It's so difficult to accept

-Removed-

That's fine, Loretta. And what kind of fiction would you say has taken over your mind?

@FMF

I use the words superstition and superstitious quite simply to refer to a belief in supernatural things.

Then you should learn to use the words "superstition" and "superstitious" correctly, according to their definition, and not in some arbitrary fashion that suits the facilitating of an unsustainable argument by you against faith, which is the exact opposite of superstition.

I am not superstitious.

Without faith, by default, one is superstitious. (A whole other debate)

I don't use the word to denote irrationality or ignorance or fear. I dont use the word pejoratively.

Then you are using the word incorrectly. "Superstition" is a pejorative word, according to its definition, notwithstanding your personal use of the term.

Merriam-Webster
Full Definition
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

If 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.

It was you that introduced the term superstition into the dialogue. And with that statement you are careening off course in the discussion by insinuating I used it pejoratively as you did.

If hopes are founded on supernatural notions then those hopes are superstitious in nature.

That perception of the "nature", of the "hope", borne of faith in the revelation of Jesus Christ (supernatural), as being a "superstitious" "notion", is in your mind only, and is an arbitrary application of the perception of the unknown, based on the unknown, which is superstitious.

Muslims 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"?

Do the "Jews and Muslims" preach a gospel of a savior that died for their sins and rose from the grave?

The hope of resurrection is exclusively Christian.

@secondson said
Without faith, by default, one is superstitious.

Superstition is in the realm of belief in supernatural causality. So I am not superstitious.

@secondson said
Do the "Jews and Muslims" preach a gospel of a savior that died for their sins and rose from the grave?

The hope of resurrection is exclusively Christian.

They preach their religions' notions of life after death just as Christians do.

@secondson said
That perception of the "nature", of the "hope", borne of faith in the revelation of Jesus Christ (supernatural), as being a "superstitious" "notion", is in your mind only, and is an arbitrary application of the perception of the unknown, based on the unknown, which is superstitious.

The revelation of Jesus Christ" involves supernatural beings and phenomena that I lack belief in. If I did believe in supernatural beings and phenomena then it would place my beliefs in the realm of superstition.

@secondson said
"Superstition" is a pejorative word, according to its definition, notwithstanding your personal use of the term.

No, it's not always pejorative and I do not use it pejoratively. When I use the word, "superstition" refers to the belief that there are events that happen in a way that cannot be explained by reason or science but that are, instead, caused by supernatural beings or phenomena. So now you know, when you see the word in one of my posts, what I mean by it. I do not use it pejoratively.

@secondson said
Then you should learn to use the words "superstition" and "superstitious" correctly, according to their definition, and not in some arbitrary fashion that suits the facilitating of an unsustainable argument by you against faith, which is the exact opposite of superstition.

I am not making an argument "against faith". I am simply sharing my perspectives on faith, on belief in a "revealed" God, and on speculation and assertions about supernatural matters in general. Now that I have, once again, been crystal clear about why and how I use the word "superstition", it can no longer be seen as being used in an "arbitrary fashion": when you see me use the word, just bear in mind the sense of the word that I am referring to and that I have explained.

@fmf said
Superstition is in the realm of belief in supernatural causality. So I am not superstitious.

So because there's nothing in the realm of your experience of the supernatural you assign the idea of superstition to those that have, have had, are having and will have the experience of the supernatural?

Seems to me you're exhibiting the classic symptoms of superstition in that you have "an irrational abject attitude of mind toward the supernatural,.."

🙂

@fmf said
They preach their religions' notions of life after death just as Christians do.

But without a resurrected savior. A huge factor.

@secondson said
So because there's nothing in the realm of your experience of the supernatural you assign the idea of superstition to those that have, have had, are having and will have the experience of the supernatural?

No, I assign the word "superstition" to beliefs based on supernatural phenomena and beings, as explained.

@secondson said
But without a resurrected savior. A huge factor.

Different religions have different doctrines and narratives.

@secondson said
Seems to me you're exhibiting the classic symptoms of superstition in that you have "an irrational abject attitude of mind toward the supernatural,.."

You can call me irrational if you choose to, but I am not superstitious.