The perils of belief

Typoz

Member
Recently I expressed my disquiet at the use of the word "belief" in the context of a poll on people's individual experiences. I think that probably reflects my wider misgivings at the concept of belief in general.

There's an article I came across on the BBC website which discusses some of the issues, encompassing both secular and religious beliefs. Perhaps it may be of interest.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-25561810
 
Recently I expressed my disquiet at the use of the word "belief" in the context of a poll on people's individual experiences. I think that probably reflects my wider misgivings at the concept of belief in general.

There's an article I came across on the BBC website which discusses some of the issues, encompassing both secular and religious beliefs. Perhaps it may be of interest.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-25561810
That article is built on massive preconceptions and pushes a popular mythology about belief. For instance, how does the commentator know that, "for the missionary the tribal peoples were no better than communist themselves. He welcomed the fact that they were forced to work in the French rubber plantations, often being beaten or tortured..." Incredibly sloppy journalism of a kind the BBC has begun to specialise in.
 
Well the article represented "a point of view". It's fine to disagree or hold an alternative point of view. I think the important point is that "belief" can override commonsense, and the consequences may be positive or negative.
 
Well the article represented "a point of view". It's fine to disagree or hold an alternative point of view. I think the important point is that "belief" can override commonsense, and the consequences may be positive or negative.
Absolutely, but the writer set up his premise in a clichéd and heavy handed way, suggesting all belief is a fast track to abuse.
 
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