Found this rather cool quote while wasting precious productivity. Any comments?
2007-08-24 00:39:22 · 8 answers · asked by dead_elves 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
to kcchaplain: Dude, if you're gonna take something apart, at least explain why.
2007-08-24 01:04:04 · update #1
Source: An anonymous quote I found in "Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon" by Daniel Dennet.
2007-08-24 01:07:57 · update #2
Whoever said this understands neither philosophy nor religion.
ADDENDUM: I didn't realize that I was taking it apart. I thought I was commenting on it. But, since you ask . . .
The word "philosophy" comes from the Greek for "love of wisdom", and it began as a search for answers. For a good grounding in philosophy, read the works of Aristotle. He answered LOTS of questions. Some of his answers have not held up over time, with advances in science and the like, but many have held up, and he was one of the most influential philosophers of all time.
In the matter of religion, read Thomas Aquinas. He questioned many articles of the faith - and then answered his own questions. He didn't see questioning as off-limits; he stepped up to the challenge. He knew that there were many things about religion that were hard to understand, and so he anticipated - and answered - many objections.
The same things are true of many philosophers and theologians. Every great philosopher believed he had the best answers, and every sincere theologian welcomes the opportunity to answer questions. Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas are two of the best-known and most prolific examples.
2007-08-24 00:57:49 · answer #1 · answered by kcchaplain 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Cleverly worded, at the very least. But this forum is living proof that we do question religion all the time. I suppose the "may," making it normative, indicates that we ought not be questioning religion. Fine. I'd be going to hell if there was one for a lot of other reasons than this, so I'm not worried.
As to philosophy, I was a philosophy major in college. We were told that a BA only qualifies you to formulate a few questions. It takes a Master's degree to discuss them, and a Ph.D. to answer them!
2007-08-24 09:18:32 · answer #2 · answered by auntb93 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yep its a pretty cool quote, but i'm guessing it was said really long ago.
sure, earlier people didn't dare question religion, but now, we all come out and throw in our viewpoints, however controversial they may be; we've become pretty forward thinkers! of course there are the arrogant ones who disrespect anyone's beliefs but their own ... anyway, we've progressed.
as for philosophy, again, i agree there are a lot of questions that may never be answered -- but only because answers are subjective. according to me, in philosophy, there are no right or wrong answers, it's just a matter of personal opinion.
so the quote's kinda outdated, but still pretty cool.
2007-08-24 08:52:50 · answer #3 · answered by yin yang 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Great quote!
Philosophy is indeed about questions that lead only to more questions...and religion, well yeah its about blind faith that shouldn't be questioned.. The truth is the truth is the truth.....
I always wondered why I was never really religious......too many questions! LOL
2007-08-24 07:57:42 · answer #4 · answered by PS Drummer 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If religion is answers that may never be questioned, then this board doesn't exist.
Anyone who never questions his or her faith has the faith of a child. To mature, all faith needs to be questioned and analyzed.
2007-08-24 07:45:57 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I am not sure what I think about this quote, but that is the cutest kitty I have ever seen.
2007-08-24 07:58:12 · answer #6 · answered by ♥Sunny Girl♥ 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I like it.
Who said that originally?
2007-08-24 08:05:26 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
This statement is wrong
2007-08-24 08:07:32 · answer #8 · answered by shiro 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