(September 14, 2014 at 8:39 pm)SteelCurtain Wrote: MM I think the thread title is what is provocative for people. I understand what you mean - that all people are looking for--need even--something to fill certain needs. Namely a method for answering "life's questions" (whatever that means for them) and providing some sort of structure by which to make judgments and decisions.
My issue is with constructing the idea that when something replaces something, or serves the same purpose as something, the two things can be called the same thing. Just because science replaces religion doesn't make it religion.
I am well aware of how provocative the title could be, which is exactly the reason why I used a question mark.
I agree that because scientific endeavour replaces religion that fact alone does not make it a religion, but that is not my point. I have set out why I see it as another form of religion. I'm not saying scientific endeavour is a religion because it has replaced religion but because it functions to serve the same needs. The fact it has replace religion as a social authority is a measure of how successful it has been at meeting those needs.
MM
"The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions" - Leonardo da Vinci
"I think I use the term “radical” rather loosely, just for emphasis. If you describe yourself as “atheist,” some people will say, “Don’t you mean ‘agnostic’?” I have to reply that I really do mean atheist, I really do not believe that there is a god; in fact, I am convinced that there is not a god (a subtle difference). I see not a shred of evidence to suggest that there is one ... etc., etc. It’s easier to say that I am a radical atheist, just to signal that I really mean it, have thought about it a great deal, and that it’s an opinion I hold seriously." - Douglas Adams (and I echo the sentiment)
"I think I use the term “radical” rather loosely, just for emphasis. If you describe yourself as “atheist,” some people will say, “Don’t you mean ‘agnostic’?” I have to reply that I really do mean atheist, I really do not believe that there is a god; in fact, I am convinced that there is not a god (a subtle difference). I see not a shred of evidence to suggest that there is one ... etc., etc. It’s easier to say that I am a radical atheist, just to signal that I really mean it, have thought about it a great deal, and that it’s an opinion I hold seriously." - Douglas Adams (and I echo the sentiment)
