...And religion answers questions that science can't answer. Religion, in addition to things already mentioned, speaks to purpose, value, and meaning. Throughout history a great number of people on this planet - smart or dumb, rich or poor - look at themself at some point in their life and want to know "Why?" "What is my part in this huge machine?" "Do I have value to anyone but myself?" "Does it matter what I do?" There is something within us that is not satisfied by physics and biology, no matter how complex, logical, or defined. There must be some reason I should push through one more day - there must be a reason I should care. It's a focus on what I believe is the more important part of TRUTH.
There just has to be more to life than living and dieing.
Maybe in this case, belief is a prerequisite for being able to perform the detection. Scientist or not, you still need the proper tools. People thought bacteria didn't exist at one time. People who believe can clearly see god at work.
Yes, a lovely place where far fewer people would think of anyone but themselves. A wonderful place where true joy would be scarce and hope would be rare.
Or, maybe we could encourage all the people who call themselves Christians/Muslims/Jews to actually live up to the good their religion requires of them.
From reading this thread, I might just add that the issue of raising children comes strongly into play. As a parent, you try to teach them to avoid things you consider unacceptible - whether that is sticking their fingers in light sockets, or making certain moral decisions. You believe that both will harm them, and you understand that they may not have the discernment to choose for themselves. In that case, it's quite important what your neighbor does or does not do. Children are very good at watching what adults do and then imitating it - they automatically believe it's ok. I will most certainly also cast my vote to shield them as much as possible.
...And religion answers questions that science can't answer. Religion, in addition to things already mentioned, speaks to purpose, value, and meaning. Throughout history a great number of people on this planet - smart or dumb, rich or poor - look at themself at some point in their life and want to know "Why?" "What is my part in this huge machine?" "Do I have value to anyone but myself?" "Does it matter what I do?" There is something within us that is not satisfied by physics and biology, no matter how complex, logical, or defined. There must be some reason I should push through one more day - there must be a reason I should care. It's a focus on what I believe is the more important part of TRUTH.
There just has to be more to life than living and dieing.
Maybe in this case, belief is a prerequisite for being able to perform the detection. Scientist or not, you still need the proper tools. People thought bacteria didn't exist at one time. People who believe can clearly see god at work.
Yes, a lovely place where far fewer people would think of anyone but themselves. A wonderful place where true joy would be scarce and hope would be rare.
Or, maybe we could encourage all the people who call themselves Christians/Muslims/Jews to actually live up to the good their religion requires of them.
From reading this thread, I might just add that the issue of raising children comes strongly into play. As a parent, you try to teach them to avoid things you consider unacceptible - whether that is sticking their fingers in light sockets, or making certain moral decisions. You believe that both will harm them, and you understand that they may not have the discernment to choose for themselves. In that case, it's quite important what your neighbor does or does not do. Children are very good at watching what adults do and then imitating it - they automatically believe it's ok. I will most certainly also cast my vote to shield them as much as possible.
Who is going to enforce the NDA you make with a foreign government who decides to screw your company?