letting people enjoy their life is quite a scary one.

Well I agree... so why do Dawkins & co. persist in disturbing those who enjoy a spiritual life?

I don't share their missionary zeal for converting those still living the myth, so I can't speak for them. Some say they do it because of Christian hegemony, you know, its mission to make secular government over in the bible's image. I'm more tolerant than that but I find no more fault with those who wish to oppose the creep of Christian hegemony than I do with those who wish to spread their faith.

(December 4, 2012 at 7:31 am)naimless Wrote: Well I agree... so why do Dawkins & co. persist in disturbing those who enjoy a spiritual life?

Considering "Dawkins & Co." haven't advocated any positions outlawing private religious practice, I fail to see how these folks are really "disturbing" those who enjoy spiritual life. Unless, by "disturb," you mean "challenge," which is entirely their right--and usually arises when those who "enjoy spiritual life" challenge the rights of those who have no interest in it.

To be a bit less snarky, I really fail to see how Dawkins is bothering anyone who isn't looking for a fight with secularism to begin with.

Z

Regardless of the fact that you have free will and made the conscious choice to read up on Dawkins or listen to him to being with, I'm hold firmly that an inconvenient truth is better than a comforting lie. You have the opportunity to become a free agent, now. Make choices for yourself, find freedom in those choice and then, happiness might float your way.

Although, there is a chance your neurochemistry is out of sync and you need to see someone about your unstable thoughts.

naimless Wrote:Right, that's cool and all, I respect that... but imagine if you have already been to Disneyland; simply riding the swings all day every day after that becomes the most horrible of experiences once you realise you can't go back to Disneyland again.

I would accept the fact that I could never go back, and after some investigation, I would realize that Disneyland wasn't the only game in town. Then I would go to Cedar Point, because it kicks the shit out of Disney anyway.

(December 4, 2012 at 8:40 am)Annik Wrote: Regardless of the fact that you have free will and made the conscious choice to read up on Dawkins or listen to him to being with, I'm hold firmly that an inconvenient truth is better than a comforting lie. You have the opportunity to become a free agent, now. Make choices for yourself, find freedom in those choice and then, happiness might float your way.

How do I have free will if the environment of the universe is 13.7 billion years my superior? If I have free will it is because my determined environment has enabled me to believe in it, which is just as much of a delusion as believing in god is.

It's almost like this guy is determined to be depressed or something.