As I was preparing for bed last night, I got wind that Christopher Hitchens had succumbed to complications from the cancer that had afflicted him. I knew his remaining time alive was limited, but even so, it affected me more than I had anticipated. The Four Horesmen of the new atheism have all brought a unique but powerful perspective to those of us seeking a secular alternative to this irrational religious world we live in. Dawkins with his knowledge of biology, Harris with his knowledge about the human brain and how humans think, Dennett with a philosophical understanding of how human behavior and thinking evolves cover the scientific and philosophical basis for atheism.
What Hitchens brought was a deep-seeded knowledge of the negative impacts of religion on culture in our society. Religion's last refuge seemed to be, "people need religion in order to act well." Hitchens with his knowledge of history and his exposure to various cultures was able to blow this view out of the atmosphere. His book, "God is Not Great How Religion Poisons Everything" took that argument and shredded it in the most eloquent manner imaginable. Never afraid to take icons of religion and hold them up to the kind of scrutiny that exposes, his book was like pouring out the contents of a pretty package, so the world can see the maggots squirm. No better case was his evisceration of Mother Theresa, Jerry Falwell and the British Royal Family.
Hitchens showed how religion is a weighted vest on a drowning humanity, and even in the depths of his illness Hitch was throwing out life vests to all those who would listen. Hitchens, this horseman of the New Atheism will be sorely missed. Collectively, those of us left to fight for a rational and sane humanity, have a lot more work to do today for there is a lot of slack to be taken up. Thank goodness, we still have his writings and videos of him anihilating religious apologists of all stripes available to inspire us on. Thanks Hitch.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Friday, October 28, 2011
The Certainty of Myth
One of the challenges of being a non-believer, or an atheist if you will, is living among those who are so certain of things for which no certainty is warranted. Growing up Mormon, every first Sunday is a tradition known as fast and testimony meeting. Members of the congregation, deprived from caloric content, stand with great earnestness and proclaim the depth of their knowledge and conviction regarding the truth of the Mormon faith. Certain Mormon catch phrases are used and reused as the faithful assure each other of the truth claims of their religion. A typical testimony goes like this.
“I would be ungrateful if I didn’t stand before you today and bear my solemn testimony to the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know without a shadow of a doubt that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God, who restored the gospel of Jesus Christ to the earth. I know with every fiber of my being, that Thomas S. Monson is a true prophet, here to lead us in these latter days. To be just a small part of this great mission, is deeply humbling. I am grateful for the family the lord has seen fit to bless me with. I am grateful that through the gospel of Jesus Christ, and by obedience to the covenants we make in the lord’s house, that we may live together forever……….” Add to this gratitude to local church leaders, living in your community, and country, etc. And the typical Mormon testimony ends just as a prayer does, by saying “and I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.”
The purpose of the testimony is to reaffirm to each other the certainty that you are on the right path. As a member, it is reassuring to hear people you’ve come to respect and love say with great conviction of the certainty for which you are in the right so long as you continue to follow the prophet and other church leaders. For those who may be straying from the faith, the testimony is meant to stiffen their resolve, to subtly remind them of solemn covenants they have made.
Expressing gratitude can be something very beneficial for people, as it directs their focus on the positive. In the Mormon case, or often in religious cases in general, this gratitude is directed at God and therefore the church. All the good things that happen to someone is credited to one’s religion, binding in the mind of the believer, the idea that God has singled them out for favor because of their affiliation. This in subtle, but perceptible ways, binds the believer to the religion, strengthening their loyalty to the group and ensures their continual participation.
The testimony meeting is one of the rituals that reinforces and comforts the believer. In an uncertain world, here is something certain. Here is conviction and purpose. The words “I know” replace more measured words such as “I think it highly likely.” The reality is however, that certainty for things that are not testable or falsifiable are merely delusions. From the Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders,
“Delusions are irrational beliefs, held with a high level of conviction, that are highly resistant to change even when the delusional person is exposed to forms of proof that contradict the belief.”
