Thakar Singh; a retired engineer, claims that he is a Master of the cult group Science of the Soul. His whole premise is to rid the soul of ill entities through various forms of cleansings. It is these cleansings that have triggered mass concern for the welfare of the followers of Science of the Soul. A Canadian News Channel broadcasted a report of allegations brought forth by former members of abuse among the women and children in the group.
Children are said to be blindfolded from birth to five years of age. These children are blindfolded and sat in a room for up to six hours at a time to meditate. A process that Thakar states is done in the name of God to rid the child’s soul of any evil. One woman claims that the supposed cleansings were quit physical and at times of a sexual nature. Yet another member compared these same cleansings to a massage or acupuncture therapy. Seems to me as though this retiree just had too much free time and decided to pick up a hobby. The pathetic thing is that people actually believe this kind of non sense and allow the abuse to occur.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Eckankar: Former Member Revisits
Dodie Bellamy; a journalist and former member of Eckankar narrates his San Diego rendezvous with David Lane. A free spirited philosophy professor that preys himself on exposing the truth behind the mass religious groups and spiritual cults of the world. Dodie recalls the apprehension he felt prior to them meeting. For it was David Lane’s unveiling of Eckankar’s fraudulent ways that persuade him into leaving the group. It seemed fitting to interview the professor. Mr. Lane had made a gruesome discovery while investigating the religious movement Eckankar. The founder Paul Twitchell had been plagiarizing the beliefs and writings of Radhasoami (a 19th Century form of yoga, founded in India) and accrediting them as his own. He went so far as to rename various religious masters of the past to justify the validity of his movement. Lane thought it his duty to disclose the information he had fallen upon in a term paper, which led to much hatred and harassment towards him that he decided to publish a second paper. The Making of a Spiritual Movement: The Untold Story of Paul Twitchell and Eckankar later becomes a book of much controversy.
In the end of the article, Lane is questioned about the simplicity of founding a religious cult and if he has ever considered doing so. His description of the group he would organize seems so absurd and ridiculous; however, it seems to me as though he is only being descriptive of his observations over the years. David Lane is like the Steve McGarrett (Hawaii Five-O for those youngsters) of the philosophy world. The thick skinned, laid back detective out to protect the gullible from being victimized by religious deities.
In the end of the article, Lane is questioned about the simplicity of founding a religious cult and if he has ever considered doing so. His description of the group he would organize seems so absurd and ridiculous; however, it seems to me as though he is only being descriptive of his observations over the years. David Lane is like the Steve McGarrett (Hawaii Five-O for those youngsters) of the philosophy world. The thick skinned, laid back detective out to protect the gullible from being victimized by religious deities.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Edgar Cayce and the Skeptic
Edgar Cayce; the sleeping prophet, has become somewhat of a religious figure to his followers. His visions and claims of psychic abilities have been confirmed to be inaccurate. So why is it that he remains to be such an idolized prophet of our time? K. Paul Johnson; a historian of esotericism decided to dissect Mr. Cayce’s claims in an attempt at discovering the truth. To do this Johnson divided Cayce’s phenomenon into two possible solutions. He inquired if the claims were really paranormal from a scientific foundation. This form of investigation is needed to avoid being deceived into blind faith not logical reason. Johnson also wanted a deeper understanding of Cayce’s followers. What was the motivation behind them, Cayce’s prophecies have been proven to be invalid, yet he has a tremendous group of believers.
Johnson incorporates critical judgment and a profound spiritual sense to uncover the mystery of Edgar Cayce. Although Cayce was determined to be a fake and his claims invalid, Johnson reveals a man. A man with a spiritual sincerity about him, a man with such persuasive psychological views. It seems to me that Johnson may have revealed the missing link behind the claims of divinity in many prophets and gurus.
Johnson incorporates critical judgment and a profound spiritual sense to uncover the mystery of Edgar Cayce. Although Cayce was determined to be a fake and his claims invalid, Johnson reveals a man. A man with a spiritual sincerity about him, a man with such persuasive psychological views. It seems to me that Johnson may have revealed the missing link behind the claims of divinity in many prophets and gurus.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Sai Baba - Film
The art of optical illusion or magic is an astonishing form of entertainment. A medium that has acquired quit a stupendous fan base. Sai Baba claims to be a Master; however, thanks to instant replay, it is evident that he can not even master the age old slip of the hand trick. Quit your day job Mr. Baba and take stage on the Vegas Strip along side Chris Angel – Mind Freak and David Blaine. They can possible teach you a thing or two.
