Originally posted by dj2beckerIn supernatural matters, I think people realize that things are credible to them or perhaps realize that they are not. I don't think they "decide". I don't think it's a "choice", no.
I didn't ask whether you have the ability to reject something that you have already decided is 'credible'. Do you not decide what is credible and what is not? Do you not have a free will? Are you some kind of programmed robot that is pre programmed to find only certain things credible?
Originally posted by dj2beckerI cannot decide to believe some supernatural thing that I find incredible. I don't think "free will" is about that at all. Yeah, sure, people are "free" to do and think and believe what they want. And if you keep suggesting I am a "robot" over and over again, do you think it's going to eventually make me agree with you.
Ok so you are a robot with no free will, you cannot decide what is credible and what is not. Good to know.
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Originally posted by FMFIf we are forced to believe things and cannot choose to believe anything, then is it irrelevant whether that which we believe in is true or false?
In supernatural matters, I think people realize that things are credible to them or perhaps realize that they are not. I don't think they "decide". I don't think it's a "choice", no.
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Originally posted by FMFI cannot decide to believe some supernatural thing that I find incredible.
I cannot decide to believe some supernatural thing that I find incredible. I don't think "free will" is about that at all. Yeah, sure, people are "free" to do and think and believe what they want. And if you keep suggesting I am a "robot" over and over again, do you think it's going to eventually make me agree with you.
But you can decide that some supernatural thing is not credible, just as you can decide that something is credible. By weighing up evidence and applying logic. Or are you trying to imply that you are incapable of weighing up evidence, applying logic and making an informed decision?
Originally posted by dj2beckerYou mean like I am "forced" to believe that I must breathe in order to live? "Forced" in that sense?
Well either you can choose to believe something or reject something or you are forced to believe something or reject something. What other option is there?
Originally posted by dj2beckerI think religious belief is a kind of intuitive and emotional thing. I find that religious people who realize that they believe in supernatural causality - that is to say, it appeals to their imagination or to their perception of themselves and their lives - come up with most of their stuff about "weighing up evidence" and "applying logic" after the event, or as an ongoing process of confirmation bias.
But you can decide that some supernatural thing is not credible, just as you can decide that something is credible. By weighing up evidence and applying logic.
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Originally posted by FMFSo tell me exactly why you are incapable of choosing to be a Hindu. I could tell you exactly why I choose not to be one. I believe I have a choice in the matter and so do you.
I think religious belief is a kind of intuitive and emotional thing. I find that religious people who realize that they believe in supernatural causality - that is to say, it appeals to their imagination or to their perception of themselves and their lives - come up with most of their stuff about "weighing up evidence" and "applying logic" after the event, or as an ongoing process of confirmation bias.