Why Should We Care About Theists When They Hold Imaginary Beliefs?
Questioning faith and belief is a vital aspect of today's society, especially when these beliefs are based on supernatural entities and phenomena with zero empirical evidence. This article aims to shed light on why we should not take theists' beliefs at face value, particularly when they believe in invisible gods and magic without any supporting evidence.
Just Faith or Wishful Thinking?
Belief in the supernatural often seems more akin to wishful thinking than a rational conclusion based on empirical evidence. The capacity to believe in anything with mere faith is often a hallmark of wishful thinking. Many theists claim that magic and the existence of invisible gods are real, and they base these beliefs on writings and stories passed down through generations.
One can argue that belief in self-creation magic from non-corporeal matter is just as delusional. The idea that something can create a perfect universe without any external cause is as absurd as belief in invisible gods. Both concepts rely on beliefs without corroborating evidence.
Theists and Deinstitutionalized Beliefs
Many theists justify their beliefs by claiming there are no magic elements involved. However, their definitions of "god" often align with stories and concepts from religious texts. For example, the Christian god, often referred to as 'God' with a capital 'G,' is portrayed in various magical forms and engaged in numerous supernatural acts, as documented in the Bible.
Another approach some theists take is to claim that if you did not believe in God, civilization would fall into chaos. They argue that belief in a higher power is the only thing that deters people from rampant stealing, killing, and other morally reprehensible actions. However, this argument is outdated and does not hold up against modern societal structures and laws.
Indoctrination and Fear-Based Belief
The most compelling argument against theists' beliefs is that they are often the result of childhood indoctrination. When young children are exposed to magical stories and are told that doubts could lead to eternal torment, it becomes nearly impossible for them to question these beliefs as they grow older. Fear of the consequences of doubt perpetuates this cycle of belief.
Moreover, the theists' response to rational questioning is usually geared towards defending their belief system. They might deny the existence of magical elements or accuse non-believers of greater credulity. They might also attempt to justify their beliefs through elaborate rationalizations, all rooted in their fear of a judgmental and punishing god.
Conclusion
The belief in invisible gods and magic is often a product of fear and indoctrination, rather than a rational conclusion. These beliefs serve as comfort mechanisms and provide a sense of security to those taught to believe in them. However, the reality is that these beliefs are unsupported by empirical evidence and are more characterized by wishful thinking and fear than by logical reasoning.
As society continues to evolve, it is essential to critically evaluate all claims, especially those based on unproven and supernatural phenomena. By denying these beliefs their prominence and instead pushing for critical thinking and evidence-based beliefs, we can foster a more rational and understanding society.