Esinn
Posts: 886
Joined: 6/23/2009
Status: offline
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I really do not understand, Why is the expectation for people to critically examine dangerous beliefs pushy?
In no other sphere, realm or bubble of influence is asking people to challenge beliefs which are not rationally supported deemed pushy. Consider any of the "isms".
Or consider the truths:
If you could wouldn't you chat with Osama Bin Laden about why his views are fucked up - in his eyes, his faith they are not though. The loving christian who is on his way to stop the murder of innocent life(He got an SKS). He read in the bible killing thousands of innocent babies is evil - he saw how violence is appreciated in many verses. How about George Bush before he tossed us into an illegal war? How about Newtown before he decided the hand of god was responsible for planetary movement - shouldn't he have looked a smidgen further? The mentally ill child molester who acts out because he was raped as a child and truly does not understand his actions? How about PETA, the fellow who just burnt down the wrong home, the children were home - oopsie(it was not the Puppy Mill owners home - he was on vacation). The christian who chooses to not get his child health insurance because their faith preaches to them Jesus will intervene the bible says in non-ambiguous terms they will? The person who incorrectly believes he is terminally ill now planning his 'murder' so his wife can get the insurance dough.
Beliefs lead to action. Stupid unchallenged beliefs lead to stupid actions. Consider the man on the bridge ready to jump because his wife left him. His belief, of a personal nature says he has nothing left - he jumps onto the highway 4 more people die in a wreck avoiding him. The stockbroker who lost it now holds a gun to his head, he knows when he pulls the trigger he will be with Jesus - why not let him die(it is a mostly victimless crime). Acting emotionally not logically violence is the easiest solution to jump to. Ask a reformed friend who used to beat his wife; or the FBI about how quickly domestic violence moves to tragedy. How about the abused woman who knows it is absolutely her fault and stays to make it right, christ suffered why should she not. The missionary in Africa who does not hand out condoms or teach about aids prevention. He talks about how much happier they would be if they only had Jesus, after all Jesus made him happy & feeds many.. The terrorized molested woman who is now suicidal, her beliefs tell her it was her fault - her faith did not protect her, it is obvious to her no one cares. You would help at least her identify and deal with why her current beliefs are flawed - ya. Would you reach out to the christian Identity(racist form of christianity) pastor who believes Jesus calls upon him to cache weapons for the pending race war? He is in Kentucky now looking for recruits. It is just his belief and faith. He has no criminal record, not even a ticket - he has not killed anyone yet.
No well meaning person would leave any of these ideas unchallenged - they are flawed. We have been conditioned to recognize & respond. Yet, we offer the trump card to religion - as 'religion' has conditioned us. Despite the fact it is an emotional decision about an invisible conceptual thing for which no evidence exists. Religion as a whole just does not lead to a happy place - this is not where irrational beliefs lead. I get there are exceptions.
If you get me the dolly I will show you where religion has hurt me - here, here & here (my mind, heart and soul.).
Lets leave this thread uncluttered for future viewers a year or 2 from now.
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Let's break the law
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God is real - I have been mistaken - 
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