All Theists and Non-Theists: Do Your Beliefs Make You Superior (moral, Creator)

[Godfather89]

If you believe in the truth and you dont define what the meaning of truth is than you are very wise...

[TurkeyOnRye]

There is no such thing as better. There is only better from the standpoint of standards. I only think Quiznos is better than Subway because they seem to make fresher, more delicious sandwiches. I guess in my mind, there are more preferable beliefs than others, particularly those that concern quality of life, but aside from that, "better" is just a word that gravitates with it's self-made rules.

Most of the time, I feel morally opposed to organized religion. But when I'm confronted with a non-denominational theist, even though I'm an atheist, I feel like we're on the exact same ground; when religion is not a factor in a person's beliefs, their true nature is exposed, and I find that we're not that different at all.

[ChristineES]

There is no such thing as better. There is only better from the standpoint of standards.

That is very true-- it is a matter of opinion. I prefer The Statler Brothers over the Oak Ridge Boys so I think the former is better. But others may prefer The Oak Ridge Boys, so they would say they are better. (I prefer Subway, LOL).

I can very easily agree with an atheist on certain matters. There may even be atheists that I agree with on all matters with the exception of religion and faith. I may disagree with other theists on every matter except that of faith and religion.

[logician]

"All Theists and Non-Theists: Do Your Beliefs Make You Superior (moral, Creator) "

Since all of my extended family, except for one person is Christian (or Jewish), no, my beliefs don't make me feel superior, just alone.

[TurkeyOnRye]

Originally Posted by logician

"All Theists and Non-Theists: Do Your Beliefs Make You Superior (moral, Creator) "

Since all of my extended family, except for one person is Christian (or Jewish), no, my beliefs don't make me feel superior, just alone.

Same thing here. My sister is probably the only other skeptic in my family. Well...I guess my aunt, uncle and cousins on my dad's side are pretty a-religious, but they're pretty materialistic and not very concerned with philosophical questions. Other than that, my family and their friends are believers and almost find my skepticism and religious criticism offensive to listen to. I try to bring it up anyway...

[rheff78]

Originally Posted by ChristineES

One thing I have noticed talking to people of various faiths and non-faiths is that there a small number of each group who believe that what they believe makes them superior in some way or another.

For example: Some Theists they are more moral than non-theists just because they believe in God. There are some Atheists who believe they are more intelligent than theists because all of their beliefs. There are many other examples I did not use.

Do you believe that your faith or non-faith makes you better in some way? Or do you believe that no one is superior just because of what they believe or don't believe?

I tend to believe the latter, that no one is better than another person. I believe that Atheists may be moral and that theists may be intelligent (as in the examples).

It's because of my beliefs that I feel inferior.

[ChristineES]

Originally Posted by rheff78

It's because of my beliefs that I feel inferior.

That should be the answer of any Follower of Christ, no matter which denomination you are.

[TurkeyOnRye]

Originally Posted by rheff78

It's because of my beliefs that I feel inferior.

Originally Posted by ChristineES

That should be the answer of any Follower of Christ, no matter which denomination you are.

That is a reason why I oppose religion, christianity in particular. No one should feel inferior, we should be comfortable with ourselves through and through. Though I should add that Jesus' words (had he existed) can be quite distorted. In the words of Eckhart Tolle:

"You are here to enable the divine purpose of the universe to unfold. That is how important you are!"

[MysticSang'ha]

Originally Posted by ChristineES

One thing I have noticed talking to people of various faiths and non-faiths is that there a small number of each group who believe that what they believe makes them superior in some way or another.

For example: Some Theists they are more moral than non-theists just because they believe in God. There are some Atheists who believe they are more intelligent than theists because all of their beliefs. There are many other examples I did not use.

Do you believe that your faith or non-faith makes you better in some way? Or do you believe that no one is superior just because of what they believe or don't believe?

I tend to believe the latter, that no one is better than another person. I believe that Atheists may be moral and that theists may be intelligent (as in the examples).

In my view, any approach to religion/philosophy that indulges in self-absorbed attempts to separate and/or contrast one from others is unskillful and a clumsy way of finding common ground. So whether one feels superior or inferior, whether one is a theist or an atheist, the mere glance at placing beliefs and concepts on such a high pedestal as a standard of measurement for worthiness is ultimately a waste of precious time and energy.

It isn't that varying beliefs might be considered more or less effective or skillful, and even with these terms we must consider what the goals for each perspectives are. Obviously, if a society considers one of it's goals to be equanimity between genders, it would be silly to place it's own stumbling block right in front of them in the form of sex discrimination. Passing judgement then, while we all do it at some time or another, becomes a much more daunting task if we hope to have excellent clarity and wisdom in our discernments.

My point being....should we find ourselves comparing and contrasting ourselves with another, perhaps instead of using culturally hot-button and emotionally charged terms like "superior or inferior" - we ought to consider weighing the perspective with words such as "skillful", "effective", and "proficient"? And perhaps instead of comparing these beliefs with other beliefs - which is next to impossible, IMO - we ought to discern whether these beliefs are "effective" at achieving it's own established and specific goals?

Just musing.




Peace,
Mystic