On 7/21/2012 6:42 AM, X ` Man wrote:
On 7/21/12 5:52 AM, Eisboch wrote:


"thumper" wrote in message ...

On 7/18/2012 5:30 AM, Eisboch wrote:

If "Faith" isn't serious evidence of something, what are you
complaining about?
For those who have embraced it, it is the most significant cause of
millions upon
millions of other people's lifestyles, views on controversial issues and
even
why we are all here in the first place. "Faith" has an enormous affect
on how
people think and act world wide . If that isn't serious evidence of
something,
I don't know what is.

For those of us that lack it, we may not understand it. Doesn't mean it
doesn't
exist. I tend not to ridicule or attempt to destroy in others
something that I don't
have or understand. You tend to demonstrate otherwise.

Excuse my butting in on your comment to Harry.

The preponderance of faith is evidence that many yearn for larger
meaning to existence, a desire for the community, and reassurance of
immortality that religion can offer. I have no problem with that. I
find it's offerings lacking in substance but that's a personal
conclusion.

The fact that many have sincere faith in a supernatural creator is *not*
evidence that they are correct about unknowable aspects or existence of
the objects of their faith. This is obvious and I'm surprised at the
confusion or deliberate equivocation on that point.

I find the subject mildly interesting and think polite debate is
healthy. It helps formulate thought and I personally have received
insight from others questioning my beliefs. As far as I know I've not
ridiculed others. (well maybe JustWait but he seems to enjoy playing
victim) If faith is so fragile as to be undermined by honest questions
and debate then I fail to see the loss.

------------------------------------------------------

My comments were related to the existence of Faith, not of what
those with faith believe in. There's a difference.


Of course "faith" exists, but that doesn't mean it is based upon proof
or rationality or reality. There are millions of people who have faith
that Santa Claus exists. The "faith" is there, obviously, but there is
no reality attached to it. I suppose it is nice to have a religious
belief in a deity, because millions and millions of people have believed
in deities for tens of thousands of years, and have taken comfort from
those beliefs, whether those deities are pieces of wood, stone, plants,
the sun, or beings that man conjures up in his own image.

Faith is intangible, just like your lobster boat and red barn.