Bold emphasis has been added:
Yes, I think you have hit on something that fits with many Christians. They only half-beleive, or don't really believe, and are quite unsure about it. And for them, it only sometimes keeps them in check, as what one does in a moment is not based on what one usually thinks, but on what one is thinking at that moment.
Really, if they fully believed god was watching them all the time, they would not be doing things in private that are "wrong" because they would be thinking that god was watching them do it. We see, however, many instances in which people put on a public show, and privately do something else. That can be explained as simple dishonesty, but I think some of it is that they just are not as sure about things as they often pretend, and do not always think about it when they are giving in to their inclinations.
As for science, it is getting frightening for anyone who values privacy. If the brain scan technology is perfected, just think what governments will do with it.
(July 12, 2015 at 3:28 am)robvalue Wrote: Thanks very much! Maybe it will ring true to someone, somewhere.
Pyrrho: Wow yes, I was aware that in my scenario you can get away with thinking what you like, as long as your actions and speech are in line with the rules. But you're right, christianity goes even further than that. It's amazing what science can do too
The thing is, you don't even have to fully believe in all the cameras and that; as long as you have a reasonable doubt in your head that is just might be true. That would be enough to keep you scared and in line. Religion prays on that doubt I think
Yes, I think you have hit on something that fits with many Christians. They only half-beleive, or don't really believe, and are quite unsure about it. And for them, it only sometimes keeps them in check, as what one does in a moment is not based on what one usually thinks, but on what one is thinking at that moment.
Really, if they fully believed god was watching them all the time, they would not be doing things in private that are "wrong" because they would be thinking that god was watching them do it. We see, however, many instances in which people put on a public show, and privately do something else. That can be explained as simple dishonesty, but I think some of it is that they just are not as sure about things as they often pretend, and do not always think about it when they are giving in to their inclinations.
As for science, it is getting frightening for anyone who values privacy. If the brain scan technology is perfected, just think what governments will do with it.
"A wise man ... proportions his belief to the evidence."
— David Hume, An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, Section X, Part I.
