[RJT]

jester710,

I don’t know that I would consider it a “valid reason for belief”, per se. I do know this: If this were to happen, then I am sure that David would (to paraphrase himself) “spend the same amount of time studying it”.

Understanding what Christianity (for example) is and what it says, and being a believer are two different things. NotReady, Bluff, Pair are all examples of real believers They have taken the leap. I am a piker compared to them.

At this point in my life, I have (finally) come to understand what Christianity is all about. I have made the decision in my mind that it is True. I have chosen it for myself (as opposed to atheism. – and I discount other religions, because this ones seems to make sense, so no need to look around any more – I do know a bit about the other majors ones, enough for me to disregard them. Btw, prior to this I read a philosophy. It didn’t take long to realize that philosophy does not lead to any answers.) I have chosen Christianity as opposed to atheism. It is an either or. It doesn’t mean Christianity is correct. It is simply a matter of choice.

I chose Christianity because it is the better of the two choices for me. I would rather try to live my life as a Christian than not. If I am wrong so be it. Atheism does nothing for me – of course that is redundant – it is nothing. Christianity for me is like Martha Stewart says about things that work for her “a good thing.” (Ok, I know that was “gay” - to use the vernacular of the young today, the way they use that word.)

But, getting back to the real believers NotReady, et al. They have taken the leap. I am just on the edge right now. My intellect tells me probably. My heart tells me yes. One day I hope to be able to really take the leap and feel it completely. That will just be a matter of time and experience, I hope.

This is why it is easy for me to make statements like: "If no god, then meaninglessness. If God then meaning." I do not say, "therefore God". While NotReady does not find it so easy to say this directly. Once someone has taken the leap – there is no other possibility. “If no god…” is not part of their vocabulary. He says “therefore God” basically. Now, it stills is easy for me to think like this – I can still say “It does not mean – therefore God.” Hopefully, someday I will not be able to say such things as “if no God…”

Basically, then, to answer your question. David would choose Religion under the hypothetical. Whether he would be a “believer” is hard to say. Is this enough for God? I would hope so (for my own sake as well as folk like he.) But, I do not know. (If you need a more specific answer let me know. I'll see if I can attempt it again.)

RJT

p.s. I should disclose that I was baptized Catholic when an infant. My whole education was in Catholic schools. On the other side of the coin, I will also disclose that Catholic schools don’t “indoctrinate” per se. We keep our religion and our science in their respective classrooms. When topics such as ethics in business and in medicine are discussed then the disciplines can come into the same room so to speak.