Atheism

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Isn't religion really just an opinion? (sh.itjust.works)

submitted 8 months ago* (last edited 8 months ago) by illectrility@sh.itjust.works to c/atheism@feddit.de

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So, recently I was talking to a friend and somehow we got to talking about religion and stuff. When I complained that religion is often put on a huge pedestal and that it's really just a glorified opinion and should be subject to the same criticism as any other opinion, they told me that that was a really hot take.

According to them, belief and religion is more than just an opinion since it's such a big part of people's lives. I countered that opinions are also big parts of people's lives and personalities. I mean, a huge chunk of your personality is based on your opinions, right?

We agreed to disagree but I kept thinking about it. I don't get why religion shouldn't just be treated like any other opinion just because people tend to cling to it. I get that ~~it~~ people are emotionally invested but that's not just the case with religion but other opinions too. I would appreciate your thoughts to help me understand better, is it really a hot take?

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[–] illectrility@sh.itjust.works 1 points 8 months ago (1 children)

Okay, let me try.

Yes, I have gotten myself to change my opinion. Many times, actually. I usually am confronted with an opinion I have by someone or something. Then I question the validity of that opinion, do some research, find out stuff I didn't know and form a new opinion based on the information I just acquired. That happens frequently.

What doesn't happen is this: "I think electric motors are more energy efficient. Hold on, no, never mind, now I think that combustion engines are more energy efficient." That's not how opinions or beliefs work.

The only way for you to form a new belief or opinion is via new knowledge and information. Why would your beliefs and opinions change, when the information they are based on doesn't?

[–] dragontamer@lemmy.world 1 points 8 months ago

Catholics believe that fundamental issues of Faith are unprovable by logic.

You've made the choice not to believe in a matter of faith without proof. I have decided to believe despite no proof and a well understanding that there never will be proof.

That's really all there is too it.