Well finally a reply with some substance. Thank you.
FWIW, I think his argument has much validity. Whether believer or non-believer, I think it is highly likely that one's position is reflective of deep psychological underpinnings, worthy of study.
We agree on the idea that one's positions on issues of importance may well have psychological underpinnings. It's great fun, for instance, to reflect on the psychic drives which have impelled you, a self-professed 'believer', to post this piece of writing on a thread where there has been a recent prolonged discussion among atheists and agnostics.
The Freudian theory makes sense to me in the case of some atheists.
It is not Freudian theory, but an attempt by a current scholar to address atheism using Freud's writings on the Oedipus complex. incorrectly, I might add.
My own "theory" about atheists would have more to do with ego-worship (and consequently denial of a higher power), which I suppose makes it Freudian also.
You are incorrect.
I haven't thought much about believers, but I'm sure there are others who have, and who have proposed theories.
Well that's an interesting statement, given the fact that you've spent some time on the "Should God be Replaced?" thread making statements like the following:
You tried non-belief and felt forlorn? Actually I have, Mitch ...
For considerable periods during my life. That is usually the case with the people whose faith is the strongest of all, those who have tried life without it and then rediscovered it.
I was thinking, how do those who are betrayed by their intellects into denying God, cope with such tragedies? How forlorn life must seem to those who see a universe of only random chaos. For those whose egos blind them to a Truth larger than themselves, how pointless and barren life must seem at such times ... hardly worth living at all.
If only they would -- could -- open their minds, and more importantly their hearts, and allow faith to light up their spirits in the darker moments. I wish they would listen to "On Eagles Wings." |
