Is it better to be happy or right?

[BadBoyBenny]

If you think belief in God leads to a more fulfilling life but have some logical doubts about various claims made by all religions, would you choose skepticism or faith? I have been told that many of the most famous skeptics in history were miserable, while I see blissful and ignorant people all day long. Not that I know they are wrong about their god, but that I know they have never really questioned the beliefs handed down to them.

If you don’t believe in religion, all you have is this life. Why would you choose something that you gives you less of a sense of meaning and hope?

[Bodhi]

[ QUOTE ]
Why would you choose something that you gives you less of a sense of meaning and hope?

[/ QUOTE ]

Because it is the truth.

You can't make yourself believe something just because you think it would be nice to have that belief.

[BadBoyBenny]

[ QUOTE ]
Because it is the truth.

[/ QUOTE ]

In my opinion the existence of some kind of creator is more likely than not, but I dont think there is any way to know either way.


[ QUOTE ]
You can't make yourself believe something just because you think it would be nice to have that belief.

[/ QUOTE ]

You can stop looking for inconsistencies though. And if they come up, someone will always give you some way to rationalize it away. If you already are an atheist it's probably too late, but I'm kind of sitting on the fence on the question. I've been thinking lately that maybe I should just stop asking questions and have faith.

[Bodhi]

No, I am an agnostic. Because I don't know the truth about whether God exists, I don't believe either way. I also don't think anyone chooses to believe or disbelieve. Such belief or faith is not the genuine article.

As a former philosophy student, I wholeheartedly agree that the arguments are never-ending, and that you'd likely go mad if you tried to reach their end-point.

...Not the courage of your convictions, but the courage to question your convictions - that's what distinguishes a man from the mob.

[BadBoyBenny]

[ QUOTE ]
...Not the courage of your convictions, but the courage to question your convictions - that's what distinguishes a man from the mob.

[/ QUOTE ]

I like the quote. And, I don't think I can choose to be a believer, but maybe if I start going to church, making friends with Christians and just stop debating and trying to find inconsistencies, I could be assimilated. Maybe it's a fool's cause and I will never get there, but I have tended to acquire, or at least become sympathetic to the views of my friends in the past.


Your last line really answers my original question, it seems that you believe to question, to search for truth, is to be human in the best sense of the word. So, to stop seeking the truth on such a pivotal matter, even if you believe it would make you less happy is a poor choice.

[Bodhi]

Yes, and Pascal drove himself crazy by undertaking a similar project in order to become a faithful catholic. That is, he suggested that if you wish to be a believer, then you should do the things that beleivers do: take communion, go to church, say the prayers, etc. and eventually the trick is pulled and you're a believer.

Others later refered to this as intellectual suicide.

You seem to be very sincere in your search for balance between meaningfullness and truth. I wish you the best of luck and urge you to never fear asking questions.

Here's another fun quote: In heaven you may be joyful, but you can't have a rip-roaring good time! [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

[pc in NM]

Ignorance is Bliss....

Bliss can't be beat....

[bernie]

[ QUOTE ]
Why would you choose something that you gives you less of a sense of meaning and hope?


[/ QUOTE ]

Why is it that every crispy that comes to my door 'selling' their religion uses this line? Like the only way to get a sense of 'meaning' and 'hope' is through a fairy tale? It's actually a very condescending question.

Why do so many people still follow a religion that's past is ridden with slaughter and child molestation? Even so much so that they tried to cover it all up and act like it wasn't a big deal. Wow, that would give me great meaning and hope to follow that blindly. Denial seems to be a big part of religion. Especially when the collection plate comes around.

No thanks.

b

[bisonbison]

Unless you're causing yourself or another harm, it's better to be happy than to be right.

[(my name it is) Sam Hall]

[ QUOTE ]
If you don’t believe in religion, all you have is this life. Why would you choose something that you gives you less of a sense of meaning and hope?

[/ QUOTE ]

I personally feel I have everything I need: the world's easiest job, a huge backyard, and a girlfriend who can beat me at poker, so why would I care what happens after that? And who is anyone to claim that doesn't give me all the meaning I need out of life.

[ QUOTE ]
...but maybe if I start going to church, making friends with Christians and just stop debating and trying to find inconsistencies, I could be assimilated.

[/ QUOTE ]

If you're shopping for a faith, put as many people of different faiths in a room as you can get and let them argue. Pick the one you want.

Bodhi, if you know a philosophy grad student named Rick who likes Duke basketball, punch him in the face for me. He's an arrogant jerk, which I suppose is redundant information seeing as how I already told you he was a philosopher.

Sam