Religious faith as a paradigm?

Question

I am writing an essay that religious faith is a paradigm, much like kuhn describes certain models in science as paradigms. I need some strong counterarguments to argue against. Can anyone give me any ideas for why religious faith is not a paradigm, or anything that you think may contribute to my paper. Thank you so much.

Answer 1

Well, I happen to find credibility with such a thesis, but you could muster some counter arguments. Maybe you could try a natural theology approach (Thomism), suggesting that if faith is a paradigm, then belief is "incommensurable" with other views. That that is true, there is no rational argument for faith (over others) with makes religion itself a form of strong fideism (faith without or agains reason). The Bible does not suggest fideism in Romans 1 or the Psalms, but that all can see the glory of God, whether or not they acknowledge such.

Email me if you want to discuss it more. I was a philosophy and religion major and actually like this stuff.

Answer 2

My People believe this!!!! Paradigm or Not!!!

Each morning upon rising, and each evening before sleeping, gives thanks for the life within you and for all life, for the good things the Creator has given you and for the opportunity to grow a little more each day. Consider your thoughts and actions of the past day and seek for the courage and strength to be a better person. Seek for the things that will benefit others (everyone).

2. Respect. Respect means "To feel or show honor or esteem for someone or something; to consider the well being of, or to treat someone or something with deference or courtesy". Showing respect is a basic law of life.

3. Once a council has decided something in unity, respect demands that no one speak secretly against what has been decided. If the council has made an error, that error will become apparent to everyone in its own time.

4. Be truthful at all times, and under all conditions.

5. Always treat your guests with honor and consideration. Give of your best food, your best blankets, the best part of your house, and your best service to your guests.

6. The hurt of one is the hurt of all; the honor of one is the honor of all.

7. Receive strangers and outsiders with a loving heart and as members of the human family.

8. All the races and tribes in the world are like the different colored flowers of one meadow. All are beautiful. As children of the Creator they must all be respected.

9. To serve others, to be of some use to family, community, nation, and the world is one of the main purposes for which human beings have been created. Do not fill yourself with your own affairs and forget you’re most important talks. True happiness comes only to those who dedicate their lives to the service of others.

10. Observe moderation and balance in all things.

11. Know those things that lead to your well-being and those things that lead to your destruction.

12. Listen to and follow the guidance given to your heart. Expect guidance to come in many forms; in prayer, in dreams, in times of quiet solitude, and in the words and deeds of wise Elders and friends.






Wahoo!!!

Answer 3

Maybe you can look at your topic as faith vs. religion. Many religious people tell me there is a difference. Faith is different for many people but religion is the same. Just a thought.

Answer 4

A paradigm? More like a paradox. A hypocritical, self-contradictive, violent, brainwashing concept that claims to offer "peace" and "truth", but dishes out anything but.

Answer 5

No, religious faith is first and foremost a paradigm.
If it is not a 'lens' through which we view life, then it is merely a dark glass. Read the definition from the person above me.

-----loathe thy neighbor: you loathe thyself, wake up and then talk to me. You are an excellent example of 'looking through a glass darkly...'
To you, it's a popularity contest.

Answer 6

Mmmmm, paradiggummm ahghghaghaghagh