--- In [email protected], "qntmpkt" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > ---Right, Harris' overall point is that using logic coupled > with scientific reason and common sense can help us separate > "the truth" from what is patently false; and that the latter > can get in the way of our quest for happiness. That's his > point. Brain power: use it or lose it; or let ourselves > be guided by faith. The dispute arises in accommodating both > together, and to what degree. Even the handful of "Evangelical > athiests" disagree amongst themselves; and I believe Harris > tries to keep secret the fact that he's a Buddhist.
I think that's well put. Part of the problem of accommodating both together is the question of whether there are some aspects of "the truth" that are outside the realm of true/false, at least as far as can be determined with logic and scientific reason. It's not entirely an issue of brain power versus faith, one OR the other. >From his earlier interview with Salon, I got the distinct impression Harris realizes this, which is why it's so strange to see him go off on Sullivan, who doesn't seem to have any problem accommodating both, without resisting science or holding what you call "patently false"--factually false-- beliefs (age of the earth, pi, etc.). > > [EMAIL PROTECTED], "authfriend" <jstein@> wrote: > > > > --- In [email protected], new.morning <no_reply@> > > wrote: > > > > > > --- In [email protected], "authfriend" <jstein@> > wrote: > > <snip> > > > > Sullivan sounds to me much more like one of these > > > > Christians than the kind that Harris apparently > > > > envisions. > > > > > > True. > > > > > > And, (not contradicting you), in addition of course, > > > inspiration to do "good works" can come from a number > > > of "non religious" sources, not just Jesus and Buddha. > > > etc. > > > > Oh (agreeing with you), unquestionably. But I > > find that significant, really, only as a response > > to those who claim that religion is the basis of > > all moral behavior. It doesn't particularly matter > > to me where people get the inspiration to do good > > works (or avoid bad ones), as long as it's positive > > (i.e., not in fear and trembling or out of guilt > > or whatever). > > > > That some people do good for nonreligious reasons > > isn't a justification for saying religion is useless, > > in other words. > > >
