Why isn't faith embarrasing?

superluminal

superluminal

I am MalcomR
Valued Senior Member
Given the common definition of faith, i.e. belief without the requirement for proof or evidence, why wouldn't anyone with even a rudimentary sense of intellectual integrity be ashamed to call themselves a "person of faith"?

Is it an ingrained fear of not belonging to the group?

Is it an actual hedging of bets against a possible hell?

Is it simply intellectual lazyness?

Look at the definition. Apply it to any other part of your practical life. Say your stock investments, or whether or not you'll buy that used car, or any number of other instances where you would or would not willingly shutdown your intellect and just hope for the best.

Discuss.
 
When I ask my Mom for proof she says "look around you. Everything on this planet is proof of God's existence and his love....blah blah blah"
 
superluminal said:
Answer my question.
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I seek purpose in my life because it is my belief that everything in the universe has a purpose. That nothing is random or baseless. That if ye seek, ye will find.

I doubt its the same as yours.
 
You believe it, even without evidence, it's your belief

And to the religious, they DO have evidence: existence, the Earth, water, etc
 
superluminal said:
Given the common definition of faith, i.e. belief without the requirement for proof or evidence, why wouldn't anyone with even a rudimentary sense of intellectual integrity be ashamed to call themselves a "person of faith"?

Is it an ingrained fear of not belonging to the group?

Is it an actual hedging of bets against a possible hell?

Is it simply intellectual lazyness?

Look at the definition. Apply it to any other part of your practical life. Say your stock investments, or whether or not you'll buy that used car, or any number of other instances where you would or would not willingly shutdown your intellect and just hope for the best.

Discuss.
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can one hold an axiomatic truth while being bereft of faith (as per your definition "belief without the requirement for proof or evidence")?
 
I believe that embarassment comes from one's expectation and fear of being judged negatively. In this world, most people are religious, and openly affirm their faith, so do so oneself tends to not be embarassing.

If one hung out with a peer group that regularly ridculued religiosity, and secretly harbored religious belief oneself, then I could see being embarrassed to admit that.
 
Pandaemoni said:
I believe that embarassment comes from one's expectation and fear of being judged negatively. In this world, most people are religious, and openly affirm their faith, so do so oneself tends to not be embarassing.

If one hung out with a peer group that regularly ridculued religiosity, and secretly harbored religious belief oneself, then I could see being embarrassed to admit that.
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In the West religion is very minor I would say
 
Pandaemoni said:
I believe that embarassment comes from one's expectation and fear of being judged negatively. In this world, most people are religious, and openly affirm their faith, so do so oneself tends to not be embarassing.

If one hung out with a peer group that regularly ridculued religiosity, and secretly harbored religious belief oneself, then I could see being embarrassed to admit that.
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You'll find that in some science circles. However, I can hold my own against anyone. Try me. :D
 
Kadark said:
Are the scientists you work with atheists? Do you ever get into quarrels with them over faith and whatnot?
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I'm sure some of them must be. No one has ever asked me about religion though. They only concern themselves with my work.

The only atheist I have discussed religion with is my closest friend.

And we discuss our beliefs in a friendly way, without judgement or a desire to influence or change.

But I have heard of theistic scientists who feel embarrassed about declaring themselves.

I can honestly say that the only rancor I have got from atheists is on this forum, and the only racism and anti-Muslim sentiment I have encountered has been in the United States.
 
Superluminal said:

Given the common definition of faith, i.e. belief without the requirement for proof or evidence, why wouldn't anyone with even a rudimentary sense of intellectual integrity be ashamed to call themselves a "person of faith"?
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Frankly, I would think the answers obvious:

• Indoctrination
• Safety in numbers​

For instance, why isn't the idea of talking to an invisible, all-powerful, all-seeing being who will grant your wishes if you praise it enough considered delusional? Because billions of people do this, and mass hysteria, at that degree, becomes for most a viable assertion of reality. If enough people are deluded, the delusion will be called reality. It works with any idea, really. Look at patriotism for a non-theistic comparison.
 
I'm sure some of them must be. No one has ever asked me about religion though. They only concern themselves with my work.

The only atheist I have discussed religion with is my closest friend.

And we discuss our beliefs in a friendly way, without judgement or a desire to influence or change.
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Oh, I see. I just got the indication that you have discussed such matters with scientists who were atheists from your earlier post.

But I have heard of theistic scientists who feel embarrassed about declaring themselves.
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I hope you're not one of them.
 
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