Quote Originally Posted by ColinClout(c)
I agree that absolute (that word again) proof cannot be alleged for any faith, including, of course, atheism. What I would assert is that the issues raised by religion are of sufficient importance that each of us would be well advised to look at the evidence and take a position. And I freely accept that having done so different people will come to wildly different conclusions.

Yet whether or not we can prove something does not affect whether or not it is true, at least not on my philosophical understanding of truth. (And I confess I am unequal to the task of debating different understandings of that, although I will try if anyone wants to!) Electrons existed long before we could prove they did. And if a person has been convinced of the truth of a faith, it is entirely logical that they should seek to contest other thought systems that contradict it.

So those who adhere to a religion will always feel that its utility is, on the one hand, supremely important, in that it is how things are and the basis for all other thought and behaviour.

Several cans opened there, but I will stop for fear of going off-thread...

'Colin'
First of all let me say that it is truly a pleasure to debate with you.

Your understanding of truth is close to my own and I have no arguement with that. Proof doesn't equal truth and lack of proof doesn't make a lie. But...truth without concrete proof seems to me to be a personal truth and not one to be imposed on others. I have found my faith and am at peace with it. I will explain it to anyone who wants to hear it, but otherwise I don't bother people with it. Organized religion is hardly ever content with that. They push and prod and force their "truth" upon others. Even when that truth has been distorted from what evidence there is. Take Christianity for example.

Jesus taught tolerance and peace. He never once wrote anything down regarding rules or exceptions from the Kingdom of Heaven. All were accepted as long as they had faith in Him and His Father. Not 30 years after his death his disciples imposed rules upon the faith exempting certain groups of people and giving them rules to live by. Those rules became the basis of the Christian faith; not the teachings of the Nazarene.

My point in all of this is that taking the truth you can't prove to the extremes of war or persecution seems...silly?...to me. Why waste the time? Chances are just as good that you are wrong as that you are right so why make an issue of it? Learn from one another, share your faith, hold your own truths, but don't stone the guy next door if he worships the lamp-post.