Belief Systems

I've just read Phil's blog, in which he comments on the article written by Andrew Copson of the British Humanist Association.

I'm so glad that Phil has pointed out the repeated use of the word "belief". Why is it that so many people who would categorise themselves as intelligent, fail to recognise that everyone, not merely those viewed as "religious" (a term which carries its own baggage), exist within their own belief system? We all have a world view which has been carefully moulded by aspects such as home, family, schooling and our favoured mentors. Add to that our human propensity to think we know best and our "beliefs" become more entrenched.

Surely the intelligent thing to do would be to admit that Christians, Jews, Vegans, Racists, Humanists, Conservatives etc. all have beliefs and to respect their right to hold those beliefs. That doesn't mean to say you agree with, or condone those ideas, but the extent and stature of your intelligence could determine if you might be open to listening to conflicting testimonies.

Copson appears to pooh-pooh testimonies, but Shelley's writing became popular because those who were moved by his works testified to that effect; Dawkin's testimonies are popular with many Humanists; my husband's Great Aunt Margaret's testimony of answered prayer hit home with me. The next step should be acting on testimony and following the truth, but that's another discussion.