ENTP, for the record. While this article brings up many relevant points as to objections to faith, I don't understand why one would need to find "keys to unlocking the doors to faith," as if that were a worthy goal in and of itself. Just as it is impossible to prove there is one or more supreme beings, it is also impossible to prove the opposite. But even if there is, what is the point in worship? If to assign credit for things, shouldn't we also blame god for misfortune? Should the baby sea turtle be thankful for it's existence when it is snatched by a seagull shortly after hatching? If god is all powerful and all-knowing, why woud he/she/it care what a bunch of inferior beings believed? If the main goal is for humans to embrace an attitude of gratitude (which I do think has value for one's psyche), can't one just be grateful for one's life and all that is in it, without having to ascribe that to a higher power?
Perhaps the most glaring omission is the role of religion in faith. The discerning thinker can't help but see the many glaring inconsistencies in pratically all religions, most of which were codified long after events transpired and in an age where scientific knowledge was limited. Further, if there is one true god, why are there so many different religions with so many different beliefs and practices? You could say, "well that is the beauty and diversity of how different people express their faith," then why is religion the cause of so much strife and violence throughout the world? Look at hotspots around the globe, and the vast majority of the time they occur around religious differences. And oftentimes, religion is just a proxy for economic disputes, which further erodes its exalted standing.
Sure, it might feel good to give oneself up to a higher power and feel like you a part of something bigger that is going to result in everlasting glory. I'm sure religion and prayers comfort people from life's many troubles. But thinkers are not typically inclinded to abandon their critical thinking as a matter of convenience. Perhaps that is to our detriment, and perhaps ignorance is bliss. Still, I'd rather have my eyes open and seek objective truth, no matter how bleak and lonely that may sometimes be.
Inventor (not verified)says...
ENTP, for the record. While this article brings up many relevant points as to objections to faith, I don't understand why one would need to find "keys to unlocking the doors to faith," as if that were a worthy goal in and of itself. Just as it is impossible to prove there is one or more supreme beings, it is also impossible to prove the opposite. But even if there is, what is the point in worship? If to assign credit for things, shouldn't we also blame god for misfortune? Should the baby sea turtle be thankful for it's existence when it is snatched by a seagull shortly after hatching? If god is all powerful and all-knowing, why woud he/she/it care what a bunch of inferior beings believed? If the main goal is for humans to embrace an attitude of gratitude (which I do think has value for one's psyche), can't one just be grateful for one's life and all that is in it, without having to ascribe that to a higher power?
Perhaps the most glaring omission is the role of religion in faith. The discerning thinker can't help but see the many glaring inconsistencies in pratically all religions, most of which were codified long after events transpired and in an age where scientific knowledge was limited. Further, if there is one true god, why are there so many different religions with so many different beliefs and practices? You could say, "well that is the beauty and diversity of how different people express their faith," then why is religion the cause of so much strife and violence throughout the world? Look at hotspots around the globe, and the vast majority of the time they occur around religious differences. And oftentimes, religion is just a proxy for economic disputes, which further erodes its exalted standing.
Sure, it might feel good to give oneself up to a higher power and feel like you a part of something bigger that is going to result in everlasting glory. I'm sure religion and prayers comfort people from life's many troubles. But thinkers are not typically inclinded to abandon their critical thinking as a matter of convenience. Perhaps that is to our detriment, and perhaps ignorance is bliss. Still, I'd rather have my eyes open and seek objective truth, no matter how bleak and lonely that may sometimes be.