The Anguish of Nonbelievers

[Jeff V]

Nice post.

[Jeff V]

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It would only be a better place if very smart people didn't.

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Do you try to sound so smug on purpose? Or just to get a rise out of people?

[David Sklansky]

Both. But I meant it. Religion is wrong but useful. It needs to be refuted only in the minds of people who will help the world in ways that they are less apt to do if their mind are cluttered up with nonsense. Not nurses, not most doctors, yes molecular biologists. And yes, Two Plus Twoers.

[Jeff V]

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And yes, Two Plus Twoers.

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[img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] Good one. I'm forming a new theory about you David.

[Jeff V]

David-
Are you familiar with the concept of irreducible complexity? Things like flagellum, blood clotting, or a mousetrap are some examples. Michael J. Behe wrote an interesting book arguing against Darwinism on the molecular level and he has multiple PHD's!!

[kbfc]

Have you ever read "Geneology of Morals"?

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Have you ever read "Geneology of Morals"?

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No, I've never heard of it. Looked it up on Amazon. I know nothing about Nietzsche except that he's famous for something. Why do you ask?

[kbfc]

Because it's basically the answer to your post.

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I am now quite sure that intelligent believers have a syndrome similar to stroke victims who think they are not paralyzed. However I also believe that people who are highly intelligent or highly trained in logic and statistical inference, are often able to overcome this syndrome.

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I've never heard this argument, so I'll need to look into this. If anyone can enlighten me, I'd appreciate it.

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Guess what. No unintelligent person should be a serious non believer! If he is, it is for the wrong reasons. Because God wouldn't allow tsunamis or because God wouldn't hate gays, etc. etc.

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I agree. I'm not sure at what level of intelligence I'd consider someone to be a serious nonbeliever, but I'd say it's higher than many smart people suspect or fall under themselves.

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It is not at all clear to me that the world would be a better place if people didn't believe in a personal God.

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How about their waste of time? That doesn't irk you?

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It would only be a better place if very smart people didn't.

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I guess their time is more valuable, since they are capable of making substantial improvements to life if their misapplied energy was refocused?

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Because it's basically the answer to your post.

[/ QUOTE ] Oh, since you say so, it is. Could you summarize the main points of his book or offer up one answer?