When taught from the cradle on up that certain unsupported beliefs are certainly true, it inoculates them from disconfirmation. The believer thinks “certainly that doesn’t apply to my beliefs.” If sufficiently indoctrinated, any belief will seem rational and impervious to disconfirmation. The fact that someone would even question that belief and provide evidence to the contrary only shows the believer that you are not to be trusted, otherwise, you would not provide contrary evidence to the cherished belief. The comfort of certainty is akin to a delusion that you are beautifully kept and well attired, when in reality you are naked and wearing a silly hat. Sometimes, that is how we atheists see the world. Surrounded by naked people with funny hats, these same people scoff at you and diminish you for not sharing in their delusion. Many atheists decide it is better to go along and let believers believe they are well dressed while at the same time do their best to personally stay well-dressed and only wear the silly hat on holidays (to get along).
One thing about the new atheism that I like, is they not only make fun of the silly hat, they point out the nakedness of the believer and cause them to feel a certain discomfort. It is a step in the right direction, for it lets people know, that the myth of certainty is often certainly a delusion. A big thanks to the likes of Dawkins, Hitchens, Dennett, Harris, Stenger, etal. Empowered to not just see, but to point out, the silliness and nakedness of religious belief, more and more non-believers are following their example.
“I would be ungrateful if I didn’t stand before you today and bear my solemn testimony to the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know without a shadow of a doubt that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God, who restored the gospel of Jesus Christ to the earth. I know with every fiber of my being, that Thomas S. Monson is a true prophet, here to lead us in these latter days. To be just a small part of this great mission, is deeply humbling. I am grateful for the family the lord has seen fit to bless me with. I am grateful that through the gospel of Jesus Christ, and by obedience to the covenants we make in the lord’s house, that we may live together forever……….” Add to this gratitude to local church leaders, living in your community, and country, etc. And the typical Mormon testimony ends just as a prayer does, by saying “and I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.”
The purpose of the testimony is to reaffirm to each other the certainty that you are on the right path. As a member, it is reassuring to hear people you’ve come to respect and love say with great conviction of the certainty for which you are in the right so long as you continue to follow the prophet and other church leaders. For those who may be straying from the faith, the testimony is meant to stiffen their resolve, to subtly remind them of solemn covenants they have made.
Expressing gratitude can be something very beneficial for people, as it directs their focus on the positive. In the Mormon case, or often in religious cases in general, this gratitude is directed at God and therefore the church. All the good things that happen to someone is credited to one’s religion, binding in the mind of the believer, the idea that God has singled them out for favor because of their affiliation. This in subtle, but perceptible ways, binds the believer to the religion, strengthening their loyalty to the group and ensures their continual participation.
The testimony meeting is one of the rituals that reinforces and comforts the believer. In an uncertain world, here is something certain. Here is conviction and purpose. The words “I know” replace more measured words such as “I think it highly likely.” The reality is however, that certainty for things that are not testable or falsifiable are merely delusions. From the Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders,
“Delusions are irrational beliefs, held with a high level of conviction, that are highly resistant to change even when the delusional person is exposed to forms of proof that contradict the belief.”
When taught from the cradle on up that certain unsupported beliefs are certainly true, it inoculates them from disconfirmation. The believer thinks “certainly that doesn’t apply to my beliefs.” If sufficiently indoctrinated, any belief will seem rational and impervious to disconfirmation. The fact that someone would even question that belief and provide evidence to the contrary only shows the believer that you are not to be trusted, otherwise, you would not provide contrary evidence to the cherished belief. The comfort of certainty is akin to a delusion that you are beautifully kept and well attired, when in reality you are naked and wearing a silly hat. Sometimes, that is how we atheists see the world. Surrounded by naked people with funny hats, these same people scoff at you and diminish you for not sharing in their delusion. Many atheists decide it is better to go along and let believers believe they are well dressed while at the same time do their best to personally stay well-dressed and only wear the silly hat on holidays (to get along).
One thing about the new atheism that I like, is they not only make fun of the silly hat, they point out the nakedness of the believer and cause them to feel a certain discomfort. It is a step in the right direction, for it lets people know, that the myth of certainty is often certainly a delusion. A big thanks to the likes of Dawkins, Hitchens, Dennett, Harris, Stenger, etal. Empowered to not just see, but to point out, the silliness and nakedness of religious belief, more and more non-believers are following their example.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Viral Infection and Understanding.
Reading “The God Virus” by Darrell Ray has been helpful in many ways with understanding my family’s reaction to my lack of participation in their religion. Mormonism is a religion which defines a person as much as their surname or profession. When someone is no longer part of that fold, they often struggle with their own identity, and given this, it is expected that others will struggle with how to deal with the straying relative or friend.
