Topic on Religion

[Beau Geste (imported)]

A number of modern theologians have formulated the argument that religion can be symbolically meaningful even if it is not objectively true. Like any other intellectuals, of course, theologians have figured out that our personalities are continually in flux, and can (according to some theorists) be considered to have no substance. Ergo, a lot of what is asserted by religion would not appear to be applicable to humans or to the human experience. If religion is symbolically meaningful, then it can be regarded as speaking to our aspirations, which are more or less unattainable. I would think the conclusion might be, that religion, or at least its effect on us, is an experience rather than an element of physical or even metaphysical reality.

A few writers take the view that we create reality in our minds (our experience of color, for example, is entirely subjective in the sense that it can't be referred to any universal principle) and consequently, if you believe in a religion, that religion is real to you. Of course, the whole intricate construction of a religious belief, ceases to exist when your mind does, but that can't really concern you anyway, after you poof out of the universe. You don't know about what has happened to you and your beliefs, and you cease to have any effect on what survives you.

[Blaise (imported)]

A number of modern theologians have formulated the argument that religion can be symbolically meaningful even if it is not objectively true. Like any other intellectuals, of course, theologians have figured out that our personalities are continually in flux, and can (according to some theorists) be considered to have no substance. Ergo, a lot of what is asserted by religion would not appear to be applicable to humans or to the human experience. If religion is symbolically meaningful, then it can be regarded as speaking to our aspirations, which are more or less unattainable. I would think the conclusion might be, that religion, or at least its effect on us, is an experience rather than an element of physical or even metaphysical reality.

A few writers take the view that we create reality in our minds (our experience of color, for example, is entirely subjective in the sense that it can't be referred to any universal principle) and consequently, if you believe in a religion, that religion is real to you. Of course, the whole intricate construction of a religious belief, ceases to exist when your mind does, but that can't really concern you anyway, after you poof out of the universe. You don't know about what has happened to you and your beliefs, and you cease to have any effect on what survives you.

Well said. Thank you.

[Riverwind (imported)]

Where are Thor and Oden when you need them?

River

[Blaise (imported)]

Where are Thor and Oden when you need them?

RiverDouglas Adam wrote a lovely book The Long Dark Teatime of the Soul about the difficulty one of the Norse gods has in not being abole to get a passport (not date of birth). This trapped him at Heathrow.

[Paolo]

Not being all that religious personally, I'm not exactly sure how religion effects my status as a eunuch.

Don't fret, IE.

Jesus loves you.