Atheists: Have you ever read Oedipus Tyrannus?

Question

Sophocles’ play “Oedipus Tyrannus” has been described as the most powerful and terrifying critique of the pursuit of true knowledge ever penned. So long as Oedipus has a false understanding of his origins and circumstances he is highly successful. It is by learning the truth of his origins that he is destroyed.

Is it possible that the pursuit of true knowledge is dangerous? That a false understanding (religion) is better than a true understanding (science)?

Answer 1

Yes I have and actually (though I'll get a ton of thumbs down for this) I agree with you. I think if positive proof was found that proved the bible to be completely false, edited by Paul for his own selfish motives, that it would nearly destroy society. I think the destruction of so many peoples beliefs and values would end positive progress.

As long as you don't know, you have faith and hope. Both in humanity and your own purpose. If you had positive proof that you were accidental and without purpose, I think it would be the death of society. People need a "purpose" to life. Some of us can find it in ourselves, but some need that spiritual element. They need to know that God has a plan and that when life seems to be not worth living, there is something else out there that you don't know about. Something to draw strength from and know that you are necessary.

Answer 2

Nice analogy (your first paragraph, not your second, which do not tie up at all). Of course I disagree.Oedipus Rex is also about the nature of fate. He learns more about his future than he does about his origins from the Oracle, and seeks to avoid the prophesies coming true by trying to direct his own fate. The Gods will not permit this, so have Oedipus run into the fulfilment of the prophesy. Even in a state of knowledge he is successful (isn't being King successful?). Then he learns that his attempts to avoid the prophesy was exactly what brought them to pass. He is destroyed.

Answer 3

I guess if your looking at it from a mental health point of view, yes it is better to be sure about things. But then from a moral stand point, is it right to force religion onto people? It may be better for them but its not really the truth (in my opinion).

I agree that its better for the mind, as it reduces stress, especially in the later years because a strong belief won't create stress over the prospect of death and therefore the person will last longer. (stress being a major reducer in lifetime)
But science is the future, we've already come too far to turn back. We've potentially destroyed ourselves already so we must go on, or simply be destroyed in what we've done so far (global warming). Space maybe the only future for the human race also, as the earth ain't gonna last forever. So if the human race was to ever last out the earth then it'd have to turn to survival in space.

I personally believe religion is a fearful way out of facing reality, a rosy and beautiful place after you die, after the worst happens something good coming after. Very convenient. And you must behave perfectly to get there? and you must respect all the rules of the country, and people in a position of power can change these rules when they feel like it? I sense a manipulation for power going on here. Some very clever man came up with the idea of spreading religion to control people. To gain power. How convenient that the pope can speak the words of "God" , and hang on a minute I thought "god" was always right? Well why did the pope apologise for speaking against the muslims, if his words were the words of "god" then how can he apologise for what "god" has said when "god" is always right?

Basically the answer is, the papacy is a greedy mans way of gaining power, the centre of the christianity religion, introduced by the romans (pretending it was someone called Jesus who actually did it, as putting a prophet in body of a jew (their enemy) would make it more acceptable as it would not seem like a way of gaining power this way). The pope today may actually believe that his words are from "god"? but who knows? He may know exactly what he's doing and exploit his position to get what he wants. Afterall the current pope does look like emperor palpatine... http://www.ammon-ra.com/skywalkerparadigm/art/emperorpope.jpg

Now the prospect of eternal blackness and nothingness, not even being there at all, doesn't scare me. In a way its a comfort. That after all of life has ended then there will be an end to it all. As I'm sure life will become tedious toward the end, and the prospect of living forever is very scary.

Answer 4

Yes - the pursuit of true knowledge can be dangerous...to the person seeking truth. I hate to quote Tom Cruise (or was it Jack Nicholson? I forgot!) but "you can't handle the truth!" People who come from very religious backgrounds have never been taught to question their religious beliefs - they believe what their parents believe...who in turn, believed what their parents believed. There is never a thought that what they believe could be wrong. To achieve an understanding beyond their own belief system would contradict years of "teachings" passed down from generation to generation. God doesn't exist...what now?

Answer 5

Good question.

I don't think so. There are dangers inherent in seeking knowledge. Motivation is the key. Fusion can be very helpful for us, but those motivated to create weapons used it to create nuclear bombs.

I think that the quality of our lives today compared to 2000 years ago is a testament to the benefits of seeking knowledge vs remaining in tradition. Without seeking knowledge we would still believe that rain comes from God and wouldn't have developed irrigation techniques.

The study of Medicine has made life much better for every human with access to it, and transportation has made life allot more interesting.

Knowing our true existence might be threatening to some, but I think the majority of mankind would have the reasoning skills to find meaning in living life for the well being of others and themselves.

Answer 6

Nope, never read it. Just because something is written does not mean that it must be believed, without question. Not only the writings of Sophocles, but also the bible, the koran, the talmud, and all the others.
People make a statement, then mention as proof, that it's in the bible or koran. Print is not proof.

Answer 7

I thought religion is tooted as the absolute truth. You mean it isn't. Science often finds truth within a system not outside or the unknown. If you are trying to find the absolute origin, it will be painful, even after your god gives you all the knowledge.

Answer 8

>Is it possible that the pursuit of true knowledge is dangerous? That a false understanding (religion) is better than a true understanding (science)?

No

Answer 9

You're preaching the book of Genesis, aren't you? From the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil thou shall not eat? Your premise could only be valid if there were a god directing things in a perverse fashion. In which case, there could BE no understanding. Sorry. No thank you. GIve me scientific investigation and skeptical inquiry any time. I believe knowledge is power.

Answer 10

I would have to agree....somewhat. Knowledge is a burden and it is far easier to live in a snowglobe of belief. Knowledge is a never ending abyss...as each question's answer often prompts more questions. Not all people are meant to go searching for truth....as it would be a mad world indeed.