“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” -Aristotle, Metaphysics
It is natural to reject ideas and beliefs that are unfamiliar to us. We are comfortable with what we know and subscribe to, and are inherently resistant to things that may "shatter" our beliefs. This does not make us bad people, it makes us human. But what does it mean to be human? This is what Marilynne Robinson explores in her essay. A large part of religious belief deals with who and what we are as human beings. "If my beliefs are wrong, then I am nothing!" This is frightening. This is why we defend our beliefs with such vehemence. It's not that we hate groups with different belief systems or view them as heathens, it's that we cling so desperately to our own that there is no room for any others. It's about protection--protecting our understanding of what and who we are. Identity is the premier human need. And once we have a sense of identity, we cling to it militantly.
So the first key, then, is to analyze and break down our own beliefs. We must be able to discuss beliefs as our own and not as they are prescribed to us. Dogma will always be rejected by someone who does not share your beliefs. But nobody can deny human experience: “I believe these things because I have had such-and-such experiences.” And once we get there, we must recognize that other humans believe differently because they have experienced differently. Any Muslim can testify just as passionately that Islam is the truth as you can that Mormonism is the truth. So who is right? You both are. Yes. It is possible for two paradoxical things to both be true at the same time. So now that you’re both right, you can have an intellectual discussion about the ins and outs of the human condition. And both are mutually edified together.
I’ve had this experience many times. Several of my former coworkers are virulent atheists, as is my current roommate. They all licked their chops at the opportunity to crush my beliefs and convert me to atheism. None of them succeeded. Nor did I succeed in convincing them of the existence of deity. After several discussions, we accepted each other as intellectuals with foundations for our beliefs and have high respect for each other’s faith system. And since reaching this point of mutual intellectual respect, we have had some fascinating and enlightening discussions about humanity, about the cosmos, about science, miracles, creation, procreation, and about ethics. But we had to get to a point of mutual intellectual respect before anything worthwhile came from our discussions. The instant you discount another person’s beliefs, you kill any chance of sharing your own with any efficacy. Seek to learn and understand the basis of other beliefs, you’ll gain the respect of it’s believers who will more readily listen to your own.
I really enjoy your word choice of: "virulent atheists". Atheists are just that, virulent. I would rather live in Roman times, with polytheist drunkards and fornicators than living in this "Age of Atheism". I have more respect for Muslims than I do for self-labelled "atheists". Most of the people who claim to be atheist are really either agnostics, pagans, and/or in a state of self-denial. I think you are very correct when you say, "Seek to learn and understand the basis of other beliefs, you’ll gain the respect of it’s believers who will more readily listen to your own." I don't know if you intended it but after I read that I added another part to it inside my head that went like this, "Then, after they listen to your own you can guide them to the Truth so they can abandon all their wrong beliefs and start believing in the right beliefs." I also commend you on your attempts to convince your roommates of the existence of a deity. Those conversations are rough sometimes and its important that they are had. Keep it up, they will eventually thank you for sharing your testimony.
ReplyDeleteTo be clear, I did not posit that all atheists are virulent. Generalizations are reductive and ignorant. I only meant to say that these particular coworkers of mine were virulent in their atheism.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. I was wrong to generalize. I should have said that all of the atheists I have known have been virulent.
DeleteSo, Casey, are you saying that you normally don't have respect for Muslims? Correct me if I'm wrong cuz that's how I'm reading it.
ReplyDeleteI meant what I said that I have more respect for Muslims than atheists. I respect both but from my experiences with Muslims and atheists I have learned to respect the Muslims more. Really though, I am talking about the philosophy of Islam in comparison to the philosophy of atheism. Belief is something I believe to be untrue is better than lack of belief or belief in the non-existence of something.
DeleteSounds good. Thanks for clarifying that for me.
DeleteFurthermore, I disagree with the insertion into my work that follows this way: "Then, after they listen to your own you can guide them to the Truth so they can abandon all their wrong beliefs and start believing in the right beliefs." I reject the notion that beliefs can be wrong or right. A belief is a conviction, a faith, a trust. The notion that someone's beliefs are wrong is not only arrogant but also sanctimonious, and directly opposes the 11th Article of the faith to which you subscribe. The object of one's belief or conviction may be misguided, but presence of belief is a good thing. I never share my beliefs with the intent of converting those to whom I share them. Conversion is the job of the third member of the Godhead, not mine. I will discuss and share and explain and expound my beliefs to anyone who will listen--and in like manner will listen attentively to theirs--but I am free from the duty of convincing them. We have had mind-expanding intellectual conversations, but I am never moved up by the Spirit to testify, and testimony when not moved upon by the Spirit is ineffective and wasteful.
ReplyDeleteI think that I have failed to write what I was feeling. I was feeling that beliefs are correct or incorrect. The words "right" and "wrong" were improperly used. I trust that I am choosing the correct ones, I have faith in my choice, and I am convicted in my feelings that I have made the correct choice. The biggest point of my comment was meant to be that I commend your courage for sharing your beliefs. I was using the words "convince" because you wrote, "Nor did I succeed in convincing them of the existence of deity." I think that expressing your opinion is tough and scary sometimes (for me at least) and I appreciated reading about you doing it. I really agree with your statement, "presence of belief is a good thing".
DeleteI also totally agree with all your comments about conversion and the Spirit.