Faith and being a liberal?

Question

Is faith in rationality truely at the heart of liberalsim? Would you describe this faith as being an idealist view?

Answer 1

An idealistic view to be sure - and in some cases, very unrealistic. They seem to be thinking in Utopian terms instead of realistic ones. They have definitely thrown the towel in concerning the Iraq war. I believe that is simply an indication of their unrealistic expectations. Four years and still not completed - what did they expect in trying to unite different sects with centuries old hatred and blood lust? Unrealistic, too, in seemingly ignoring any possible future consequences of an early pull out, thus allowing the terrorists the real perception of a victory.
I have to agree - if it's not faith in rationality, it would have to be a definite mental disorder of some sort.

Answer 2

I've always looked at liberalism as a "live and let live" type of political view. You can be any faith and be a liberal- But it just seems like a liberal would believe in their faith with an open mind and not try to press it on other people or look down on other people for believing something else.

I'm not saying that every liberal thinks that way, but it just seems like a lot of them do. =)

Answer 3

I believe everyone has faith in what they believe.

Liberalism per se is based on the concept of personal liberty that came out of the humanist school.

I believe in personal liberty to the extent that it doesn't infringe on the personal liberties of others. This was the thinking of our founding statesmen and patriots.

Yes, I believe personal liberty is an ideal to strive towards, because there's always someone looking for a way to steal yours.

Is there some other form or variation of liberalism you had in mind?

Answer 4

You know, ive often thought of liberalism as stupidity. But at the same time, I know that there is alot more depth to liberals than being stupid. They are babies as well.

Answer 5

What do you mean by "faith"?