The value of doubt

[axver]

Just about a fortnight ago, I confessed to the obvious and wrote about my agnosticism. In that entry, I made one mildly curious statement that I promised to write about later: "I also believe that there is a place within some conceptualisations and frameworks of Christianity for agnosticism, and indeed that agnosticism can be edifying for the

Comments

[axver]

'Your description of agnosticism as an approach or orientation exactly describes a kind of skepticism known as heuristic skepticism.'

And why hadn't I heard of this before? Oh, that's right, because 'skepticism' is a dirty word.

'There is no "maturity" when one behaves like an unthinking slave; maturity requires reflection, and meaningful reflection requires questioning.'

Damn straight. I feel like I am surrounded by an intellectually lazy society though. Whether it is politics, religion, or even sport, it seems people take so much information uncritically. My biggest problem with understanding the world is how people can accept and enjoy this immaturity. I just read Aldous Huxley's Brave New World, and what undoubtedly struck me the most was the infantile state people were kept in so they could have a vapid, shallow "happiness" devoid of meaning. I know a lot of people like to focus on the technological and political side of things, but the philosophical part is what got to me.

'Perhaps you would be encouraged to know that many biblical scholars have found that many people in churches are actually encouraged to hear about critical scholarship (seriously!), often finding it extremely refreshing to have their private questions engaged in scholarship.'

For all my cynicism, I've been pleasantly surprised to find that even some of the more unlikely subjects have actually harboured questions - they are just somehow able to continue acting in certain ways while suppressing the questions and the urge to find answers. That said, for every one of those I've met, I can probably name five people who only know, care about, or want one side of the story.

'My reputation in the church I go to is such that one scientifically-minded girl merely wanted to meet me, as she had heard stories of my um, critical outlook, and wished to verify for herself that I exist.'

Ha, that's awesome.

'He's a Christian socialist and, well, damns capitalism. You might find him... a refreshing change from crazy pro-capitalist Christians.'

Well, that was quite interesting. I appreciate immensely the nuances of his views and the construction of his worldview in a way contrary to the standard moulds. However - what struck me most, and what has been striking me these last few weeks really, is just how thoroughly I disagree with some absolutely core, central ideas of Christianity. The first link has just as much to repel as it has to recommend.

'And unrelated to anything intelligent, I just read a capitalist saying this'

That? Is one of the stupidest things I have read in a while. Someone is spectacularly culturally ignorant!