Thursday, October 18, 2007
A wish, and last word from me (for now)
In discussion last night with a longtime, dear friend, I was making a point of argument about Genesis, the first book of the Old Testament.To underscore my argument, I went to the bookshelf to get my Bible. Yes, even atheists own Bibles. Mine is the New King James translation (chosen mainly for its beautiful language).
And I found, upon reading the text, that I had misremembered. It had been a while, a long while, since I had read it, and I was wrong. In fact, I made a special point of stating, "I misremembered. I was wrong," to my friend. And the discussion moved on to other points.
I consider that an act of intellectual honesty. That's what honest argument looks like. That's what I value about science; the ability to admit mistakes openly and move on. In fact, science advances as much by mistakes and failed experiments and hypotheses as it does by its successes.
If I can admit when I'm wrong, is it expecting too much to hear the same from the other side once in a while?
To me, the inability of religion or faith to ever admit a mistake, the fact that no amount of evidence will sway a believer's feelings about God, is sad commentary. Frustrating.
In fact, most often theists will use one of science's greatest strengths (comfort with uncertainty and ability to admit mistakes) as a point of attack, as a weakness - while still never admitting any mistakes on their own part.
I will likely remain frustrated on the topic of God or religion unless and until I receive the same level of intellectual honesty that I try to bring to the discussion.
The closest response I've received in the past is some equivalent to "well, we'll never agree, so maybe we're both right!" or a statement that they themselves don't know, but they'll get back to me after checking with others who "know better". Or, most often, a quick change of subject to something else.
sigh
I'll keep trying. I know I will, for as long as I live. It's just me. But I'm done for now. Feel free to comment but I'm off this topic for a while.
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There is a lot which can be said...
Most importantly, I must tell you here: I value your words, your views, your ideas, and your wonderful friendship and love! Thank you!
You are keenly insightful, and what you showed me, and are showing me with this post, leaves me standing very humble. How marvelous you are through your honesty, your vulnerability, and the patience with me while discussing such a heavy-handed topic so late at night!
Most importantly, I must tell you here: I value your words, your views, your ideas, and your wonderful friendship and love! Thank you!
You are keenly insightful, and what you showed me, and are showing me with this post, leaves me standing very humble. How marvelous you are through your honesty, your vulnerability, and the patience with me while discussing such a heavy-handed topic so late at night!
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