The more you know about the real workings of life, the universe and everything, the less likely you are to believe the simplistic, self-comforting myths of the religions?
2007-06-20 14:33:39 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Yes, truth is an obstacle to belief - because belief itself relies on the unproven. Otherwise, it is knowledge and acceptance of that knowledge.
The two ideas are mutually exclusive.
That said, truth does not rule out the possibility of *mystery* and the ability to experience a sense of wonder about the world. Science can answer HOW and WHAT, but it cannot answer WHY - and it is often the WHY that so intrigues us and provides us such fodder for wonderment at the universe.
Carl Sagan, Albert Einstein, giants of science and yet deeply religious men in the sense that they wondered at the majesty of the universe, despite, and because of, their understanding of it.
Humanity is such a young race, and belief is still convenient for us; but I think eventually we'll throw off the yoke of belief's limitations and embrace the unknown for its own sake.
2007-06-20 14:43:22 · answer #1 · answered by blueeyz45 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The matter comes down to how the myths are understood. If they are taken as literal, then yes, there is a big problem. As Joseph Campbell pointed out, the science at the time that of the inception of these myths was very simple, and conflicts with what we know today to be true.
If, on the other hand, these myths are taken as metaphor, which all language ultimately is (ask any linguist) then this allows for the use of the myth's lessons without the need to conform to its impossible world views.
Joseph Campbell was one of the world experts on myth and religion (died in 1987) and his big contribution to the world was "The Hero's Journey" (and consequently, Star Wars), in which he theorizes that all religions and myths are telling the same story (a monomyth) in different cultural contexts. All of these religions and myths, however, are unconscious expressions of the underlying and constant truth that resides deep within each and every one of us, in each moment.
In short, Truth isn't an obstacle if you relax your requirements of historical accuracy and simply digest what is being taught.
2007-06-20 21:44:16 · answer #2 · answered by neuralzen 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, not at all. Belief is not contingent on scientific truth. It has it's own philosophical or theological truths.
Your mixing knowledge and belief is common and in error. And to say that religions are simplistic and self-comforting does not stand well given the complexity and less than comforting concepts of many religions.
It is quite easy for a non-fundamentalist believer of a faith (such as myself) to understand and accept scientific knowledge.
Peace
2007-06-20 23:09:31 · answer #3 · answered by zingis 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In order to have a belief you must know the truth. In case of religion, people believe in GOD base on scriptures, then search out the truth by retracing history. Many people don't believe that JESUS existed because they have a hard time believing the truth. The obstacle is actually is a preconceive
rational assumption that blocks a persons acceptance of known facts. But everyone will believe whatever they want without really accepting the truth because we in the US don't have a limit to freedom of thought. We're able to express our thinking without being punish to what is the real foundation of truth or belief.
2007-06-20 22:24:21 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
how do we know that the "real workings" as you say are true? Truth is a relative term. If I believe something, it is because I think it is true. Even if my belief is groundless, the ways of science are really only working with what we currently know. I don't think that you can say that something is right or wrong because according to are limiting view we may all believe things that in 100 years will be proved to be wrong. Not sure if this a question jabbing religion or just a question about the nature of this concept truth but there's my view.
2007-06-20 22:35:41 · answer #5 · answered by kenseavert 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is why the indoctrination process begins with the naive child. It's much easier to brainwash a child with no experience of the world, or without any accumulated knowledge.
A child is dependent on one or more adults making the conversion process much easier. If you depend on someone to survive you are more likely to "buy into" what they have to say. No to mention the role of a child who displeases an adult, consequences and punishment.
Although, calling religion self-comforting is nonsensical as most children are prevented from asking questions that naturally exist in religious systems.
A religious person is a corrupted mind.
2007-06-20 22:03:31 · answer #6 · answered by guru 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No I don't, I believe trying to "define" truth, is the obstacle, and myths only offer entertaining stories, which I like. I do walk a path of "blind faith". Using a metaphor, Once you break 100mph on a Ducati 900 Monster, life is a blur, except for that narrow path ahead that you seek ...with no obstacles.
2007-06-20 21:51:43 · answer #7 · answered by burn out 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is also true vice versa. Belief is the prime impediment to realizing truth. The more one believes in such simplistic superstition and mythology, the less likely they will ever learn to adapt in an ever-changing and complex world.
2007-06-20 21:42:39 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hello,
It depends on the individual. Some scientists studying the universe see more and more order and neat design as they learn and experiment along thinking there is some sort of intelligent design behind everything. Others do not.
Michael
2007-06-20 23:22:43 · answer #9 · answered by Michael Kelly 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Who knowingly believes in untruth? Only a self-deceiver. Hence truth can only be a tool to clarify belief, not an obstacle.
2007-06-20 21:46:31 · answer #10 · answered by jsardi56 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