Comments on: What religion does

By: Brian D

Brian D — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:16:23 +0000

Perhaps, instead of “be satisfied with not understanding”, an alternate phrasing of “[actively] impedes the search for greater understanding” could work. Especially since it’s phrased in a way that will irk anyone who seeks greater universal understanding by simply re-reading the same re-translations of Bronze-Age-text over and over, while still capturing the spirit of the original. A scientist familiar with and comfortable with not knowing is “satisfied [for now] with not understanding”, depending on the question. No critical thinker ever would be happy with impeding the quest for understanding.

(I also stand by Michel’s “encourages irresponsibility and unaccountability” version.)

By: Dan

Dan — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 12:53:34 +0000

Michel,

Thanks for reading! I really like your distinction between procedural and declarative belief systems. It’s a great way to put it.

It’s true that there are some things science will not figure out in our lifetimes (or perhaps ever), but I don’t think that’s an excuse to cop out by saying “God did it.” I much prefer “We don’t know yet.” I’m okay with not knowing and it doesn’t make me want to attribute the mystery to magic.

I like your rephrase to “encourages irresponsibility and unaccountability” as well. The implication of an absolute morality was unintentional. My bad!

Cheers!

By: Michel F

Michel F — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 09:19:54 +0000

I like this list a lot. I like it because it reduces the problems with organized religions to a series of behaviours and procedures that should be avoided. Since my normative belief system focuses purely on procedural knowledge and what people do (rather than declarative knowledge and what people believe), this means I can easily transcribe this into a list of things You Should Not Do and remove the word “religion” from the discussion entirely, sidestepping the whole ‘you’re just a mean nasty atheist’ complaint. Thus when someone inevitably says “But my religion/belief system doesn’t tell us to do this or that!” I can respond “Good! Make sure that you, personally, do NONE of the things on the list, and don’t encourages others to do them.” I don’t have to get involved with what they believe; what they do is all that matters.

I would refine it a little further. The “be satisfied with not understanding” needs to be clarified; the sad fact is that there are some things science will not come to understand in our respective lifetimes. It sucks, and it’s no reason to stop doing science, but it’s a fact and we each have to accept that. The phrasing “promotes immorality” could also need rewording, since it implies an absolute morality to deviate from; I think “encourages irresponsibility and unaccountability” was more what you described. Even with little issues, though, it’s still far better than any traditional commandments, since it gives a rationale for each proscription.

Thanks!