What I can not comprehend is how gullible mankind is to accept people like Baba into their minds. It is truly incredible to think just how far certain people will go for their 15 minutes of fame. These Masters and Gurus prey on the gullible and weak minded with their elaborate claims of salvation and trickery. Sai Baba was able to defraud and bamboozle everyone in attendance at that sermon because they were distracted. The amazement of being in his presence rid their conscious of the obvious. Obviously they are in occurrence of Sai Baba, Master Magician.
What I can not comprehend is how gullible mankind is to accept people like Baba into their minds. It is truly incredible to think just how far certain people will go for their 15 minutes of fame. These Masters and Gurus prey on the gullible and weak minded with their elaborate claims of salvation and trickery. Sai Baba was able to defraud and bamboozle everyone in attendance at that sermon because they were distracted. The amazement of being in his presence rid their conscious of the obvious. Obviously they are in occurrence of Sai Baba, Master Magician.
Introduction to Critical Thinking - S. Shafersman
Critical thinking, as defined by Steven Schafersman is the pursuit of relevant and reliable knowledge about the world. Many of us have questions regarding the mysteries of the world. We attend schools of various levels in an attempt to discover the answers. The question that must be addressed is are we really comprehending what is being taught? An education is so significant to survive in today’s society. The only problem is that our youth is not taught to critically analyze their thoughts, they are taught to memorize the information. So how does the teacher know if the child comprehends the lesson? It is this reason that tests scores and drop out rates are at an all time high.
Mr. Schafersman feels that it is imperative that we originate critical thinking back into our curriculum. There are so many courses and information on teaching critical thinking processes that it would be insane not to take advantage of them. My personal belief is that society is cheating our children out of a solid education by authorizing sloppy teaching techniques. We are in a sense robbing them of the opportunity of potential knowledge. Perhaps the Educational Administrators need to learn how to critically rethink their standards.
Mr. Schafersman feels that it is imperative that we originate critical thinking back into our curriculum. There are so many courses and information on teaching critical thinking processes that it would be insane not to take advantage of them. My personal belief is that society is cheating our children out of a solid education by authorizing sloppy teaching techniques. We are in a sense robbing them of the opportunity of potential knowledge. Perhaps the Educational Administrators need to learn how to critically rethink their standards.
Monday, July 14, 2008
The Mathematical Universe - Freeman Dyson
Freeman Dyson; a winner of the Templeton Prize for Religion, is an agnostic residing in a mathematical profession. He acquired his legacy from an idea entitled Dyson’s Sphere, which he claims was merely a thought provoked by nonsense. Dyson’s Sphere is the notion of taking infrared telescopes to search the skies for a possible biosphere inhabited by aliens and their wasted radiation. This concept, silly or not became a topic on the Sci-Fi hit Star Trek. Freeman is a man of mathematical intellect yet carries no specific scientific beliefs. He feels that there should not a battle between science and religion because both are quit compatible to one another.
Dyson describes science and religion as two separate windows of mystery. Both windows have very different views of the universe yet of the same universe. He contends that science is nothing more than a skill or profession and in no way correlates to a person’s emotions. Religion is a behavior or way of life not a belief or emotional state. Mr. Freeman describes God as a “mind that has gone beyond our understanding”. Perhaps one day man will unveil the truth behind this great mystery of science and religion. Are we of a divine nature or just part of it?
Dyson describes science and religion as two separate windows of mystery. Both windows have very different views of the universe yet of the same universe. He contends that science is nothing more than a skill or profession and in no way correlates to a person’s emotions. Religion is a behavior or way of life not a belief or emotional state. Mr. Freeman describes God as a “mind that has gone beyond our understanding”. Perhaps one day man will unveil the truth behind this great mystery of science and religion. Are we of a divine nature or just part of it?
