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Facts certainly matter, but facts in themselves aren't the same as a common self-interest, or a source of unity, or what have you. You need some common value set or something that informs how you interact with the world; otherwise you're left with a list of facts and the question "Now what?".Appeal to a common self-interest shared broadly by a political body. Facts absolutely matter in such discourse.
So truth is what you can observe?
Facts certainly matter, but facts in themselves aren't the same as a common self-interest, or a source of unity, or what have you. You need some common value set or something that informs how you interact with the world; otherwise you're left with a list of facts and the question "Now what?".
Not exactly. Believing the Gospel is not a problem for me as I am a Christian already, but literal inerrancy is right out--it is contrary to the teachings of my church to require it, if nothing else--and being required to give lip service to it just to placate the belligerence of a religious minority would be intolerable in a secular republic where freedom of religion is guaranteed.Sure. It’s the truth and more folks spend eternity in heaven. Win-win.
Not exactly. Believing the Gospel is not a problem for me as I am a Christian already, but literal inerrancy is right out--it is contrary to the teachings of my church to require it, if nothing else--and giving lip service to it just to placate the belligerence of a religious minority would be intolerable in a secular republic where freedom of religion is guaranteed.
It used to be enough that we were all Americans.Facts certainly matter, but facts in themselves aren't the same as a common self-interest, or a source of unity, or what have you. You need some common value set or something that informs how you interact with the world; otherwise you're left with a list of facts and the question "Now what?".
My initial response was based on the idea of finding some kind of unity in "facts and science" by themselves absent some principle or value system held in common. It reminded me of how I've sometimes heard people talk about how "evidence and science" should be the only consideration in determining policy, as if those by themselves are much more than descriptive. If that's not what you meant then fair enough.My value is very simple, it's articulated by Confucius, Buddha, and others. "Whatever is hurtful to you, don't cause to others". In addition, the Buddha taught harmless as the first moral precept, and whatever is hurtful to us, we should not cause for others.
That's not dependent on believing in a religion without evidence, just observation that ethics seems to be critical to the quest for truth, purpose, and happiness.
You are free to see it otherwise, of course, but I invite you to understand my perspective before you dismiss it.
My initial response was based on the idea of finding some kind of unity in "facts and science" by themselves absent some principle or value system held in common. It reminded me of how I've sometimes heard people talk about how "evidence and science" should be the only consideration in determining policy, as if those by themselves are much more than descriptive. If that's not what you meant then fair enough.
Anywho, I am curious about your perspective, believe it or not. How absolute are you in your application of this variation of the golden rule?
I also find your statement about ethics and truth/purpose/happiness interesting, particularly as it relates to the quest for truth. My initial thought is that in many ways the search for truth, particularly if your means are mostly empirical, would be a largely amoral pursuit. How do you see it?
Perhaps, but I think "American" also used to be a much more exclusive category in most people's minds.It used to be enough that we were all Americans.
How do you know your understanding is correct?Yes, I am an empiricist of sorts. I won't believe in an invisible, undetectable teapot orbiting Jupiter just on somebody else's say-so.
Perhaps, but I think "American" also used to be a much more exclusive category in most people's minds.
I mean, what exactly does it mean that we're all American? What's the content of that? What do we have in common to unite around?
So your church has more authority than scripture? Where do they get that authority?Not exactly. Believing the Gospel is not a problem for me as I am a Christian already, but literal inerrancy is right out--it is contrary to the teachings of my church to require it, if nothing else--and being required to give lip service to it just to placate the belligerence of a religious minority would be intolerable in a secular republic where freedom of religion is guaranteed.
How do you know your understanding is correct?
The First Mindfulness Training: Openness
Aware of the suffering created by fanaticism and intolerance, we are determined not to be idolatrous about or bound to any doctrine, theory, or ideology, even Buddhist ones. We are committed to seeing the Buddhist teachings as a guiding means that help us learn to look deeply and develop understanding and compassion. They are not doctrines to fight, kill, or die for. We understand that fanaticism in its many forms is the result of perceiving things in a dualistic or discriminative manner. We will train ourselves to look at everything with openness and the insight of interbeing in order to transform dogmatism and violence in ourselves and the world.
The Second Mindfulness Training: Non-Attachment to Views
Aware of the suffering created by attachment to views and wrong perceptions, we are determined to avoid being narrow-minded and bound to present views. We are committed to learning and practicing non-attachment to views and being open to others’ experiences and insights in order to benefit from the collective wisdom. We are aware that the knowledge we presently possess is not changeless, absolute truth. Insight is revealed through the practice of compassionate listening, deep looking, and letting go of notions rather than through the accumulation of intellectual knowledge. Truth is found in life, and we will observe life within and around us in every moment, ready to learn throughout our lives.
So your church has more authority than scripture? Where do they get that authority?
I take my church as having more authority than your interpretation of scripture.So your church has more authority than scripture? Where do they get that authority?
What do we have in common to unite around?
Right now I fear little if nothing as the left tries to destroy the country and the Constitution
I am under the impression that "The Left" sees itself as rescuing the country and the Constitution.Right now I fear little if nothing as the left tries to destroy the country and the Constitution
I really hope this is satire, after 4 years of a GOP president doing his best to defecate all over the constitution, as well as rule of law.Right now I fear little if nothing as the left tries to destroy the country and the Constitution along with the rule of law. The left is the destroyer of worlds
People think their interpretation of scripture IS scripture, while everyone else are the ones doing interpretation.I take my church as having more authority than your interpretation of scripture.
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