Recently, I attended the homecoming of a very dear nephew who served a Mormon mission. Members of my family know in varying degrees my antipathy for the religion of my upbringing. Even so, they also know that family is very important to me. Only extraordinary circumstances would lead me to not attend religious functions important to them. Even so, an aunt of mine seemed quite surprised that I would show up. This aunt is one whose viral infection is so deep, that she seems to believe that anyone who would reject her religion must suffer a great spiritual malady. The idea that someone could still have the same genuine thoughts and feelings of the believer seems outside the realm of her understanding.
When I first deciphered the fallaciousness of Mormonism, such attitudes would have infuriated me, or hurt me deeply. Time and perspective have allowed me to understand how such dualistic thinking inhibits relationships in our society and within our family structures. Though I understand that viewing religious people as victims of a disease is not far off from their perspective that believes I have succumbed to the disease of pride (or some other character flaw). I also try to use this metaphor more for understanding than for judging. Several times, as I’ve discussed my opinions with my Aunt, she gets this look of deep pathos on her face. That pathos comes from fear, of not only the thoughts that she might be wrong, but most of all, what will happen to her nephew in this life or the next one.
Understanding their perspective has helped me bridge some gaps where I used to widen them. As I look back on what I used to write, I sense a certain angst that I don’t feel at present. I find it helpful to break bread with those whose infection is mild or even not so mild. I find just living a good life, honest and forthright, being a good neighbor and even being willing to take a few playful jabs here and there is a much better way of advancing reason than carrying a sign and getting in people’s face.
Recently, I attended the homecoming of a very dear nephew who served a Mormon mission. Members of my family know in varying degrees my antipathy for the religion of my upbringing. Even so, they also know that family is very important to me. Only extraordinary circumstances would lead me to not attend religious functions important to them. Even so, an aunt of mine seemed quite surprised that I would show up. This aunt is one whose viral infection is so deep, that she seems to believe that anyone who would reject her religion must suffer a great spiritual malady. The idea that someone could still have the same genuine thoughts and feelings of the believer seems outside the realm of her understanding.
When I first deciphered the fallaciousness of Mormonism, such attitudes would have infuriated me, or hurt me deeply. Time and perspective have allowed me to understand how such dualistic thinking inhibits relationships in our society and within our family structures. Though I understand that viewing religious people as victims of a disease is not far off from their perspective that believes I have succumbed to the disease of pride (or some other character flaw). I also try to use this metaphor more for understanding than for judging. Several times, as I’ve discussed my opinions with my Aunt, she gets this look of deep pathos on her face. That pathos comes from fear, of not only the thoughts that she might be wrong, but most of all, what will happen to her nephew in this life or the next one.
Understanding their perspective has helped me bridge some gaps where I used to widen them. As I look back on what I used to write, I sense a certain angst that I don’t feel at present. I find it helpful to break bread with those whose infection is mild or even not so mild. I find just living a good life, honest and forthright, being a good neighbor and even being willing to take a few playful jabs here and there is a much better way of advancing reason than carrying a sign and getting in people’s face.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Book Review- "The Real Thomas Jefferson"
Roaming the Barnes and Noble in Bountiful Utah, I ran into a book on my day off and read it with much bemusement, but a certain amount of alarm. This book which rightly should have been in the LDS Religious segment of the store was in History. Here is my review as I published it at Amazon.
The Real Thomas Jefferson
This book is one in a series of books which seeks to create history for religious purposes. Thomas Jefferson is a complicated enigma. A man of incredible intelligence, yet a man plagued with internal contradictions. Jefferson provides polemicists of all stripes a wealth of great quotes that can be mined and used to provide credibility to many philosophies or dogmas. Real attempts to write about Jefferson understand this, and there are many biographies of Jefferson that are appropriately objective. This book is not among them. This book is historical fable-making in order to strengthen both a particular religious, as well as a well coupled political agenda.
This book's objective is clearly to show Jefferson as someone who believed in strict construction of the constitution, who had an innate sense of the divine nature of that document. Told from a Mormon perspective, it seeks to interpret Jefferson's concerns about Christian dogmas and practices in the context of the Mormon belief that the founders of the nation were merely laying the foundation for a return of "true Christianity" as revealed by God to Joseph Smith. By quote-mining Jefferson, the author seeks to create a picture of Jefferson, unhappy with Christianity of his day, but hopeful for a return of the real McCoy at a later date.