Nicholas of Cusa - Film
Nicholas Cusa contends that “the unattainable is unattained by its unattainment”. Another words, it is difficult to comprehend an idea or belief that is so far fetched or in explainable. Yet we live in a society that thrives on paranormal mysteries and claims of miraculous events. Meister Eckhart feels that man must cleanse his mind of God to reach a sense of free will and thinking. It is this codependency between the self and a divine being that is not a healthy mode of thinking. Simply put… each individual is responsible for their own thoughts and actions.
Mankind is very gullible by nature; we are willing to accept many exaggerated claims regardless of their whimsy. Our minds float about endlessly like a ship just waiting to allow more nonsense on board. I feel that as Capitan of our ship, we should be allowed to accommodate any thought or divine entity without discrimination.
Mankind is very gullible by nature; we are willing to accept many exaggerated claims regardless of their whimsy. Our minds float about endlessly like a ship just waiting to allow more nonsense on board. I feel that as Capitan of our ship, we should be allowed to accommodate any thought or divine entity without discrimination.
The Secret of Faqir Chand
It is very interesting to view a guru being so brutally honest in regards to his beliefs. Faqir Chand could not understand why people felt he had all the answers to worldly and spiritual problems. His belief was that a person’s strength came from within and there is no higher being. The guru or higher being are but only a man as we all are, it is the suggestions being preached that make an impression on our minds. The images that the director flashes assists with the realization of the many diverse beliefs people turn to.
Faqir was asked if changes should be applied to the way gurus preach in today’s society. His response was of such great simplicity, people must comprehend that there is no salvation other than one’s own self. This is an intense claim considering the fact that a majority of mankind praises some sort of God or Goddess. I am sympathetic to Faqir’s Secret to a certain extent. I feel that we all need something to believe in to maintain our sanity in this world and that we should continue to praise whatever brings personal comfort. However, we must also realize that the manifested claims of miraculous events are of man not of a divine being.
Faqir was asked if changes should be applied to the way gurus preach in today’s society. His response was of such great simplicity, people must comprehend that there is no salvation other than one’s own self. This is an intense claim considering the fact that a majority of mankind praises some sort of God or Goddess. I am sympathetic to Faqir’s Secret to a certain extent. I feel that we all need something to believe in to maintain our sanity in this world and that we should continue to praise whatever brings personal comfort. However, we must also realize that the manifested claims of miraculous events are of man not of a divine being.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Midterm - Summer 2008
Nicole M. Diaz
Phil 8 – Critical Thinking
Summer 2008 Midterm
July 11, 2008
User Name: Nickki53
Email: Nickki53@yahoo.com
~A Mystical Life~
http://nikkid76.blogspot.com
All the readings and assignments for the first three weeks of class have been completed and are posted immediately following the midterm.
11. Richard Dawkins uses the computer virus as an analogy of the virus of the mind. Once a virus is programmed and downloaded into a PC it has the capacity to spread rapidly to others whom open the infected file or site. A virus of the mind is similar in the sense that a toxin or idea is planted into the mind; the idea is shared with others which also can circulate rapidly.
Dawkins considers religion a virus for the mere fact that it is a sentiment with no evidence to prove it other wise. Memes that have been passed down contaminating generation after generation. I agree with Mr.Dawkins to a certain extent. This is an epidemic similar to a bug in the computer, once it is transferred; it is very difficult to control. Like he stated, religion is usually taught at such a young age that it becomes a habitual emotion or behavior. My disagreement is that if it makes a person feel comforted, why categorize religion as an infection of the mind.
12. Praying to Saints for protection is an example of a cargo cult. Many traditional Catholics will surround themselves with pictures or figurines of various Saints. There claim is that when you pray to these items your worries, concerns, or prayer requests are answered. This religious belief or Faith is what has no scientific evidence. A skeptic may ask how it is so that a photograph or ceramic sculpture has such mystical powers to perform such a miraculous fete. It is however, reasonable to convey the possibility that a person is so fixated on their prayer or need that they subconsciously create the outcome themselves. There just is no other scientific explanation to validate this claim otherwise.
13. According to Richard Feynman we must look beyond the obvious when it comes to science. It is essential to dissect our surroundings in order to unleash the true beauty of the world. Mr. Feynman suggests that in order to completely comprehend the world of science we must have doubts to begin the search for answers. The true beauty in discovering how an object came to be is what brings great pleasure. One can find beauty in an object as simple as an ice cube. The crystallizing of water as it freezes creates such beautiful designs and patterns.
