Religion and Atheism

[Siggie]

Re: Religion and Atheism

Everyone sees events from a different perspective. One person's version of the truth may not be the same as another person's version of the truth even though they may both have been witnesses of the event. A person who didn't witness the event would require evidence to be convinced on who is telling the truth. However if both are only telling half of the truth then can the whole truth really be reconstructed from evidence alone?

No, people's perceptions differ and their memories for the event will differ (your scenario is actually exactly my field), but there is still the truth of what occurred. This is precisely the reason we seek objective measurement in science, btw.
We can be closer or further from the truth, and just because we cannot conclude something is 100% truth, doesn't mean that we should throw the baby out with the bathwater and abandon all efforts for objective measurement of the truth and getting as close to the truth as possible.

Christianity started off as a cult and wouldn't be the religion today if Constantine hadn't converted. Even in 1400 there were parts of Europe that weren't Christian. Maybe in 2000 years Scientology will be the Christianity of there day.

I agree; good points Karo.

[KarotheGreat]

Re: Religion and Atheism

Small sects wouldn't be able to gather a large following without a convincing campaign. Scientology for example didn't have any historical events associated with it. There was no awakening or life changing event that created it.

Christianity started off as a cult and wouldn't be the religion today if Constantine hadn't converted. Even in 1400 there were parts of Europe that weren't Christian. Maybe in 2000 years Scientology will be the Christianity of there day.

I got a question to all Christians, why should any person believe in your god and not let us say the gods of Greeks?

[KanadaHye]

Re: Religion and Atheism

If we take the standpoint that truth cannot be decided to a satisfactory degree for belief, then everything falls apart and we can't know anything about the world at all (i.e. become paralyzed... how can interact with a world you don't know exists?) and it becomes meaningless.
It makes more sense to adopt a criterion, such that when the probability of truth reaches that threshold, then we adopt as fact/truth.

Everyone sees events from a different perspective. One person's version of the truth may not be the same as another person's version of the truth even though they may both have been witnesses of the event. A person who didn't witness the event would require evidence to be convinced on who is telling the truth. However if both are only telling half of the truth then can the whole truth really be reconstructed from evidence alone?

[Siggie]

Re: Religion and Atheism

Truth exists as a perceptual interpretation of a situation from a particular perspective. It can't be measured. However I'm willing to bet that majority of people will agree that truth exists, even if you can't physically touch it, see it, taste it, etc.

If we take the standpoint that truth cannot be decided to a satisfactory degree for belief, then everything falls apart and we can't know anything about the world at all (i.e. become paralyzed... how can interact with a world you don't know exists?) and it becomes meaningless.
It makes more sense to adopt a criterion, such that when the probability of truth reaches that threshold, then we adopt as fact/truth.

[KanadaHye]

Re: Religion and Atheism

And since when is the veracity of something measured by the number of people who believe it to be true?

Truth exists as a perceptual interpretation of a situation from a particular perspective. It can't be measured. However I'm willing to bet that majority of people will agree that truth exists, even if you can't physically touch it, see it, taste it, etc.

[KanadaHye]

Re: Religion and Atheism

No one creates a "major" religion. They all start in small sects.

Small sects wouldn't be able to gather a large following without a convincing campaign. Scientology for example didn't have any historical events associated with it. There was no awakening or life changing event that created it.

[Siggie]

Re: Religion and Atheism

And since when is the veracity of something measured by the number of people who believe it to be true?

[Sip]

Re: Religion and Atheism

I think the major religions were created out of historical events which is why they have a greater recognition among the populous where the non-major are just sects or ideas born from individuals.

No one creates a "major" religion. They all start in small sects.

[gkv]

Re: Religion and Atheism

if one comes with the hope of a reward or the fear of a punishment, one will not find God

[KanadaHye]

Re: Religion and Atheism

Is a religion not worth considering if it is not "major"?

I think the major religions were created out of historical events which is why they have a greater recognition among the populous where the non-major are just sects or ideas born from individuals.