The Leap of Doubt: Skepticism as a Productive Function of Faith

[FIREFRO626]

If each atom in our body is replaced then are we really the same person? Are we ever the same person after any experiance? Are we a paradox?

[xser47]

@KingLucentio What software did you use for this presentation?

[KingLucentio]

@xser47 Keynote & QuickTime

[xser47]

@KingLucentio I appreciate it. Will be using those for my IB presentation.

[M3t4lManiac]

@KingLucentio But indeed that must entail leaving Christianity?

[M3t4lManiac]

1:30 anybody who doesn't believe in a god is an atheist, it doesn't make a difference if he claims that knowledge is attainable (strong atheism) or if it isn't (weak atheism). Sceptics withhold judgement until sufficient evidence is provided. How can you be a Christian sceptic? It does not seem likely. It's hard to question your faith when you are indoctrinated into believing that this will cause you to spend eternity in hell. Doubt and scepticism are incompatible with religion.

[KingLucentio]

@M3t4lManiac You missed my definition of terms. "Skepticism" here is defined as the admission that you may be wrong -- avoiding certainty. You can indeed be a Christian Skeptic, and many Christians have been. Theology isn't as simple as the God of the Gaps mentality that most believers adopt.

[M3t4lManiac]

@KingLucentio Alright.

[M3t4lManiac]

@KingLucentio So scepticism with this definition translates to agnosticism? I think that might miss the core of a religious system such as Christianity where doubt is 8actively) treated with scorn, while I don't want to invoke the bible, since it seems to be self-conflicting regarding this issue, it states that you should examine your faith but you should also follow blindly. It seems like quite a leap to suggest that the framework of Christianity allows scepticism.

[KingLucentio]

@M3t4lManiac No, at most it would be agnostic a/theism. The purpose is to engage believers in thoughtful conversation. We're not even beginning to discuss the belief system itself -- we're only demonstrating that their belief system can only grow and be made more profound by the forfeit of certainty. This is a psychological fact, regardless of the faith. That is from where we're approaching this. Most theologians, as you saw, agree with this mentality.

[M3t4lManiac]

@KingLucentio That is obvious. Something can't change if it's fact you could say. That doesn't however change the fact that if you don't believe that Jesus Christ is your saviour, you're damned - this is completely impervious to scrutiny, no doubt is allowed on that point.

[KingLucentio]

@M3t4lManiac Sorry about the reposts. Did that from my phone. Anyway, the criteria for salvation as outlined in the Bible is inconsistent. Sure you have the whole, "no one gets to the father but through me" business, but then you also have things like Matthew 5:17-20. Compare Luke 14:26-33 and Luke 18:18-22 and then tell me how to be saved.

Doubt is perfectly apt to help move away from an unsubstantiated faith claim.

[M3t4lManiac]

@KingLucentio Sure, but then it's surely all useless. If the infallible source is inconsistent and even self-contradicting, then surely you don't have any choice but to abandon the entire code? Anything else will be a personal or outstanding belief-system.

[M3t4lManiac]

@KingLucentio PS. Actually I think what you showed in your last comment that Christianity is impossible.

[KingLucentio]

@M3t4lManiac Again, my personal conviction. I do believe that theologians are wasting their time with rationalizations and reconciliations that wouldn't even be necessary if they simply abandoned the ancient text. But again, the purpose is engaging dialogues with people who aren't quite ready to let go of their faith. We must take baby steps until they find a deeper meaning in Christianity than the mere words of the Bible.

[NicholasPicholasIII]

Wow, I am only going into the eight grade and although I don't understand everything your saying, I find this to be a very interesting topic, and it really makes me think. So thank you for sharing this with us, it is really great!

[tchingtchangtchong]

Thanks a lot, Kyle ! You are an inspiring source by giving use a modele of how to get an A. I'm in college and I will do my best when I'll join the university

[david521598]

Very entertaining. Good work.

[FIREFRO626]

"we have the players, the rules and now..."

Wait a second... Nooooooo

"the game"

Any way thought this was very informative and enlightening

[WilliamAllenTranc3]

Whoa (:))

20/plus minute presentation and a 30 page paper to turn in; I thought my H.S. senior final project was a lot,10 minute powerpoint presentation and a 10 page research paper :)

[Daizzey85]

this is actually really interesting... i may be only a freshman in high school, but watching you speak was amazing :)

[tokenking420]

i feel enlightened

[Katalyzt]

Interesting...