RE: If I were an Atheist
May 1, 2015 at 12:03 pm
(This post was last modified: May 1, 2015 at 12:11 pm by Hatshepsut.)
(May 1, 2015 at 11:49 am)Jericho Wrote: That statement is ridiculous at best. Science is meant to provide us with true answers, ...
Note that little word, "psychologically." Oracles were meant to provide true answers, and until science supplanted them, they did so to the comfort and satisfaction of the people using them. You must remember that pre-scientific people didn't have the background and education you take for granted today. They got comfort where they could. Psychologists know that a feeling of comfort is important enough to human well-being that humans will spend considerable time trying to make themselves more comfortable.
The atheistic belief system you see on this forum and elsewhere has formulaic texts, iconography, recognition rituals, and many of the other trappings familiar from the old religions. It's that tribe thing, baby!
(May 1, 2015 at 11:59 am)FatAndFaithless Wrote: Are you unsatisfied that it can get things wrong? No process is perfect, but the scientific process is the best thing we have.
No. I'm pointing out that science gives lots of people comfort. And if the hornet's nest of replies my posts have stirred up is an indicator, people who take comfort from science are just as defensive about their preferences as anyone else. Science isn't just an "objective" thing floating out there for Mr. Spock to admire. It's very near and dear to our very emotional hearts.