Originally Posted by
PTravel
Because science is objective and religion is not. Because science is verifiable and religion is not. Because science doesn't have "sides" and is not a matter of "belief." If you tell me that planetary orbits are elliptical, contrary to my contention that they are round, your are right and I am wrong, and that can be demonstrated objectively. On the other hand if you tell me that your version of an invisible man in the sky is right and mine is wrong, there is no objectivity involved, our respective beliefs don't matter one iota, and your "correction" of my "error" is insulting.
I just wanted to comment on this point. (I think that we almost completely agree otherwise.)
There are claims from all over that religious behaviour has an effect on the physical world. (Some generic examples: "If I do X, then the FSM will grant me Y"; or "In fifty years, the FSM will appear and reward pasta lovers"; etc...) In this setting, religion is testable. Either the effect exists or it doesn't, and if it does, you can try to find its cause. There is a clear truth value.
On the other extreme, a sole statement like "FSM exists" is indeed untestable. You can still explain to someone believing this the error in reasoning and show examples of how it is on the same footing as the Celestial Teapot. It proves, as you said, a person simply cannot
know that such things exist; the position is untenable.
On the whole, it's certainly up to you how you want to deal with proselytising - I have nothing against you in any case. I suppose I would find it a little insulting to my intelligence if someone were doing it to scam me somehow (e.g. joining a cult and giving them money and property). However, it seems to me that some people just don't know any better, so I cut them some slack and try to at least have a talk with them and try to provide some education, if I have some time. I find nothing about the latter situation offensive or threatening, although it is absolutely annoying and inconvenient.
Originally Posted by
PTravel
Originally Posted by Ocn Vw 1K
Last edited by Ocn Vw 1K; Today at 12:45 pm.. Reason: See note above.
I'm sorry -- what note?
I hope I'm not jumping the gun, but I think our moderator was just referring to a part of your post that he edited out. This:
The beliefs have no effect on me. The rampant discourtesy and arrogance in proselytizing for them very much has an effect on me and, moreover, given my ethnic background, is associated with compulsion and persecution of the most malevolent kind. If your religion works for you, great! I'm glad. If you believe your religion should work for me AND you believe you have a divine mandate to convince me of that, please, and I say this in the nicest way possible, [Edited by Moderator per FT Rules.]