14. The movie Karma reveals several examples of the correlation between our behavior and our actions. Do unto others as you have done to you is what comes to mind. Our emotions, thoughts, and moods can influence the events that occur around us. A positive attitude can bring about wonderful situations and experiences while a negative mindset will most likely bring negative energy to a person. The actors in Karma clearly expressed the moods they were in by the way they carried themselves.
15. Darwinian evolution is the theory that man; through natural dependent selection has evolved from an animal species. The predisposed cells would transition over the years; it is this lineage that eventually leads to an intelligent species. John Maynard Smith pioneered the idea that not only did natural, dependent selection assist in the evolution process, but consensus games played a large part as well. Mr. Smith’s theory states that animals prefer to settle a conflict, a loss/loss game if you will. Through this cooperation both species will endure thus challenging John Maynard Smith’s idea of survival of the fittest.
18. Eleven is an eye opening realization of the hatred that still occurs against certain ethnic groups. The director does an excellent job in showing how racism can lead to such random acts of violence. The snapshot of the Twin Towers and the memory of 911 bring many ill feelings to Americans, but we must remember that these events were drawn out by a small handful of men. Not all people of the same race have the same views; it is of great importance that we all remember.
19. Master Da Free John seems to have been a very eccentric man. Although considered to be a genius in the subject of religion and spirituality, many found him to be a fake. Da Free John was the spokesman for the “don’t judge a book by its cover” theory. His writings and teachings brought great enlightenment to the reader, but a photograph of him would bring it all to an end. It is for this reason society must learn to differentiate the message being conveyed from the medium. A person’s intellect or spirituality should not be judged by their appearance or personal lifestyle he/she lives. The underlying message is the important aspect we must take with us.
20. Bertrand Russell has several reasons for not being a Christian. His main reasoning is that there is no physical evidence of the existence of God. Christians use various tactics to persuade its followers into having faith. They argue that without religion mankind would have not existed; we would have no morals which would lead to chaos and injustice. Mr. Russell also disagrees with the idea that Christians instill fear as the foundation of their beliefs. On a personal level, my position on this subject is neutral. When it comes to Christianity I have many doubts of my own. I strongly disagree with the fear that is instilled, my God is not a punishing God. I also dislike the structure of the Church that Christians must follow. Personally I believe and take what brings me comfort and peace. I consider myself to be a spiritual person and talk to God in my own terms.
21. Your inquiry regarding Evangelists having healing powers is one that is subject to skeptical reasoning. The media poisons society with reports of various claims of healings and proposed miracles. So it is understandable how your mind would become cloudy with suspicion. Although I do not have an answer for you, I do suggest you try “FILCHERS”, an acronym for six rules of evidential reasoning. James Lett purposes that there are six rules that must be followed when uncovering the validity of a paranormal phenomena claim. I will describe each for you to follow during your investigation.
First verify the falsifiability of the claim. If the claim is indeed false, the evidence you conjure up will prove it to be false. However, if the claim is true, the evidence will only be tentative until proven otherwise (similar to the innocent till proven quilty premise). The claim must also be a valid logical one which can sometimes be very difficult to prove and may require more investigation on your part. Next be certain you comprehend all the aspects of the evidence whether it is negative or positive. All the findings must be included as to avoid any false conclusions. Which brings me to the next rule; one must honestly accept the outcome of all the evidence that has been examined. Be certain that your investigation can be replicated. This will erect the possibility of any mistakes, fraud, or coincidence in the evidence. If the claim is proven to be a coincidence there is no need to replicate your investigation. The last point I want to share is, make certain the evidence you are claiming as truth is indeed that. The more elaborate the claim is the more proof is needed to support it. I do hope that “FILCHERS” will assist you in unveiling a rational conclusion to your inquiry of evangelistic healings.
22. According to Paul Kurtz, skepticism is vital in religion. He strongly believes that we must be able to examine and ask questions regarding religious events. These claims of miraculous occurrence must have reasoning to why they happened. We consistently question the paranormal phenomena that surround us, insisting on some sort of scientific evidence to base our beliefs. Why then the double standard when it comes to religion. As a society we need to follow Kurtz’s theory and bring skepticism to religion to bring an end to the age old controversy between science and religion.