If you are a politically conservative Mormon looking to strengthen your faith in this particular worldview, I highly recommend this book. However, if you are a serious student of U.S. history, there are a vast number of biographies of Jefferson which aren't burdened with a political/religious agenda.
The Real Thomas Jefferson
This book is one in a series of books which seeks to create history for religious purposes. Thomas Jefferson is a complicated enigma. A man of incredible intelligence, yet a man plagued with internal contradictions. Jefferson provides polemicists of all stripes a wealth of great quotes that can be mined and used to provide credibility to many philosophies or dogmas. Real attempts to write about Jefferson understand this, and there are many biographies of Jefferson that are appropriately objective. This book is not among them. This book is historical fable-making in order to strengthen both a particular religious, as well as a well coupled political agenda.
This book's objective is clearly to show Jefferson as someone who believed in strict construction of the constitution, who had an innate sense of the divine nature of that document. Told from a Mormon perspective, it seeks to interpret Jefferson's concerns about Christian dogmas and practices in the context of the Mormon belief that the founders of the nation were merely laying the foundation for a return of "true Christianity" as revealed by God to Joseph Smith. By quote-mining Jefferson, the author seeks to create a picture of Jefferson, unhappy with Christianity of his day, but hopeful for a return of the real McCoy at a later date.
If you are a politically conservative Mormon looking to strengthen your faith in this particular worldview, I highly recommend this book. However, if you are a serious student of U.S. history, there are a vast number of biographies of Jefferson which aren't burdened with a political/religious agenda.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Happy Holidays/Merry Christmas/Serene Solstice
People who are willing to flame people for not adequately giving people their own Christ-centered holiday aside, I would like to wish everyone a good Christmas or whatever celebration floats your boat. Some of us atheists like to celebrate, and to quote from somewhere, "when in Rome....".
Christmas is a holiday that was adopted in the ancient world as the birthday of Jesus Christ, though there is no record of the date of birth of one Jesus of Nazareth. Most of the ancient God-men in the ancient world were born on the winter solstice, when a new year was being reborn in the northern hemisphere. Dionysus, Addonis, Osiris, Mithrais, etal., had their birthday on the solstice and about 2,000 years ago, the solstice was on about December 25. The early Christians adopted the birthday of Mithrais as the date to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Many of our traditions have pagan origins, particularly related to the virgin birth, of lowly means, in a pastoral setting. The lighting of trees in order to provide light during the darkest part of the year speaks to this ancient setting. Understanding these roots, roots not steeped as much in religion, as in tradition, atheists should on the whole relax and enjoy the season. I know I will. And like those professing the deepest faith in their particular brand of God-man, I am willing to wish people everywhere peace and good will.
And as we all take inventory of ourselves and our society, it is a time to reflect on ways in which we can make a positive difference in the lives of those we know and love, and those who are but strangers, but fellow hominids on their own journey. And hope that the God's that some people need to believe in, will be loving or atleast benign. And that we atheists will focus on fighting for the good as much as resisting the bad we see in the world.
And with that, I wish everyone a wonderful holiday season.
Obi wan kolobi
Christmas is a holiday that was adopted in the ancient world as the birthday of Jesus Christ, though there is no record of the date of birth of one Jesus of Nazareth. Most of the ancient God-men in the ancient world were born on the winter solstice, when a new year was being reborn in the northern hemisphere. Dionysus, Addonis, Osiris, Mithrais, etal., had their birthday on the solstice and about 2,000 years ago, the solstice was on about December 25. The early Christians adopted the birthday of Mithrais as the date to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Many of our traditions have pagan origins, particularly related to the virgin birth, of lowly means, in a pastoral setting. The lighting of trees in order to provide light during the darkest part of the year speaks to this ancient setting. Understanding these roots, roots not steeped as much in religion, as in tradition, atheists should on the whole relax and enjoy the season. I know I will. And like those professing the deepest faith in their particular brand of God-man, I am willing to wish people everywhere peace and good will.
