Monotheism is nowhere close to atheism; more gods doesn't mean one is more theistic or vice-versa.
For comparison, that's like saying a guy who is into casual sex is more sexually active than a guy who has a wife. Doesn't necessarily work that way. It just means the monogamous guy, like the monotheist, puts all his eggs in one basket. Whether one big basket or lots of smaller baskets, it's totally different to someone who is not religious at all.
And nameless, to which underpinnings do you refer? Not every influence on Western civilization is related to theism. Advances in science might also be important.
Peter, I've enjoyed reading your blog for years, but find you a bit tough on religion.
In recorded history, most people who have ever lived have been religious or spiritual in some way.
It is hard-wired in people? I don't know, but I think you could be more understanding of the obvious religious proclivity in human beings.
Didn't a cult-like worship develop around Ayn Rand back in the early years? I remember Nathaniel Brandon writing about it.
So if some Objectivists (yes, not all, but the last group you'd expect) start displaying worship like characteristics of their leader, then it's fair to say that people seem to be drawn (call it what you want) to higher authorities to guide them. Stuart L
I agree with Anon. Another not-especially-funny comedian assuming that because he's on tv people are actually interested in his staggeringly ignorant opinions.
@Stuart L: I think the difference is that those people who admired Ayn Rand didn't believe in a bunch of supernatural stories about her walking on water or rising from the dead. And most people through most of history were religious because that's what they were told and there was no way to know any better. Now there is.
@Frankie Lee, I'm sure whoever made this quote isn't quite so staggeringly ignorant as to believe the cosmos was made in six days by his imaginary friend.
@twr: I was referring more to his ignorance of the nature of religious belief and the difference between paganism and monotheism, but never mind. If the "imaginary friend" strawman is the best you can come up with I won't waste my time.
10 comments:
Monotheism is nowhere close to atheism; more gods doesn't mean one is more theistic or vice-versa.
For comparison, that's like saying a guy who is into casual sex is more sexually active than a guy who has a wife. Doesn't necessarily work that way. It just means the monogamous guy, like the monotheist, puts all his eggs in one basket. Whether one big basket or lots of smaller baskets, it's totally different to someone who is not religious at all.
B R I L L I A N T ! ! !
Dave Mann
*yawn*
. . another facile left-wing secular progressive who has a lofty disdain for the historical and cultural underpinnings of western civilization . . .
*yawn*
. . and the very culture which has placed him in a position of incredible privilege . . .
*yawn*
Hey nameless, you seem to be yawning a lot. Get an early night.
And nameless, to which underpinnings do you refer? Not every influence on Western civilization is related to theism. Advances in science might also be important.
Oh, and those Pagan Greeks: I seem to recall they made some sort of contribution ... can't put my finger on what it was ...
Peter, I've enjoyed reading your blog for years, but find you a bit tough on religion.
In recorded history, most people who have ever lived have been religious or spiritual in some way.
It is hard-wired in people? I don't know, but I think you could be more understanding of the obvious religious proclivity in human beings.
Didn't a cult-like worship develop around Ayn Rand back in the early years? I remember Nathaniel Brandon writing about it.
So if some Objectivists (yes, not all, but the last group you'd expect) start displaying worship like characteristics of their leader, then it's fair to say that people seem to be drawn (call it what you want) to higher authorities to guide them. Stuart L
I agree with Anon. Another not-especially-funny comedian assuming that because he's on tv people are actually interested in his staggeringly ignorant opinions.
YAAAAWWWWWNNNNNNNN........
@Stuart L: I think the difference is that those people who admired Ayn Rand didn't believe in a bunch of supernatural stories about her walking on water or rising from the dead. And most people through most of history were religious because that's what they were told and there was no way to know any better. Now there is.
@Frankie Lee, I'm sure whoever made this quote isn't quite so staggeringly ignorant as to believe the cosmos was made in six days by his imaginary friend.
@twr: I was referring more to his ignorance of the nature of religious belief and the difference between paganism and monotheism, but never mind. If the "imaginary friend" strawman is the best you can come up with I won't waste my time.
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