Phil 8 – Critical Thinking
Summer 2008 Midterm
July 11, 2008
User Name: Nickki53
Email: Nickki53@yahoo.com
~A Mystical Life~
http://nikkid76.blogspot.com
All the readings and assignments for the first three weeks of class have been completed and are posted immediately following the midterm.
11. Richard Dawkins uses the computer virus as an analogy of the virus of the mind. Once a virus is programmed and downloaded into a PC it has the capacity to spread rapidly to others whom open the infected file or site. A virus of the mind is similar in the sense that a toxin or idea is planted into the mind; the idea is shared with others which also can circulate rapidly.
Dawkins considers religion a virus for the mere fact that it is a sentiment with no evidence to prove it other wise. Memes that have been passed down contaminating generation after generation. I agree with Mr.Dawkins to a certain extent. This is an epidemic similar to a bug in the computer, once it is transferred; it is very difficult to control. Like he stated, religion is usually taught at such a young age that it becomes a habitual emotion or behavior. My disagreement is that if it makes a person feel comforted, why categorize religion as an infection of the mind.
12. Praying to Saints for protection is an example of a cargo cult. Many traditional Catholics will surround themselves with pictures or figurines of various Saints. There claim is that when you pray to these items your worries, concerns, or prayer requests are answered. This religious belief or Faith is what has no scientific evidence. A skeptic may ask how it is so that a photograph or ceramic sculpture has such mystical powers to perform such a miraculous fete. It is however, reasonable to convey the possibility that a person is so fixated on their prayer or need that they subconsciously create the outcome themselves. There just is no other scientific explanation to validate this claim otherwise.
13. According to Richard Feynman we must look beyond the obvious when it comes to science. It is essential to dissect our surroundings in order to unleash the true beauty of the world. Mr. Feynman suggests that in order to completely comprehend the world of science we must have doubts to begin the search for answers. The true beauty in discovering how an object came to be is what brings great pleasure. One can find beauty in an object as simple as an ice cube. The crystallizing of water as it freezes creates such beautiful designs and patterns.
14. The movie Karma reveals several examples of the correlation between our behavior and our actions. Do unto others as you have done to you is what comes to mind. Our emotions, thoughts, and moods can influence the events that occur around us. A positive attitude can bring about wonderful situations and experiences while a negative mindset will most likely bring negative energy to a person. The actors in Karma clearly expressed the moods they were in by the way they carried themselves.
15. Darwinian evolution is the theory that man; through natural dependent selection has evolved from an animal species. The predisposed cells would transition over the years; it is this lineage that eventually leads to an intelligent species. John Maynard Smith pioneered the idea that not only did natural, dependent selection assist in the evolution process, but consensus games played a large part as well. Mr. Smith’s theory states that animals prefer to settle a conflict, a loss/loss game if you will. Through this cooperation both species will endure thus challenging John Maynard Smith’s idea of survival of the fittest.
18. Eleven is an eye opening realization of the hatred that still occurs against certain ethnic groups. The director does an excellent job in showing how racism can lead to such random acts of violence. The snapshot of the Twin Towers and the memory of 911 bring many ill feelings to Americans, but we must remember that these events were drawn out by a small handful of men. Not all people of the same race have the same views; it is of great importance that we all remember.
19. Master Da Free John seems to have been a very eccentric man. Although considered to be a genius in the subject of religion and spirituality, many found him to be a fake. Da Free John was the spokesman for the “don’t judge a book by its cover” theory. His writings and teachings brought great enlightenment to the reader, but a photograph of him would bring it all to an end. It is for this reason society must learn to differentiate the message being conveyed from the medium. A person’s intellect or spirituality should not be judged by their appearance or personal lifestyle he/she lives. The underlying message is the important aspect we must take with us.
20. Bertrand Russell has several reasons for not being a Christian. His main reasoning is that there is no physical evidence of the existence of God. Christians use various tactics to persuade its followers into having faith. They argue that without religion mankind would have not existed; we would have no morals which would lead to chaos and injustice. Mr. Russell also disagrees with the idea that Christians instill fear as the foundation of their beliefs. On a personal level, my position on this subject is neutral. When it comes to Christianity I have many doubts of my own. I strongly disagree with the fear that is instilled, my God is not a punishing God. I also dislike the structure of the Church that Christians must follow. Personally I believe and take what brings me comfort and peace. I consider myself to be a spiritual person and talk to God in my own terms.