And as we all take inventory of ourselves and our society, it is a time to reflect on ways in which we can make a positive difference in the lives of those we know and love, and those who are but strangers, but fellow hominids on their own journey. And hope that the God's that some people need to believe in, will be loving or atleast benign. And that we atheists will focus on fighting for the good as much as resisting the bad we see in the world.
And with that, I wish everyone a wonderful holiday season.
Obi wan kolobi
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Conservatism and Mormonism
Some political observers wonder why Mormons tend to be extremely conservative in their voting patterns. The reasons aren't too hard to figure out when you understand Mormonism at it's core. Conservatism by it's nature is traditional and looks to the past for guidance to future problems. Mormonism by it's nature is "restorationist", meaning that the current religion is restoring principles that were taught previously, but were lost due to the corruption of men.
Mormons believe in "dispensations", periods when God through divine intervention calls upon worthy men to restore the principles that were previously taught. Mormons believe that there was an early Christian Church that taught basically what Mormons now believe to be the core of their gospel. The book, "The Great Apostasy" by James E. Talmadge discusses this in some detail, where pagan beliefs were infused into the Christian religions of the day and that the original church ceased to exist as established by it's founder, Jesus Christ.
Mormonism's founder, Joseph Smith jr. was called upon in the eyes of Mormons to restore that church. Mormons also view America as a "special land", due to the unique nature of their scripture, "The Book of Mormon" which purports to be an actual history of people of Israelite descent also introducing Christiantiy during ancient times in America.
Any student of history will obviously look to the past for wisdom. Where Mormonism morphs into a sort of authoritarian set of dogmas, is the belief that certain individuals were divinely inspired, and so their teachings, or even opinions, become gospel. Most objective readers can read and debate the views of Aristotle and Plato and still learn a great deal, even recognizing that they taught differing views of reality. However, for someone to accept something just because it was uttered by Plato, then you have drifted into authoritarianism.
Mormons believe that the founding of the American Republic known as the United States of America was a divinely inspired act, the purpose of which was to create an environment where the one true Christian religion (Mormonism) could be restored to the earth. Because of this, the writings and beliefs of founding fathers of the country take on something akin to scripture. Strict interpretation of a "divinely inspired U.S. Constitution" isn't uniquely Mormon, but Mormons through the teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, a Mormon prophet, imbue conservative views of government great weight with true believers of the religion.
Mormons also believe in a dualist reality. There is very little middle ground for Mormons, as the purpose of life is to choose between good and evil. And the primary good for Mormons is to "follow the prophet" or "follow the bretheren". Obedience and conformity of the masses, creates an environment for what psychologists refer to as "authoritarian followers". So long as an authority figure remains legitimate in their eyes, a Mormon tends to be loyal and supportive, and is often willing to put principle on the backburner when it competes with loyalty to the church, or whatever organization they've become devoted to.
The traits that Mormonism promotes have real market value in the corporate world. Mormons are very often hard-working, loyal, and ambitious. As a result, Mormons tend to have more influence than their numbers will often dictate. Mormons are a forced to be reckoned with in our Republic, and they will continue to be influential in moving the U.S. to the right politically.
Mormons believe in "dispensations", periods when God through divine intervention calls upon worthy men to restore the principles that were previously taught. Mormons believe that there was an early Christian Church that taught basically what Mormons now believe to be the core of their gospel. The book, "The Great Apostasy" by James E. Talmadge discusses this in some detail, where pagan beliefs were infused into the Christian religions of the day and that the original church ceased to exist as established by it's founder, Jesus Christ.
Mormonism's founder, Joseph Smith jr. was called upon in the eyes of Mormons to restore that church. Mormons also view America as a "special land", due to the unique nature of their scripture, "The Book of Mormon" which purports to be an actual history of people of Israelite descent also introducing Christiantiy during ancient times in America.
Any student of history will obviously look to the past for wisdom. Where Mormonism morphs into a sort of authoritarian set of dogmas, is the belief that certain individuals were divinely inspired, and so their teachings, or even opinions, become gospel. Most objective readers can read and debate the views of Aristotle and Plato and still learn a great deal, even recognizing that they taught differing views of reality. However, for someone to accept something just because it was uttered by Plato, then you have drifted into authoritarianism.
