Our topic for this last post is constructed around doubt in our current society, or as Hecht calls it, "Doubt at the New Millennium." Although I myself am not a doubter - I am an inquirer, which is a significant difference - I found this particular section of the text inspiring. In the first few paragraphs there seems to be a call for a closer look at all religions. To some this may mean scrutinizing all religions and thus shunning the idea of faith, but for me it is applicable in the sense that I often find myself questioning (and confirming) why I hold certain beliefs.
I am a Christian. I'm just going to put it out there. I was raised in a Christian family but have at times asked myself the very questions that most people inquire of (all) religion. My experiences - and the feeling that I hold a "soul" within my physical body - lead me to believe in a God and an afterlife. Christianity, at least from my perspective (anyone may feel free to disagree with me), is arguably the most controversial and scrutinized religion in the world today. Hecht is good enough to include several Arab philosophers who call for a necessary closer look into the theologies of other religions, including Islam. Salman Rushdie said that the issues at stake involved Islam, even though the U.S. government was trying not to make it about Islam (this is what he said.) By making the events of 9/11 disconnected from the Muslim faith, Rushdie claimed that the U.S. was trying to preserve peace for Muslims. However, Rushdie advocated for a scrutinized examination of the religion - this was required if Muslim countries were to take on the principle in which the modern world is based.
Ibn Warraq has stated that the Koran needs to be studied "scientifically" and that Muslims should "look at their own religion in a critical way as well." I not only agree with this, but I also believe that this should apply to all religions. As a follower of Christianity, this statement has made me conscious that I am also free to approach my religion in a scientific - and not just religious - way.
Hecht then lists a roll-call of modern day atheists, many of whom are prominent in our entertainment industry. These include: George Carlin, Katherine Hepburn, Christopher Reeve, Jodie Foster, and John Lennon. It's true that we are now in an age of science and intellectual uncertainty. Hecht is right to say that the ancient methods of doubt are again alive today. But, in my opinion, it's also a new age for religion in the sense that followers of different faiths are looking more closely in their beliefs and values. For me, it means confirming my beliefs, reconstructing old ones, and sometimes throwing some values that I see out-dated and obsolete. A dedication for inquiry and free thought is necessary here. If that is what is called for, then I believe that (for the most part) that is the right thing.
Factual Question: Which one of these does Hecht not mention in there being doubt in?
A) Modern society
B) Modern art
C) Modern cosmology
D) Politics
E) Modern entertainment
(Answer: E.)
Discussion question: Do you think that doubt is an aspect of inquiry that everyone should have in order to be a free thinker?
Immanuel, Isn't being a doubter merely being an inquirer?
ReplyDeleteMy questions for this week are:
Disc: Do you believe that religion will be ridiculed in the year 3001, as Arthur Clarke mused?
Fact: Churches are increasing in America and England?
False
Warren Buffett is also listed as an atheist...I'll just leave that open.
ReplyDeleteAnyway....
Factual: JMH uses 9/11 as the jumping off point for doubt in this millenium.....TRUE or FALSE.
Discussion: Is JMH right in using 9/11 as a jumping off point for doubt in this millenium? As milleniums go, we have hardly entered this one.
[sidenote]: One of my friends told me today that their favorite philosopher is William James!!
I think that your statement about doubting and inquiring is interesting... I feel as though your interpretation of doubt seems to have negative connotations attached to it. I think Hechts goal was to simply remind us that everyone has their way of interpreting life. Weather it is the same or different to another's point of view, one needs to at least accept the fact that all philosophies can be torn apart, including their own. Accepting this does not mean you have to compromise your own beliefs, but I think it's the the first step in opening your mind to further inquiries and better understanding the people around you.
ReplyDeleteIf you never Doubt, you'll never know more then what you've been taught to learn.
Root of all problems? (in my opinion): Fundamentalist [insert religion here]
ReplyDeleteI am also not a huge fan of the religious institutions for obvious reasons. Everybody is arguing the same thing, that there is some higher power or powers in the Universe. We shouldn't necessarily doubt the ideas of a religion, because I believe that we still wont understand everything in the year 3001. What we should doubt are the powerful governments, extremist groups and religious institutions force-feeding the population their interpretation of a belief.
Too many people are close minded, of which are too easily offended. The universe is infinite (or so we understand) and so are the possibilities.