Is Faith Harmless?

Mr Hambre wrote: Jar responded: There are simply too many very clever and successful theists to suggest that they cannot engage in any critical thinking or responsible discourse. However, those with faith compartmentalise. They are able to function and think normally and critically in most aspects of their lives except where apsects of their lives fall within the realms of their religious beliefs. Within the realms of their faith, there is little to no critical thinking or responsible discourse. And this can involve critically important social apsects of their lives, like politics and science, so depending upon the nature of their faith, they may be valueless contributors to society.

Jar wrote: That's where I beg to differ. I have close friends who are theists, but I have learnt not to discuss religion with them. When your delve into religion there is a transition where you can detect resistance and emotional vulnerability. Critical thinking is replaced with emotional appeals in this realm and I dare not go there with friends.Jar wrote: Yea, and they don't contribute much to society either. I think we are in agreeance then that people who are incapable of critical thinking or responsible discourse are incapable of contributing positvely to society. So let's ensure that faith which excludes critical thinking or responsible discourse is never in a position to affect society, which is probably Mr Hambre's point anyway.