21. Your inquiry regarding Evangelists having healing powers is one that is subject to skeptical reasoning. The media poisons society with reports of various claims of healings and proposed miracles. So it is understandable how your mind would become cloudy with suspicion. Although I do not have an answer for you, I do suggest you try “FILCHERS”, an acronym for six rules of evidential reasoning. James Lett purposes that there are six rules that must be followed when uncovering the validity of a paranormal phenomena claim. I will describe each for you to follow during your investigation.
First verify the falsifiability of the claim. If the claim is indeed false, the evidence you conjure up will prove it to be false. However, if the claim is true, the evidence will only be tentative until proven otherwise (similar to the innocent till proven quilty premise). The claim must also be a valid logical one which can sometimes be very difficult to prove and may require more investigation on your part. Next be certain you comprehend all the aspects of the evidence whether it is negative or positive. All the findings must be included as to avoid any false conclusions. Which brings me to the next rule; one must honestly accept the outcome of all the evidence that has been examined. Be certain that your investigation can be replicated. This will erect the possibility of any mistakes, fraud, or coincidence in the evidence. If the claim is proven to be a coincidence there is no need to replicate your investigation. The last point I want to share is, make certain the evidence you are claiming as truth is indeed that. The more elaborate the claim is the more proof is needed to support it. I do hope that “FILCHERS” will assist you in unveiling a rational conclusion to your inquiry of evangelistic healings.
22. According to Paul Kurtz, skepticism is vital in religion. He strongly believes that we must be able to examine and ask questions regarding religious events. These claims of miraculous occurrence must have reasoning to why they happened. We consistently question the paranormal phenomena that surround us, insisting on some sort of scientific evidence to base our beliefs. Why then the double standard when it comes to religion. As a society we need to follow Kurtz’s theory and bring skepticism to religion to bring an end to the age old controversy between science and religion.
Friday, July 11, 2008
John Maynard Smith - Interview
John Maynard Smith, an evolutionary biologist, pioneered the idea of applying game theory to Darwinism. He believed that natural selection was the main cause of cooperative behavior which also helped in evolution. Raised in the Church of England, Smith was fearful of having thoughts of doubt in regards to the creation of man. As a young child he read Darwin and then realized that there was an alternative explanation. This was the turning point which allowed him to follow his thoughts to the end.
Mr. Smith speaks of various aspects in regards to his explanation about evolution. He borrowed the mathematical notion from game theory and applied it to all living organisms (i.e. plants, genes, and viruses). He was curious about the payoff or change of fitness in these organisms. He then applied the theory of natural selection to explain the process of design in an organism. John goes on to discuss the eight major transitions in evolution. The transitions being the change in the way our genetic information is coded, transmitted, and stored. Smith’s thesis is that each transition that humans have surpassed was necessary in evolving us to the society we live in today. Through natural, dependent selection we were somehow preconditioned to become the intelligent species we are.
Mr. Smith’s theories seem to be such a rational explanation of our creation and how our lineage can continue to evolve into a greater species than man. It is very frightening to think of the possibility of being replaced by a species of super humans or biological engineered hybrids. Will we evolve to the point of extinction? I suppose only time will tell.
Mr. Smith speaks of various aspects in regards to his explanation about evolution. He borrowed the mathematical notion from game theory and applied it to all living organisms (i.e. plants, genes, and viruses). He was curious about the payoff or change of fitness in these organisms. He then applied the theory of natural selection to explain the process of design in an organism. John goes on to discuss the eight major transitions in evolution. The transitions being the change in the way our genetic information is coded, transmitted, and stored. Smith’s thesis is that each transition that humans have surpassed was necessary in evolving us to the society we live in today. Through natural, dependent selection we were somehow preconditioned to become the intelligent species we are.
