I've said it before but maybe it applies even more broadly.
Should one question everything for which one lacks evidence? If one is born in a particular country and city and grow up to be patriotic, should he purge himself of those patriotic feelings? Same question regarding local sports teams: should he toss all such affiliations, sell off the paraphernalia and strive for a more neutral posture when watching sporting events? One is born into the family one gets and forms all manner of bonds but, wait, there is no evidence for thinking these people more deserving of our loyalty and regard than anyone else, right?
Now suppose one is born into a Christian family and grows up believing that God listens to prayers and comes to believe he has an inner relationship with that god. Lets suppose he comes to value this relationship. Upon realizing that if he'd been born somewhere else or at a different time that he would have grown up worshiping other gods, should he toss aside the practices he has grown up with?
To some degree, every particular custom, pastime, taste and interest one acquires may be 'tainted' by the happenstance of ones particular origins. Does that mean we should root out everything that lacks evidence to recommend it beyond the personal level? I don't think so. Thus if Frodo decides to hang on to this personal artifact of his experience without evidence that would satisfy a reasonable bystander, what business is that of mine? I'd say none at all.
Should one question everything for which one lacks evidence? If one is born in a particular country and city and grow up to be patriotic, should he purge himself of those patriotic feelings? Same question regarding local sports teams: should he toss all such affiliations, sell off the paraphernalia and strive for a more neutral posture when watching sporting events? One is born into the family one gets and forms all manner of bonds but, wait, there is no evidence for thinking these people more deserving of our loyalty and regard than anyone else, right?
Now suppose one is born into a Christian family and grows up believing that God listens to prayers and comes to believe he has an inner relationship with that god. Lets suppose he comes to value this relationship. Upon realizing that if he'd been born somewhere else or at a different time that he would have grown up worshiping other gods, should he toss aside the practices he has grown up with?
To some degree, every particular custom, pastime, taste and interest one acquires may be 'tainted' by the happenstance of ones particular origins. Does that mean we should root out everything that lacks evidence to recommend it beyond the personal level? I don't think so. Thus if Frodo decides to hang on to this personal artifact of his experience without evidence that would satisfy a reasonable bystander, what business is that of mine? I'd say none at all.