Mormons believe that the founding of the American Republic known as the United States of America was a divinely inspired act, the purpose of which was to create an environment where the one true Christian religion (Mormonism) could be restored to the earth. Because of this, the writings and beliefs of founding fathers of the country take on something akin to scripture. Strict interpretation of a "divinely inspired U.S. Constitution" isn't uniquely Mormon, but Mormons through the teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, a Mormon prophet, imbue conservative views of government great weight with true believers of the religion.
Mormons also believe in a dualist reality. There is very little middle ground for Mormons, as the purpose of life is to choose between good and evil. And the primary good for Mormons is to "follow the prophet" or "follow the bretheren". Obedience and conformity of the masses, creates an environment for what psychologists refer to as "authoritarian followers". So long as an authority figure remains legitimate in their eyes, a Mormon tends to be loyal and supportive, and is often willing to put principle on the backburner when it competes with loyalty to the church, or whatever organization they've become devoted to.
The traits that Mormonism promotes have real market value in the corporate world. Mormons are very often hard-working, loyal, and ambitious. As a result, Mormons tend to have more influence than their numbers will often dictate. Mormons are a forced to be reckoned with in our Republic, and they will continue to be influential in moving the U.S. to the right politically.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Glenn Beck and White Horse Fever
Outside the Zion Curtain, people who think they know Glenn Beck, only know part of what makes him tick. Admittedly, it is hard to gauge whether Glenn Beck actually believes his drivel or not. Sometimes his passion seems forced and contrived. Whether or not he actually believes his stuff, he has a willing audience in his fellow Mormons and it is translating into a feverish pitch in the paranoia and histrionics going on in the beehive state regarding the Constitution being in danger, from broadly defined “socialism” representing the oarks attacking the white city. And of course, Glenn Beck represents the white wizard, on his white horse, battling the innumerable foe. This represents a synthesis of myths, one told by Tolkien, the other by Joseph Smith jr., founder of Glenn Beck’s religion.
The “white horse prophecy” is one where the elders of the church will step in when the Constitution is “hanging by a thread”, and save the country. With the country being led by “one of them”, a black man who surely isn’t what he appears to be (see my previous post on secret combinations, etc), in the minds of many Mormons, Obama and his allies are hell bent on destroying the last vestiges of the country founded by divinely inspired men, who set up the divinely inspired Constitution as a means of achieving limited government.
I’m guessing that this mythical white horse may have many Mormons trying to jump on it, ready to carry the next Captain Moroni to victory and to eternal glory. True believers are beginning to sound more and more strident, and Glenn Beck’s following behind the Zion Curtain is as strong as ever.
White horse fever has gripped the state, so that even just plain conservatives aren’t conservative enough to ride this fictional horse. A test is on to see who is pure enough to ride this white horse, and whether Mike Lee, Glenn Beck, Jason Chaffetz or some other mythically challenged Mormon is the chosen one to save the day, we’ll have to wait to see who the people empower. In the Mormon mind, what I am writing about is real. This is no laughing matter. Many who believe this are business leaders, prominent politicians and people with money and means.
And to add to the “white horse prophecy”, let me add the “Obi Wan” prophecy. Those who seek to save the Constitution are likely to do more damage to it, than to save it. Like crusaders turning on Constantinople, their crusade is dangerous unless rational people of all stripes step up and add a little light and some cool heads to this situation. Now where did I put my spurs?
The “white horse prophecy” is one where the elders of the church will step in when the Constitution is “hanging by a thread”, and save the country. With the country being led by “one of them”, a black man who surely isn’t what he appears to be (see my previous post on secret combinations, etc), in the minds of many Mormons, Obama and his allies are hell bent on destroying the last vestiges of the country founded by divinely inspired men, who set up the divinely inspired Constitution as a means of achieving limited government.
I’m guessing that this mythical white horse may have many Mormons trying to jump on it, ready to carry the next Captain Moroni to victory and to eternal glory. True believers are beginning to sound more and more strident, and Glenn Beck’s following behind the Zion Curtain is as strong as ever.
White horse fever has gripped the state, so that even just plain conservatives aren’t conservative enough to ride this fictional horse. A test is on to see who is pure enough to ride this white horse, and whether Mike Lee, Glenn Beck, Jason Chaffetz or some other mythically challenged Mormon is the chosen one to save the day, we’ll have to wait to see who the people empower. In the Mormon mind, what I am writing about is real. This is no laughing matter. Many who believe this are business leaders, prominent politicians and people with money and means.
