Faith and Doubt

[Aias]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree ... c-evidence

This article summarizes a piece of research which demonstrates what people do with scientific opinion, that is, the world of fact and reason, when it confronts what amounts to "faith" on their part in some or other notion. It's the process of denial and dismissal and, likely, distraction from the question or depreciation of those identified with opposing views.

An interesting way of "cutting to the chase" is to take any faith-based proposition and call it simply a lie. Quite frequently, it is. If it does survive the lie test, then it's your own set of beliefs you might have to subject to review and revision. Beliefs are susceptible of critical analysis; faith never is. The disproof of faith is denied and dismissed...on faith.

I raise the question because it is relevant to Hellenismos. Should Hellenismos consider itself a "faith" and follow the path of the Abrahamic monotheists, or a set of beliefs that avoids entanglements in battles with "science" on one hand or on the other battles with other cults?

Somehow out of the mythic and liturgical background of ancient Hellenismos a lively conversation ensued which ranged from atheism to zoology with communities for all and confrontations with none. Is there any way of approaching belief such that it doesn't degenerate into faith and fact and leave them at each other's throats, that is, treats the division as a false and dangerous dilemma?

[kayleighannyikha]

This is an interesting article. Certainly, I feel more comfortable with things that do not challenge my world-view. For instance, I have a vested interest in the universe being cyclical as opposed to expanding forever because I think the latter image is extremely depressing due to the cosmology of the post-hydrogen/helium universe.

I think that sometimes people will automatically manipulate scientific headlines to increase public opinion of their discipline. Much of the astronomy news I follow provides sensationalist headlines and very optimistic first paragraphs before delving into the actual topic they are discussing. It is purely to manipulate people. Quite honestly, scientific disciplines compete for federal funding, and the one that can make its research most appealing to the public will be the one to have backing in the legislature --- where it really counts. Periodicals and news sites addressing these disciplines also have a vested interest in having something to report on, so they commiserate. Getting people excited about science is the best way to get funding for science.

The principle in the article you posted is fundamentally the same as above, albeit with a different focus. Honestly, it explains why progressive and conservative media are divided: in order to keep readers, they need to cater to their bases, so a lot gets left out. For example, evidence that lesbians are fantastic at raising kids is touted on the left and defamed on the right, but the real information is tangential (in this case, planned kids are generally more well-adjusted independent of their parents' sexual orientations).

[kayleighannyikha]

I raise the question because it is relevant to Hellenismos. Should Hellenismos consider itself a "faith" and follow the path of the Abrahamic monotheists, or a set of beliefs that avoids entanglements in battles with "science" on one hand or on the other battles with other cults?

I consider Hellenic Polytheism a faith, but only because it accords us the same rights as monotheists with respect to religious freedom. There are substantial differences between the two: for instance, ancient Hellenic Polytheism had a long tradition of argument and discussion that most Christians would find uncomfortable. Remember what Plato said about the poets! Hellenic Polytheism is capable of holding a wide range of beliefs as well, from people based in the atomic school to those who have paid the price for baby Zagreus.

We should avoid most entanglements, but most people and scientists will probably consider us nutcases no matter what we do. I think we're more reasonable than the people who believe in Armageddon and the Rapture or whatever, but the first thing that comes to most adults' minds when one says "I worship the Greek Gods!" is probably sex with eagles and gods eating their own living children --- not Pythagoras, Plato, or the people who founded drama as we know it. On the plus side, I think we know who wins for shock factor.

[Aias]

Thanks, kayleighannyikha, for sharing your thoughtful reactions in your two posts.

[Aetius]

Thanks to both of you!