RE: Is belief really a choice?
April 4, 2013 at 11:09 am
(This post was last modified: April 4, 2013 at 11:14 am by Mystic.)
(April 4, 2013 at 11:04 am)Rhythm Wrote: You're pointing to another belief.....to demonstrate that we choose our beliefs?
I am not. I'm simply showing you my perspective and the human perspective in general.
Quote:1] Did you choose to believe that?
2]Did you choose those things you ought to believe?
I am uncertain, but I believe so.
Quote:Of course we can. Nevertheless, whether or not we can condemn a person - consistently or inconsistently has what to say about whether or not we can choose what we believe?
No we can't. We have to believe in those things to condemn them (even if we believe in contradicting notions like we don't chose to believe what we believe).
Of course, it doesn't demonstrate our belief regarding that is true, which I already stated.
Quote:You haven't begun to argue the original point of contention Mystic - look at the op - you offered your aside as a way to demonstrate that we had a choice in what we believe.
No you are reading too much into it. I am simply showing you that is what we believe and to be consistent with stating we don't choose our beliefs, we ought to also not condemn anyone.
(April 4, 2013 at 11:07 am)futilethewinds Wrote:(April 4, 2013 at 11:05 am)MysticKnight Wrote: Do you feel any pride for being an Atheist? If you do, then this means you believe 1) you had a choice in the matter 2) it is praiseworthy to a degree. If you don't have pride in being an Atheist at all, then you would be consistent.I have pride in being gay, too, it doesn't mean I chose to be gay.
Pride is felt when you feel there is a degree of praise. Perhaps this is another contradicting belief you have. You believe you didn't chose, yet you are proud of being gay. If you had no choice in the matter, you shouldn't be proud about it.
I'm not proud of being attracted to women, because I don't feel I chose to.
