> >> There is a leap here that went over my head. How does rejection of the idea > >> of a loving God translate into a lack of optimism for the universe? > >>Optimism, > >> morality, wonder, etc., can exist without a belief in God. > > > >But I'm willing to bet it's a much tougher enterprise... > >
> Paul Brandon asked: > > Why? > A belief in an omnipotent supernatural deity leads to an expectation of a > perfect world, and much resultant cognitive dissonance. I'm not so sure. I think for many who believe in an "omnipotent supernatural deity" [is there such a thing as a natural deity? :) ] they believe the perfect world is a thing of the past. Of course that results in less optimism. But then again the perfect world they might be expecting is not of this world, so that can result in more. So it depends on what you mean by perfect world (how many hairs have I split so far?). > The atheistic optimist has no reason to expect perfection. And no reason to be optimistic about perfection ;) > One can hope for a preponderance of good while expecting some evil in an > imperfect world (with no belief in a Superbeing capable of cleaning up the > mess if s/he so disposes). Very true. And while the view that the world can get better via natural means may be seem more realistic, is it more optimistic than the theist who believes the "omnipotent supernatural deity" is gonna effect change in a more radical way than any natural method could? On an individual level, this is a common cited cause for adults who convert to religion -- the observation that other religionists have changed somehow, in a manner and intensity that defies any natural or typical mechanisms. Optimistically yours (hey, we left out morality and wonder), Jim Guinee, Ph.D. Univ of Central Arkansas --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
