h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I'm currently reading Hawkings' A Brief Histoy of Time, and in it he seems to me to be very open minded about the idea of intelligent design. He makes it very clear what his own viewpoint is, and puts forward some very concise and convincing ideas as to why this is so.

The ideas of space being warped by gravity and that gravity is 'delievered' by a particle are simply two ways of explaining the same thing. Each fits with observation, so neither is wrong, and the calculations work with either.

Personally, I'm up there with DNA- it's all pretty absurd from where I'm sitting! I thnk that if I understood life and the universe too much, I'd probably be more down about it all than I already am.

Thank you for respecting my beliefs- all to often I meet someone to whom the quote applies; "Those people who want to share their religious views with you almost never want you to share yours with them".

TK[1]

I cant say that some of my best friends are atheists, because I dont know anyone who totally rejects the concept of God. If you are willing I will be the voice of God (at least for awhile)

This absurdity principle is not uncommon, it is a defensive mechanism most people use to recognize that life is beyond their control yet deny the existance of God. From God's perspective everything is well under control everything from the smallest quark to the biggest galaxy. Human minds just aren't able to take it all in at once or in one lifetime.

Another of my favorite authors (Kurt Vonnegut) held to the Absurdity principle. While he was a typical American optimist, his accusations of absurdity betrayed a sense of order though. Unstated and unexplored his optimism is the best part of his work.

Have you read any of the early Taoist works? Their dealings with nature and the uncontrollable do not lead to absurdity but to joy and peace. These were some of the earliest non-christian writings I read and they have modified most of my approach to things. Zen is another theory about the universe, very similar to Tao another way to peace and tranquility.

You see, I am not your typical Christian. In the European sense I am Kirkegaardian, although he was depressive. In no sense am I doctrinaire or ridgid in my thinking. (I've even read Nietsche who is the most absurd of them all) Unlike most of my Christian friends who are unable to get out of the holes they dig for themselves. You're right when you talk about them in that sense.

Well I've got to go now see you on the flip side. come back.

I have friends covering the entire scale of religious belief- I have friends who are avidly convinced that their faith is the 'right' one, and live their lives according to its teachings; I have others who believe totally that there is no 'God'; and I know people at various stages in between. I describe myself as being on the atheist end of agnostic, i.e. I don't believe in religion as an ideal, but I wouldn't be completely against believing in some higher power if someone could show me some convincing argument for it.

Life and the universe is beyond anyone's control- I fully believe that- but I do not believe that that is because it is being controlled by some other sentience. The universe, including sentient life, runs along a series of rules and laws which can be explained mathematically and scientifically.

The universe tends towards chaos, so in that sense, a little absurdity seems to be quite understandable.

I have not read much in that area- I usually head towards the science section rather than theology, but I would be lying if I implied I was totally uninterested.

I'm very much interested in hearing and debating theological and religious views which are different from my own. My main difficulty is with people being offended by me questioning their beliefs (when they are fine with questioning mine), and when people are unable to provide me with an argument I see as convincing in any way.

TK[1]

I dont get offended by someone helping me by questioning my faith, unlike the other people I feel that it can only strengthen my faith when it is questioned.

I get offended by being ignored because of my faith.

So many people reject the spiritual way of thinking and go on to say that I must be an idiot for it. That may be the worst of it.

More than anything though I think that freedom of thought is so important that I will happily put up with an honest agnostic while I hate a really idiotic semi-intelligent religious bigot, (I've met a few).

You might enjoy the Eastern religious traditions that have no emphasis on God but have plenty to say about the spiritual things. Taoism or Zen Buddhism are good examples.

I'll be off the rest of the night so this will be my final reply until tomorrow.

fini

I've met a fair few religious bigots too. The kind that will happily tell you about their beliefs all night, nd when you try to tell them yours...

TK[1]

I'm quite a fan of Zen, myself, can't wait to start studying it next year...

"militant agnostic - I don't know and you don't either!"
Can't stand it when people don't at least listen to other views, especially if they're so hot on their own. I've not met many people like that, but most people who've tried converting me have definitely given up

I know what you mean- people have tried to convert me many times... and failed. What do they think- that I haven't thought about it myself? Please.

TK[1]

The worst ones in my book are the ones who will tell someone they are going to hell so this or that reason. (That is called "Spiritual pride" and it is a major sin in itself)(which could cause them to go to hell for saying it to others) please dont bother telling them this though they dont want to know about it either.

The absolute worst are the ones who say I'm going to hell because I don't believe what they do...

TK[1]

Yes absolutely.

By the way I just down loaded some old Alan Parsons project files. Have you ever heard Alan Parsons?

Probably, but I can't think of any.

TK[1]

They are an synth/pop band from the 80's that get into mystical spaces in their music. They are somewhat like Pink Floyd but less commercial, never made it to the really big time like Pink but cool music none-the-less.

Yeah, I know who they are, just can't place any of their work...

TK[1]

Maybe that's why they're no longer playing as a band