Mr. Smith’s theories seem to be such a rational explanation of our creation and how our lineage can continue to evolve into a greater species than man. It is very frightening to think of the possibility of being replaced by a species of super humans or biological engineered hybrids. Will we evolve to the point of extinction? I suppose only time will tell.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Eleven
Violent acts of assault on another man are they justified when motivated by religion or are it mere acts of racism. Many religious followers believe this to be true and feel that they will be taken to their God to live for eternity. September 11, 2001 will go down in history as one of the most horrific events to take place on American soil. So many innocent American’s lives were taken at the hands of very faithful Muslims. This event brought about so much hostility and racism towards the people of Middle Eastern descent. Eleven clearly reveals this hatred and violence.
The snapshot of the Twin Towers on fire is a picture that will remain scared in many Americans minds. Many people became very critical towards an ethnic group that in my opinion are not all bad, the anger and hurt from 911 caused a label to be placed on all whom had ethnic ties to the Middle East. The young reporter whom attends prayer at the Mosque is there innocently conducting an interview. As he returns to his vehicle he is attacked by three men who proceed to beat him. This was not a random act of violence; racism against these people was the only motive these men had. The director of the film zooms in on the book “Absolutely American” which is being returned to the library. The book says a lot about this young man. Although he may be an American citizen, his ancestors may be of Middle Eastern descent, and so he is also targeted as a treat and attacked.
To witness such ignorance that surrounds our daily lives is so pathetic. Many people will make falsely claims and excuses disguising their behavior as a religious act. The diversity in religions is so broad, who is to say one is dominant over the other. This debate over religious beliefs has lead to great tension and racism with one another. The idea of ethnic racism and now religious racism is a frightening thought. Are we heading toward a future of utter chaos?
N. Diaz – 07/02/2008
The snapshot of the Twin Towers on fire is a picture that will remain scared in many Americans minds. Many people became very critical towards an ethnic group that in my opinion are not all bad, the anger and hurt from 911 caused a label to be placed on all whom had ethnic ties to the Middle East. The young reporter whom attends prayer at the Mosque is there innocently conducting an interview. As he returns to his vehicle he is attacked by three men who proceed to beat him. This was not a random act of violence; racism against these people was the only motive these men had. The director of the film zooms in on the book “Absolutely American” which is being returned to the library. The book says a lot about this young man. Although he may be an American citizen, his ancestors may be of Middle Eastern descent, and so he is also targeted as a treat and attacked.
To witness such ignorance that surrounds our daily lives is so pathetic. Many people will make falsely claims and excuses disguising their behavior as a religious act. The diversity in religions is so broad, who is to say one is dominant over the other. This debate over religious beliefs has lead to great tension and racism with one another. The idea of ethnic racism and now religious racism is a frightening thought. Are we heading toward a future of utter chaos?
N. Diaz – 07/02/2008
Skeptical Inquiry in Religion
We live in a time that is surrounded by purposed paranormal phenomena and religious claims of miraculous events. As humans we find the need to question the paranormal (i.e. U.F.Os and psychics) and insist on some form of scientific fact to base our belief. For centuries religion has been protected from this scientific inquiry for fear of exposing the truth perhaps. Religion is a series of beliefs that have been written and passed down for many Centuries. The events that are said to have occurred are in one form or another of a scientific nature. Scientists are constantly dissecting the world and its wonders to create theories on the same natural events that surround us now in the 21st Century. So why are we so afraid to be somewhat skeptical when it comes to religion? Should there be a science of religion?
The article states that religion is a human behavior, a belief, a faith that each human is entitled to have. This claim would categorize religion as a thought process which would fall into a science of a neurological nature. Yet the events claim to have occurred in the living conscious past. Although miraculous, these events are said to have occurred. I believe this age old controversy between science and religion is a personal preference and as humans we will always be skeptical about both.
N. Diaz 07/2008
The article states that religion is a human behavior, a belief, a faith that each human is entitled to have. This claim would categorize religion as a thought process which would fall into a science of a neurological nature. Yet the events claim to have occurred in the living conscious past. Although miraculous, these events are said to have occurred. I believe this age old controversy between science and religion is a personal preference and as humans we will always be skeptical about both.
N. Diaz 07/2008
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Beyond Belief - Session 1
The theory of evolution states that man evolved from apes. Yet God created all living creatures, man being of a different species. The controversy between science and religion is an ancient old clash of cultures. In this three day conference sponsored by the Science Network, a team of exceptional scholars attempt to make sense of this debate and bring forth a better understanding of both views. So which is correct, which belief is what all of mankind should take as fact.
