Postmodernity and the Objective Correlative

Only assuming atheism is right. I wasn't trying to point out any particular belief system-- just the fact that only one can really be right.

In the eventuality that we find an absolute truth ofcourse! Then, yes, it would be true (eek, there's that word again!).

Funny thing is, if at all we arrive at the 'absolute truth', how do we know is the the absolute truth. As far as I can think, I don't think we'd have a benchmark to test it!

Truth is logical. It's not all that hard to determine the truth of something when all evidence is presented.

Wait are you only applying this truth stuff to religion?

cheers

No, that's just the direction that the conversation has taken.

herm, well I have no idea where I stand with religion and if I was to start explaning what I think, I reckon I'd end up contradicting myself so let's not go there

But if as you say, a Christian were to discover that Judaism is right, should he/she convert so as to avoid unpleasant eternity? And so forsaking happiness in the present life (assuming thier particular religion or atheism makes them happy)? Surely it is better to find happiness in the present then the possible after-life?
I'm sure most religious people believe their religion in the truth, but even if it were ever proved that one certain belief system is right, I wonder whether anyone would change their beliefs to the right one, so as to only protect them when they die.
I think, possibly, there may be a truth in all things, not just religous or atheist beliefs, but as I've suggested, should people worry about what the truth may be if their beliefs are beneficial to them now?

I'm going to go out on a limb here, but I think very few people are actually part of a particular religion because it brings them happiness in this life. I would suggest that people belong to a religion because they believe it to be true-- so, in the example you mentioned, a Christian should and probably would convert to Judaism if he found out that it were true. Most of the present-life happiness of religion comes from the assurity, I think, than from anything else, so I don't think that would change.

Well, also, in general terms of understanding in religion, this life only lasts as long as we're not in the afterlife. Meaning, this life is temporary, the after-life is eternal. Would you rather be happy now, or happy forever? Inversely, would you rather have the chance of being unhappy or being miserable for the duration of your life, or be tormented for all eternity? I guess to each their own, but logically, I think we'd choose eternity rather than the spec of time we have on the spectrum. As far as truth goes, I've been told all my life to be logical about everything except religion. With religion, you just have to accept certain things, and most of them I don't want to accept. So, as a result, I pretty much believe in what you see is what you get, regardless of what that is, and that's all you get.

The thing about converting reminded me about the same cartoon show I spoke of before, where a guy falls off a cliff and on the way he prays to every major religious figure head. Finally he hits the ground, and his spiritual form rises to the gates of heaven to find Ra, the Egyptian sun god (whom he didn't pray to), saying in a dialogue bubble of hieroglyphics, "Can I help you?" And then the man is translated as saying, "Sh*t!" Thus Mr. Hell's explanation of religion, God bless him.

It's a little more complicated than that (and I would ofcourse say incomplete) but I get your point.

how so?

Yhe concept of religion is way too compliacted for something as simple as an afterlife.
Technically if all religions have an afterlife it doesn't matter which we belong to. Which, I know, is what Gerald is arguing against. I am really trying to make sense here, so just hang with me for a sec.
We choose to believe in a religion because it tells us that it will deliver us to god or allah or buddah or whatever you want it to be. So my theory is that if all religions are preaching the same thing than this heaven as we think of it must be one place for all religions and that's where true peace lies. Where all religions can co-exist together, which is why heaven is such a lovely place. Perhaps the reason why they do not do so down here is because we need different belief systems to suit our lifestyle. However we've lost sight of just going about our ways and have made religion into much more than it is. So technically we're all heading in the same direction but taking different roads there.

there, there's my two cents

cheers

You haven't done much study in religion, have you Lej?

Face it. There is no way that man can know the truth of all things while in this mortal life. So don't worry about it.

Concerning religion, I believe there is a God, and a true religion. However, I also believe that God is Just and merciful and will give everyone a chance to learn about and accept this true religion after they have passed into the afterlife. So don't worry about it.

Hmmm, depends on your definition of after-life.

If you believe in karma, you could have several afterlives (infact, you've probably had millions before you became the human you are today). Or your after life could lead to salvation (whatever that maybe).

If you didn't, then after-life would lead to salvation (probably).