Reply To: The big problem with Hell

[Siderite]

I do agree that has been a feature in previous discussions, JI. I don’t agree with your take, will vociferously express why I disagree with such, but I don’t think it’s beyond humans to understand why some people believe. I think some glibly dismiss the need for spiritual fulfilment in many humans. It doesn’t make them stupid for believing in ‘Bronze Age myths’. I may think Christianity is an archaic myth, but it’s clear its teachings resonate with loads, and I don’t think the reasons why are beyond the limits of understanding for anyone.

I don’t like religious sensitivity, of any creed, and will argue against any attempt to push religious teaching on others. However, people should be free to make their own minds up, including on faith. I have little issue with religions preaching their beliefs, which I find disagreeable or abhorrent, in their temples, churches and mosques. I don’t want them to expect those beliefs to be forced on others by law, though, which is what is grating about the sheer cowardice in situations like the Kettletorpe blasphemy case.

I know JI won’t agree with me on faith based matters, but I hope it comes across that I respect the right to believe and the need for faith, even if I find aspects of that belief less worthy of respect. I could go on and on about this topic, but sensitivity about belief (any belief, I am not speaking just about religion here) is one of my biggest bugbears. I think it is a partial reason for why authoritarian thinking arises, because it makes beliefs beyond question.