RevBogovac

Yes, in a philosophical way we are all at the centre of our universe (although I highly doubt that's the way the bible means its geocentric view). But yes (too) the astronomy of the bible is laughable; and the evidence absolutely proves that... although Yes (again), absolute "believers" will jump through all kind of hoops/loops just to point out our observation and evidence is flawed and their biblical "evidence" is right...

It is, isn't it...? PS. But some people think we (that ONE grain) are SO important that we are the grain everything else revolves around (and not even talking about the astronomic/geocentric perspective)...

Yeah, it says something about me; it just gives me a "spiritual moment" putting things in (numerical) perspective... Another example would be a numerical comparison of the number of grains of sand on our planet and the number of stars in our universe... just for (my?) fun and perspective...

True, but still... the sheer numbers (to me) are "fun" contemplating...

On re-reading one of my favourite "classics" (Innumeracy by John Allen Paulos) I came across an "golden oldie" (for everyone who take the bible literal):

Just to add a bit, on that contemplation, from one of my favourite "classics" (Innumeracy by John Allen Paulos):

There are these sayings: "If You Want To Change The World, Start With Yourself First"; and, "Lead by example". As long as everybody is trying to improve the live of himself plus (at least) one person around him, this world will become a better place. Sounds like you're already doing so...

Data suggests that you are right (in the short term). It seems to be a cycle (which is in a "downtrend" at the moment) that on the whole (long term) has a "positive" trend (thing are getting better and better). PS. And this (opinion, not the facts/numbers) is coming from someone (me) who has been in war twice (in the 90's). And that was a "civil" war (in Yugoslavia) where the atrocities committed have been horrendous...

I always try to put this into perspective (however hard it is, especially for people directly involved). These are symptoms of "modern" society and have been around ever since. I try to emphasise that we have never - in the history of humanity - lived in a more peaceful time and we should concentrate on that and spread that. Helping others to find their way (to that peace) before they wonder off too far (and commit these atrocities)...

It would imply a very helpful alien race (repairing and amending our Voyager to get back to its creator)...

Love the parable...!

First of all: welcome back! Second: is that the same parable as the one about the Elephant and the blind men...?

Oh, that would be fun! Next level "Eliza was/is here"...

Yes, true... nurture is a very strong factor. I was just pointing out that empathy (if not nurtured) does have it's built-in down-sides...

No, it isn't (presumptuous); this is a topic on evidence. To me that means empiric evidence. So yes, "your" evidence falls short of empiricism and is therefore qualified as "living a lie". What you call "limitations of science" is still a lot more empirical evidence than what you offer as evidence. No, not "all knowing", not "without flaws"... but getting better and better. And yes; science does have provable knowledge "beyond the grave" (read up on: conservation of energy). But, long story short: you are afraid of dying and therefore are willing to accept some man-made-up-story... without any real evidence.

Yes, thankfully the days are getting longer again and the period of hope and light has started (again).... Wishing all the best to all too!

Unfortunately there is a lot of scientific proof that shows us it is actually "built in" (especially research with babies). Thankfully not that "hard coded" and a lot still depends on upbringing (thankfully, so I must commend the upbringing of your grand child), but in essence we are hard coded for empathy towards "our own" group... This research got a huge impuls by a paper published in 2010 "The Neuropeptide Oxytocin Regulates Parochial Altruism in Intergroup Conflict Among Humans" in Science, Vol. 328, Issue 5984 by Carsten and De Dreu and subsequent research/papers...

It takes (a lot) of courage for a man to admit he does not have all the answers and probably will never have them... and still continue to live his live as best as he can (only accepting evidence for the best answer possible at that moment in time). Who was it that said: "the more I know the more I realise how little I know"...? So I want to add another downside to living a lie: you do not only lose a lot of your valuable time, but you actually lose time that you could have spend on things that are scientifically proven to give live purpose, meaning and over-all well-being: spending time on a passion that you want to develop further (preferably in a team effort) and spending time enriching other peoples lives (giving mutual benefits)....

Yes, there is (a down side); you might be wrong, actually one of the other religions might be right. Or none of them...

There is a "dark side" to empathy too; we are "wired" to empathise to those closest to us. This can lead - if not carefully nurtured - to racism et cetera...

Just to join in (not so much reacting to Pete, as well the "overall"); this forum has definitely been a learning curve for me too... thank you all for that!

I am literally rolling on the floor laughing out loud... Thanks Dan!

Yes, we definitely do; punishing someone (or even something) that isn't at fault is the very definition of unjust. But hey, good news: you and your god are a perfect match! (One would almost think you are one and the same.) Have fun with him for eternity...

Of course you don't. It doesn't fit your "reality".