And to add to the “white horse prophecy”, let me add the “Obi Wan” prophecy. Those who seek to save the Constitution are likely to do more damage to it, than to save it. Like crusaders turning on Constantinople, their crusade is dangerous unless rational people of all stripes step up and add a little light and some cool heads to this situation. Now where did I put my spurs?
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Man of Faith
How many times have I heard this phrase? Too many to count. What about Brother Simmons? You can trust him, he’s a man of faith. He was first counselor in the 3rd Ward Bishopric and my home teacher told me he is a wonderful fellow. We have been programmed to believe that a “man of faith” is a good thing. Years of programming die hard. Man of Faith>Not a Man of Faith (all else being equal). The natural consequence of faith, is virtue and trustworthiness. Non-faith can be overcome. I’ve had several people tell me that for an atheist, you are a really good person (almost as if they are surprised). I am not a man of faith, in the way people usually use that term. I don’t believe in God, in an afterlife, or anything that doesn’t have a natural explanation. If there is no supportable explanation for something, I try to reserve judgment, limiting myself to mere speculations, and clearly indicating the nature of them.
Faith is the process of believing in things that are unsupported by evidence. In the biblical story of Jesus, it is Thomas, who rightly doubts that a man who died could return to the living. After feeling the wounds of Jesus, he is then satisfied that Jesus has risen. The lesson from this is that Thomas’s lack of faith is a sign not of virtue, but of weakness in character. In Mormonism, the prophet Moroni in his parting words indicates that it is only necessary that you desire to believe in order for you to come to a testimony of the truth of his account of his people.
If people desire to believe something, it doesn’t take much to convince them of it. Desire to believe immediately places one with what is referred to as a state of confirmation bias. Critical thinking is replaced with a search for confirmation of that which you desire to be true. Such a perspective is completely antithetical to the scientific method and to scientific thinking in general. In science, you believe in that which you have tried to disprove and couldn’t. If evidence surfaces that disproves the proposition you previously believed to be true, you don’t discard the evidence, you discard the proposition. If you “know” a proposition to be true, than any evidence that might call that in to question is discarded because you already know the answer.
As a recovering Mormon, I’ve had to reprogram my mind. When someone is referred to as a “man of faith”, I no longer give them a certain level of credibility that I wouldn’t otherwise give them. I reserve judgment on all people until I understand who they are and where they are coming from. Many men of faith are good and honorable men, and I am proud to associate with them. But it isn’t their faith that makes them honorable. It is more universal characteristics of integrity and concern for others that I ultimately judge people on as do most people when the delusion of faith is removed. And though I try to reserve judgment on people, I also find it best to give people the benefit of the doubt until they prove me wrong. But even so, we should all limit our exposure to those with whom we are unsure.
Faith is the process of believing in things that are unsupported by evidence. In the biblical story of Jesus, it is Thomas, who rightly doubts that a man who died could return to the living. After feeling the wounds of Jesus, he is then satisfied that Jesus has risen. The lesson from this is that Thomas’s lack of faith is a sign not of virtue, but of weakness in character. In Mormonism, the prophet Moroni in his parting words indicates that it is only necessary that you desire to believe in order for you to come to a testimony of the truth of his account of his people.
If people desire to believe something, it doesn’t take much to convince them of it. Desire to believe immediately places one with what is referred to as a state of confirmation bias. Critical thinking is replaced with a search for confirmation of that which you desire to be true. Such a perspective is completely antithetical to the scientific method and to scientific thinking in general. In science, you believe in that which you have tried to disprove and couldn’t. If evidence surfaces that disproves the proposition you previously believed to be true, you don’t discard the evidence, you discard the proposition. If you “know” a proposition to be true, than any evidence that might call that in to question is discarded because you already know the answer.
As a recovering Mormon, I’ve had to reprogram my mind. When someone is referred to as a “man of faith”, I no longer give them a certain level of credibility that I wouldn’t otherwise give them. I reserve judgment on all people until I understand who they are and where they are coming from. Many men of faith are good and honorable men, and I am proud to associate with them. But it isn’t their faith that makes them honorable. It is more universal characteristics of integrity and concern for others that I ultimately judge people on as do most people when the delusion of faith is removed. And though I try to reserve judgment on people, I also find it best to give people the benefit of the doubt until they prove me wrong. But even so, we should all limit our exposure to those with whom we are unsure.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Gratitude to Whom?
