Theophobia

[8bitagent]

In the AJ Elf thread, I physically read C_W's post about how leftists can also be close minded on religious types, yet as I typed I interpreted that somehow as relating to Christians. So she is right, I think there is a bit of an ingrained geo-centric thing going on...especially how a lot of American Christianity is seen in a different light than to, say European Christianity(which seems to have more ties to ritual and meditation)

I know some leftists in my circles say how they hate religion, wish there was no religion...but I think the world would be less colorful. I love the documentary Religulous, but agree when Mahr says something like how he has the luxury to not be religious. Meaning, for starving people in war torn countries, faith may be one of the few pillars they had.

But from spinning Turkish male dancers, the rich colors of Hindu temples, Buddhists, those beautiful mosques, those old European cathedrals, old Judaic sites, African animism, Native American spiritual get togethers...this world would be more boring without religion.

It's not for me, but I can respect it. I've wrestled with the concept, but I believe deep down we are the boss of ourselves, that if there is a "God" he's a thug like the devil, and that we should all have love in our hearts without the use of a scripture or dogma telling us how we should feel(my friend says I sound like a Levay Satanist, but I hate them too)

[Canadian_watcher]

I do though believe that there *is* some guiding force of the universe and that our ability to see past the ends of our noses and react as often as possible out of courage and love rather than fear.. That's pretty much much spirituality in a nutshell.

Again, C_W, I ask you, is this your faith? I'm just wondering so that I may adjust my phobias accordingly. Also: that seems pretty vague.

yeah, that's about it right there.

Vague? How so?

[barracuda]

Well for starters, "some guiding force" could mean just about anything, from gravity to evolution to Kali or The Force. It's vague. I mean, that's your faith? Belief in some unknown, undefined "force"? What is your relationship with this force?

[American Dream]

Ok, but what about the part where faith supports Racism or Fascism?

in my opinion that is abhorrent to any real faith. I know it happens.. does it ever. But as sunny said, above, there are people of faith that would never ever support racism or fascism. Most of them, probably. As I see it it's the nutty ones that get all the press and dominate political movements because they are the ones motivated by control and power over.

Here we get into the part where faith can conflict with critical thinking, as faith does often lead well-intentioned people into congress with problematic people and ideas, don't you think?

You dont get the irony that you approach 'critical thinking' with the same degree of faith that you so consider in others the first step down The Road to Perdition.

Your language is full of patronising weasel words such as "well-intentioned people" "problematic people and ideas" "dont you think?" .

For someone who is so concerned about fascism, you are not exactly a pluralist when it comes to thinking.

Reductionist so called 'critical' thinking - you sound like the missionary bringing the news to the unenlightened, except you NEVER examine the foundations of your 'critical thinking' faith.

How about doing that? Are you up for it? Or do we move along, because we can question anything except THAT?

Searcher that was a really bogus representation of my thoughts!

This then is your straw man..

Firstly, I don't have blind faith in critical thinking- certainly not as the be all and end all of human activity.

Secondly, "spiritual people" who claim the best of intentions have got themselves wrapped up in all kinds of bad things throughout history. Do you dispute this? Referring to "problematic people and ideas" in this sort of context is merely trying to not be too inflammatory- the core concept is quite valid.

Thirdly, I'm not endorsing a reductionist approach to critical thinking, though I do think critical thinking is essential.

Anyway, does your support for David Icke include his Reptilian Theory?

Because either way, here we have a great example to look at regarding the particulars of faith and/or critical thinking...

[Canadian_watcher]

EDIT: I'm talking about the US. I don't even know what Canada is.

Canada is a country lying North of the United States on the continent of North America.



http://www.theodora.com/wfbcurrent/canada/

Little known facts about Canada are:

1. Not all of its citizens speak French or even tolerate it
2. The Government was recently renamed from "The Government of Canada" to "The Harper Government"
3. Canada Boosters tried to integrate a new word to replace the greeting, 'Hello.' That word was Chimo. The custom did not catch on.

[Canadian_watcher]

Well for starters, "some guiding force" could mean just about anything, from gravity to evolution to Kali or The Force. It's vague. I mean, that's your faith? Belief in some unknown, undefined "force"? What is your relationship with this force?

Your disapproval is noted.

My relationship with this force is that I influence it and it influences me. I am it, and it is me. It is you, too.

[barracuda]

I disapprove of vagueness. And I can tell you right now that your Star Wars religion isn't me. Nice of you to try and foist your faith on me though. ANOTHER REASON NOT TO TRUST FAITH.

[Canadian_watcher]

I disapprove of vagueness. And I can tell you right now that your Star Wars religion isn't me. Nice of you to try and foist your faith on me though. ANOTHER REASON NOT TO TRUST FAITH.

are you being serious?

[norton ash]

Again, C_W, I ask you, is this your faith? I'm just wondering so that I may adjust my phobias accordingly. Also: that seems pretty vague.

C-W's a theist, deist, pantheist adherent of the Church of What's Happenin' Now.

Or as the blind man closest to the ground in the big shadow said 'An elephant is soft and mushy.'

Anyone needing evidence that there's a predilection towards openly bashing the faithful, here's some (more) for you.

No... that's openly bashing the vague, and their soft-and-mushy passive-aggressive shit, Joan of Arc.

[Canadian_watcher]

I think I can VERY VERY safely rest my case at this point.

[crikkett]

Gluttony is a sin and you my dear are a glutton for punishment.

Naw, it's just that the misogyny thread's been off the front page for a week.

[beeline]

.

I am the Walrus. Coo coo ca-choo.

[Perelandra]

The author of the initial article posted is pretty muddled or lazy, in giving this inaccurate definition of the word in order to find a hook to hang his "theory" on.

what I will call “Theophobia” – the academic’s irrational fear of, or intense discomfort around, theist and, in particular, Christian, beliefs.

Theophobia means "fear of God", which could be said by some to be a characteristic of a true believer.

[Canadian_watcher]

The author of the initial article posted is pretty muddled or lazy, in giving this inaccurate definition of the word in order to find a hook to hang his "theory" on.

what I will call “Theophobia” – the academic’s irrational fear of, or intense discomfort around, theist and, in particular, Christian, beliefs.

Theophobia means "fear of God", which could be said by some to be a characteristic of a true believer.

yes..
he's not creating a new dictionary definition though, he's struggling to put a name to that quite irrational fear some people have when faced with someone of faith.

[tazmic]

You are missing and/or avoiding the point- faith in things unseen in and of itself can be corrosive to critical thinking

And faith that things are not unseen can be corrosive to critical thinking too.