@secondson saidI use the words superstition and superstitious quite simply to refer to a belief in supernatural things.
Your idea of the definition and application of the concept of superstition is classical.
Belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ is not a superstition. It is the hope of every believer.
Your superstition is that it is NOT true. A superstition is a belief in something that's not true. It is NOT true that Jesus is in His grave.
Merriam-Webster
Full Definition
1 ...[text shortened]... evidence to the contrary
You might want to consider how "superstition" has had its impact on you.
I am not superstitious.
I don't use the word to denote irrationality or ignorance or fear. I dont use the word pejoratively.
@secondson saidIf you want to use the word "superstitious" in some sort of pejorative way - as an indicator of ignorance or whatever - and direct it at me, that is your prerogative. I don't do that.
1 a : a belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, trust in magic or chance, or a false conception of causation
b : an irrational abject attitude of mind toward the supernatural, nature, or God resulting from superstition
2 : a notion maintained despite evidence to the contrary
You might want to consider how "superstition" has had its impact on you.
@secondson saidIf hopes are founded on supernatural notions then those hopes are superstitious in nature. As for whether Jesus rose alive from the grave after the Romans killed him, I find no credible reason to believe he did, but I am essentially agnostic about it, as you well know - because it has come up umpteen times in discussions between us.
Belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ is not a superstition. It is the hope of every believer.
Your superstition is that it is NOT true. A superstition is a belief in something that's not true. It is NOT true that Jesus is in His grave.
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@secondson saidI appreciate your reply and accept your words as sincere.
Certainly.
And what better way is there to appreciate "our occurrence and that of the world around us" than to acknowledge our maker and give thanks?
And what greater kindness can one give to another than to share the love of God and the inexpressible sacrifice of His Son, so that when we die physically, and in one way or another we will, we can live eternally?
It' ...[text shortened]... ould I possibly be kinder than that? But for saying so I am ridiculed and insulted. Have a nice day.
As for ridicule and insults, where would Christianity be today,
without a little persecution along the way?* 😉
*sometimes in both directions!
@secondson saidMuslims and Jews also believe in life after death. Is it also a great "kindness" when they talk to non-Muslims and non-Jews about "the love of God" and living "eternally"?
And what greater kindness can one give to another than to share the love of God and the inexpressible sacrifice of His Son, so that when we die physically, and in one way or another we will, we can live eternally?
@fmf saidDoes one necessarily have to believe in something to recognise the power of the associated imagery?
How is that "powerful" for the billions and billions of non-Christians around the world, including DeepThroat and me who have no superstitions about immortality?
@deepthought saidIf you personally find it "powerful", can you explain how it works? The Romans executed Jesus and so... what then? Something happened to the "sins of the world"? Tell me the "power" this exerts on your imagination. Does the notion of "sin" also hold some "powerful" effect on you?
Does one necessarily have to believe in something to recognise the power of the associated imagery?
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@deepthought saidRemember that the questions you are purportedly addressing are about what a doctrine involving a supernatural being "dying for the sins of the world" actually means and how such a doctrine stands up to moral scrutiny. So you describing it as being "powerful imagery" feels like you are sidestepping.
Does one necessarily have to believe in something to recognise the power of the associated imagery?