In my life, those who seem the most well-adjusted and happy, are those who have a sense of gratitude about them. People who say thank you and mean it for whatever reason, seem to be those who are the most resilient to disappointment and loss. They also seem to find that paying that gratitude forwards by serving others brings a sense of fulfillment and dare I say, serenity.
Many whom I hear express gratitude do so to God. To understand this, you have to understand a person’s world view. Since all good is attributed to God, what good there is to be grateful for can also be attributed to this supernatural being. I have also encountered a fair share of grateful atheists. One theistic individual e-mailed me a while back asking “whom do atheists say thanks to”?
As a recovering Mormon, I grew up hearing a thousand times, usually on the first Sunday of the month, “I would be ungrateful if I didn’t stand today and bear my testimony…..” In this instance, I realize the gratitude wasn’t just to God, but to the organization that the testimony bearer belonged to. Profound emotional experiences within Mormonism are encapsulated as coming from “the spirit” which is God’s own personal inspirational confirmation of one’s path within the Mormon Church and way of life.
As a grateful atheist, I also have profound emotional experiences that are not in any way different than the experiences I had as a practicing Mormon. A particularly moving experience can come through a variety of means, such as helping someone in need, enjoying a particularly beautiful sunset, reading a story to my three year old, or marveling at some compelling fact or thought that comes to me. I am grateful to that I’ve had these experiences, though I understand that these experiences are not evidence of the divine, but things the human brain has evolved for reasons that have somehow perpetuated the species. And grateful I am to be one of the few in terms of actual organisms in the history of our planet, and potentially in our universe, to have the capacity to experience them.
All humans, if made fully aware of their uniqueness and the amazing gift they have of consciousness, should be grateful. If one wants to attribute it to God, that is their luxury. But healthy atheism to me is a lifestyle free of fear of offending God, free of a life of indebtedness to those who claim to speak for God. Free of fear and indebtedness, I am free to love myself and others. Free to provide service to those in need, not out of devotion to God, but out of genuine concern as a human being. Gratitude, unimpeded by devotion to a supernatural agent allows as Victor Stenger puts it, “a life driven purpose “ rather than a “purpose driven life.” And for this freedom, I can honestly say, I’m eternally grateful.
Many whom I hear express gratitude do so to God. To understand this, you have to understand a person’s world view. Since all good is attributed to God, what good there is to be grateful for can also be attributed to this supernatural being. I have also encountered a fair share of grateful atheists. One theistic individual e-mailed me a while back asking “whom do atheists say thanks to”?
As a recovering Mormon, I grew up hearing a thousand times, usually on the first Sunday of the month, “I would be ungrateful if I didn’t stand today and bear my testimony…..” In this instance, I realize the gratitude wasn’t just to God, but to the organization that the testimony bearer belonged to. Profound emotional experiences within Mormonism are encapsulated as coming from “the spirit” which is God’s own personal inspirational confirmation of one’s path within the Mormon Church and way of life.
As a grateful atheist, I also have profound emotional experiences that are not in any way different than the experiences I had as a practicing Mormon. A particularly moving experience can come through a variety of means, such as helping someone in need, enjoying a particularly beautiful sunset, reading a story to my three year old, or marveling at some compelling fact or thought that comes to me. I am grateful to that I’ve had these experiences, though I understand that these experiences are not evidence of the divine, but things the human brain has evolved for reasons that have somehow perpetuated the species. And grateful I am to be one of the few in terms of actual organisms in the history of our planet, and potentially in our universe, to have the capacity to experience them.
All humans, if made fully aware of their uniqueness and the amazing gift they have of consciousness, should be grateful. If one wants to attribute it to God, that is their luxury. But healthy atheism to me is a lifestyle free of fear of offending God, free of a life of indebtedness to those who claim to speak for God. Free of fear and indebtedness, I am free to love myself and others. Free to provide service to those in need, not out of devotion to God, but out of genuine concern as a human being. Gratitude, unimpeded by devotion to a supernatural agent allows as Victor Stenger puts it, “a life driven purpose “ rather than a “purpose driven life.” And for this freedom, I can honestly say, I’m eternally grateful.
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