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Why do some people cling so tightly to their beliefs?

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  • Pharoah's magicians did duplicate the magic show, but allegedly not the plagues. In the book of Samuel, King Saul had the witch of Endor raise the spirit of Samuel. Then the Ewoks used slings and rolling logs to get him good. Yub yub.
  • edited March 2008
    Pharoah's magicians did duplicate the magic show, but allegedly not the plagues. In the book of Samuel, King Saul had the witch of Endor raise the spirit of Samuel. Then the Ewoks used slings and rolling logs to get him good. Yub yub.
    So, in the Bible, there were magic dudes that did actual magical things that didn't rely on the power of Yahweh? Where are those dudes now? Why can't we still do the magical things now?
    Post edited by HungryJoe on
  • So, in the Bible, there were magic dudes that did actual magical things that didn't rely on the power of Yahweh? Where are those dudes now? Why can't we still do the magical things now?
    The knowledge has been lost. And we're too keen on progress to go messing about with exotic herbs and incantations.
  • Pharoah's magicians did duplicate the magic show, but allegedly not the plagues. In the book of Samuel, King Saul had the witch of Endor raise the spirit of Samuel. Then the Ewoks used slings and rolling logs to get him good. Yub yub.
    When I read this, I ROFL'd. I hate using that term, but it truly fit.
  • jccjcc
    edited March 2008
    And, since no one has honestly answered the question here or anywhere else on this board, why do you really care if someone believes or not? If my belief doesn't effect you directly...it's none of your concern. Why bother trying to make me change my mind. I don't care what you believe. Why should you care so much about what I or others do?
    You I'm not worried about, it's the 20,000 or so Islamic extremists half way around that world intent on bringing fiery death upon us in the name of God.
    Would you prefer it if they brought fiery death upon us because they thought we were jerks? :)
    People cling tightly to their beliefs mostly, I think, out of need. People, in general, feel an impetus to do things with themselves, probably to give meaning to their otherwise meaningless existence. A trick of the brain to encourage productivity, basically. Coupled with that, people tend to develop beliefs that support what they are doing, and eventually the beliefs become sort of ingrained into their personality and what they do with themselves, forming the foundation for all that they are as a person. When those beliefs are attacked, it's like you're trying to undermine their whole being; hence, most people become defensive very quickly.

    While I do usually talk about religious beliefs this way, to be perfectly fair, there are a great many scientists and other logicians who are just as bad, if not worse. I would say that such irrationality has a statistically significant lower rate of occurrence (though I have no data for that, so do with it what you will) among scientists, but it's still way higher than it should be. If you don't believe me, try arguing with a Ph.D. some time and try to convince them that they're wrong. It's an experience.
    +3.
    Post edited by jcc on
  • edited March 2008
    And, since no one has honestly answered the question here or anywhere else on this board, why do you really care if someone believes or not? If my belief doesn't effect you directly...it's none of your concern. Why bother trying to make me change my mind. I don't care what you believe. Why should you care so much about what I or others do?
    You I'm not worried about, it's the 20,000 or so Islamic extremists half way around that world intent on bringing fiery death upon us in the name of God.
    Would you prefer it if they brought fiery death upon us because they thought we were jerks? :)
    I for one, say yes to this.
    Post edited by lackofcheese on
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