Hello everybody!
Thursday, our group discussed our thoughts on Don Cupitt and his non realism about God. We raised and discussed questions such as, "Is God merely what me make of him? Did God create us or did we create Him?" We agreed that "God" is different for everyone. I do not think any two people on earth have the same concept of God. Our group also agreed with Cupitt's idea that the concept of God is in a constant state of evolution. It has shifted from a church oriented, salvation basis concept to a more personal concept, which Cupitt defines as the "kingdom phase." We also liked Cupitt's views on religious law. If it helps, follow it. If not, disregard it. I think this holds true to a certain extent. Like Cupitt, we agreed that conversation is the best way to arrive at an agreed upon truth. No, I do not think we can ever find absolute "truth." But communicating thoughts and ideas enables us to better synchronize our views. I love how our group can touch on such dynamic and controversial issues in a nonpartisan way. I look forward to tomorrow's discussion on Cottingham and the meaning of life.
Topics for Discussion (Cottingham):
1) What does the term "meaningful life" mean to you? Do you think there is an absolute form of a "meaningful life?"
2) Do you think that in order to have a meaningful life, one must face the fact everything can change at any given moment?
3) Do you think human beings are independent or dependent beings?
Factual Questions (Cottingham):
1) What does Cottingham say is the main problem about human existence?
A: It's fragility.
2) What does Cottingham say is the first step toward meaningfulness?
A: Humility
3) What does he mean by this "humility?"
A: Acknowledging our dependence upon whatever or whoever created us.
Looking forward to beginning "Stoic Pragmatism" and class discussion tomorrow!
Arielle Roides
Our topic today is atheism, which Grayling defines not only as the rejection of gods or supernatural agencies but also the idea that there might even be these things (not to be confused with agnosticism). One thing I found interesting that he states is how death is ‘gratefully final’. He says that you should work while you have light and in the end there will be wonderful rest from it all. I personally don’t think this is the case. I also found it interesting that he said, about the belief in a God or gods, that ‘people might find comfort or solace in having something to hang on to in times of distress’. This isn’t the case for me or anyone religious (that I know or have heard of anyway). When someone believes in God/gods, they are fully devoted, not just running to God/gods in trying times.
ReplyDelete--How does Grayling prefer to think of atheist belief? (the universe is a realm of natural law)
--Do you agree with Graying when he says secularism is something that religions themselves should be embracing for their own survival?
--Natalie Ricketts
I enjoyed talking about Cupitt and his view on the meaning of life.On tomorrow's discussion we will be talkind about Graying and atheism. I'm looking forward to hearing about everyone's thoughts about this.
ReplyDeleteFactual question:In Graying's discussion aboout logical fallacy, what is argumentum ad baculum known for? (the 'appeal to force')
Discussion question:What does he mean about deatg being final?
Tomorrow we will be discussing Graying and his atheist views. Although I do not agree with his views on death, I do appreciate the fact that he believes you should seize the day. However, I am with Natalie on this one, I do not only choose to believe in God when I need the comfort and pat on the back. I believe in God when things are good and when they are bad; he isn't some pacifying presence that I use for my benefit. I believe his is My Creator who loves me and loves everyone more than we can fathom.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, this should be a very interesting discussion since it's so controversial, hah.
Factual: Does Graying view this as the golden age of atheism? No, he views it as a reaction to the excessive amounts of "religious people," and the church trying to reconcile itself.
Discussion: Do you believe in ghosts? (hah.) & What do you think happens when you die?
I spent 11 years in a private Christian school (3-yr old pre-k, 4-yr old prek, kindergarten, and 1-8 grade), and I can honestly say that I wouldn't have had it any other way. It really gave me a great foundation for the rest of my life. I decided to go to public high school, and I really am glad that I made that choice also. The values and morals that I learned during my private school years really made my public school years a lot easier. This ties in to Grayling's argument that people are naturally good and willing to do whatever it takes to make peace with others. I've always wondered whether I am so compassionate about others and have such a huge conscience because of my natural characteristics, my upbringing, or because of God in my life. I've always been taught to give all credit to God, but I still wonder. I definitely think God has a lot to do with it. I would love to say that it's just my natural characteristics, but then I wonder what I'd be like if I was NOT brought up in a private Christian school/ sweet southern Christian home. I guess I'll never know, but I can always contemplate. Atheists might say something along the lines of, "Well, that's not technically God that would make you so compassionate and have such a big conscience. That is either human nature or just the fear of being punished but not actually God." I am curious about what the group thinks about this because we definitely have a range of beliefs.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I didn't like how he made belief in God equivelent to belief in fairies. Belief in the creator of our universe is a bit more serious than belief in a fairy who stole your spoon. I respect his point of view, but I think he presented his argument in a disrespectful way (as far as fairies go).
Factual: What does Grayling say is the difference between naturalism and atheism?
Discussion: Do you think that people who believe in God have a better "moral compass" because of the fear of punishment or do you think that humans are naturally good and willing to do whatever it takes to be at peace with/without God (relatively, of course)? Also do you think people who follow religions and their morals/values should be discredited or given less credit to for their moral actions, as Grayling thinks, because they didnn't "think for themselves"?
I did not much care for the chapter on Atheism, due to the fact that I felt like Grayling was very closed minded about the topic. I think that there must be some sort of supernatural powers in this world, because there are so many things that cannot be explained by logic. For example, how can one say that miracles happen because of "chemistry" or "Science". It is very strange for me to talk to people who believe that there is nothing after death. I think that it is a very depressing thought and even so, why would someone want to live there life believeing that after they die they will decay into nothing. I think in order to get the most out of life you must explore every option it has to offer and take those options into consideration without being closed mind towards one thing. Life is very subjective....... Do you believe in life after death? What does Grayling say about intelligent design?
ReplyDelete