[From Chris Cherpas (2001.11.12.1444 PT)]
Bruce Gregory, of course! Always a dull blade at the ready.
In fact, I think the problem of religion is of special relevance
here: I believe that supernaturalism continues largely
because a long-awaited scientific psychology has never been
realized (or at least recognized). This is practically admitted
by Paul Vitz, religious apologist, in his "Psychology as Religion:
The Cult of Self-Worship" (1977/94). As long as there is no
scientific psychology, theism -- with all the attendant toxic effects
on humanity -- will continue unabated.
Religion, in many ways, is the psychology of the past, "explaining"
behavior, even as it classifies various human qualities as good or evil.
Because psychology is seen (largely correctly) as not fulfilling its
promise to become a science, both religion itself and many
psychologies that barely advance beyond supernaturalism
(what J.R.Kantor informally called "spookologies"), can continue
without challenge. As we have all recently seen, when any action
can be justified by reference to a supernatural calling, all people
are at risk from the religiously inspired -- be they muslim,
christian, jew, whatever.
Of course, historically, there is little evidence that somebody
named Jesus ever existed, or that any of the statements in the
great big books of the so-called "great" religions are anything but
big myths and lies. From the crusades to the inquisition to the nazi ss,
christians have done immeasurable harm to humanity in the name
of the "almighty" -- and the other religions have done no better.
Only when a scientific psychology becomes widely understood
can the collective madness of theism be routed -- as surely as
other forms of disease have succumbed to medical treatment.
Bruce Gregory (2001.1112.1453)--
It's obvious that you have no axe to grind.
Chris Cherpas (2001.11.12.1111 PT)--
I would like to recommend to Kenny "Value Creation Systems" Kitzke
a book that makes at least an initial effort at explaining his
particular
mental affliction (i.e., religious belief):
"How We Believe: The Search for God in an Age of Science"
by Michael Shermer, 2000, W.H. Freeman and Company, New York.
ISBN 0-7167-4161-x (paperback, $14.95)The author does not ridicule, bewail, or scorn religion, so try not
to be too scared that you will be struck by lightening if you read it.My stance is much less generous towards the various fanatics who
take their temporal lobe seizures to be messages from a supernatural
realm, the millions of pathetic sheep who follow them into
stupification,
···
and, of course, the exploiters who take advantage of these nutty
religious leaders and followers to take and hold power over others.