According to Steven Weinberg there are four main conflicts that arise from the debate between science and religion. Evolution suggests that humans are merely animals while religion feels we are of a divine episode. Science downgrades humans from their essential role as children of God. Thirdly, the laws of nature put God’s hands in chains. The last conflict deals with the method of approach to the truth. Religious people turn to an authority (i.e. a priest, bishop, the Pope) for answers, while scientists do not have an authority. There are scientific heroes that they can go to for solutions but not direct answers. Weinberg’s solution is to somehow negotiate as allies because neither religion nor science can justify one another. It is a moral choice of belief when it comes to this great issue. Lawrence Krauss’s theory on the conflict of religion and science is that both demean one another. The main reasoning for this debate is that religion fears science due to the fact that God is not mentioned in any scientific theory, therefore making it immoral which is religiously wrong. Krauss goes on to stat that without scientific reasoning, everything that occurs around us must be a miraculous act. His solution is through knowledge; we must educate people about the majesties of nature by selling science and adorn their faith by pointing out the non-sense.
The lecture that I most enjoyed was that of Sam Harrison. Harrison makes some very compelling statements in regards to his theory on the conflict between science and religion. He believes that the true conflict is that religion has been protected fro scientific ridicule for so long; this has caused a perfectly sane society to except religious stupidity. Religion makes such great claims of miracles on bad evidence to support them so people must have faith – a permit that allows a strong belief when all reasoning has failed. Science brings intellectual honesty to the table. It is this ignorance that Harrison feels can be very dangerous to the world. More and more religious sects are disguising their religious behavior as motivated by economics or politics. Harrison’s example of the terror of 911 really opened my mind to the obvious violence that occurs daily in the name of religion. The insanity or dogmatism that many religious people follow is really quit disturbing.
I end with a quote from Sam Harrison, “Science can not prove there is no God, but love for one another should not be motivated by delusions.” So what is the solution, how do we resolve one of the greatest clashes of cultures of all time? As these great scholars suggested, we accept the fact that both science and religion are both two very different beliefs of the same topic. Through education they must become knowledgeable allies with one another.
According to Steven Weinberg there are four main conflicts that arise from the debate between science and religion. Evolution suggests that humans are merely animals while religion feels we are of a divine episode. Science downgrades humans from their essential role as children of God. Thirdly, the laws of nature put God’s hands in chains. The last conflict deals with the method of approach to the truth. Religious people turn to an authority (i.e. a priest, bishop, the Pope) for answers, while scientists do not have an authority. There are scientific heroes that they can go to for solutions but not direct answers. Weinberg’s solution is to somehow negotiate as allies because neither religion nor science can justify one another. It is a moral choice of belief when it comes to this great issue. Lawrence Krauss’s theory on the conflict of religion and science is that both demean one another. The main reasoning for this debate is that religion fears science due to the fact that God is not mentioned in any scientific theory, therefore making it immoral which is religiously wrong. Krauss goes on to stat that without scientific reasoning, everything that occurs around us must be a miraculous act. His solution is through knowledge; we must educate people about the majesties of nature by selling science and adorn their faith by pointing out the non-sense.
The lecture that I most enjoyed was that of Sam Harrison. Harrison makes some very compelling statements in regards to his theory on the conflict between science and religion. He believes that the true conflict is that religion has been protected fro scientific ridicule for so long; this has caused a perfectly sane society to except religious stupidity. Religion makes such great claims of miracles on bad evidence to support them so people must have faith – a permit that allows a strong belief when all reasoning has failed. Science brings intellectual honesty to the table. It is this ignorance that Harrison feels can be very dangerous to the world. More and more religious sects are disguising their religious behavior as motivated by economics or politics. Harrison’s example of the terror of 911 really opened my mind to the obvious violence that occurs daily in the name of religion. The insanity or dogmatism that many religious people follow is really quit disturbing.
I end with a quote from Sam Harrison, “Science can not prove there is no God, but love for one another should not be motivated by delusions.” So what is the solution, how do we resolve one of the greatest clashes of cultures of all time? As these great scholars suggested, we accept the fact that both science and religion are both two very different beliefs of the same topic. Through education they must become knowledgeable allies with one another.
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