Is Skepticism Healthy?

[Calm]

Yes, 3/4 of the world problems would be solved  if all people were truly skeptical.

 

Please explain how skepticism would solve 3/4 of the world poverty, drop crime rates, get rid of pollution, etc.

[jkwilliams]

So, if we use your statement as the base line no person is ever able to come to a conclusion of truth.  Each person would remain in a state of befuddlement and unbelief.  Is that accurate or do you also think an individual can find any degree of truth?

The human condition is one of seeing through a glass darkly. We call things "conclusions" because they are the end, and after that point, one stops learning and growing. President Uchtdorf talked about doubting your doubts, telling us that we shouldn't allow ourselves to reach hard conclusions and assume we have all the truth. Doesn't the same go for our faith, as well? Faith grows when it is challenged and rethought and reapplied, not when we rest on a "conclusion of truth."

[TheSkepticChristian]

So, if we use your statement as the base line no person is ever able to come to a conclusion of truth.  Each person would remain in a state of befuddlement and unbelief.  Is that accurate or do you also think an individual can find any degree of truth?  

 

I am not saying that. I am saying that we should analize our own views. We should make conclusions after looking at the evidence and criticisms, but not final conclusions in case someone finds new evidence.

 

Please explain how skepticism would solve 3/4 of the world poverty, drop crime rates, get rid of pollution, etc.

 

You think most criminals are objective and open minded? What about ISIS? For pollution, the Collin Maessen quote comes from an environmental website, so it is an excellent question

http://www.realskeptic.com/about/

 

I think real skepticism is the key to good progress. 

Edited September 30, 2015 by TheSkepticChristian

[Robert F. Smith]

So, if we use your statement as the base line no person is ever able to come to a conclusion of truth.  Each person would remain in a state of befuddlement and unbelief.  Is that accurate or do you also think an individual can find any degree of truth?

Gandhi clearly thought so, even though he advised that we should look at ourselves reflectively.  See his autobiography, The Story of My Experiments with Truth.

[Robert F. Smith]

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...................................  Telling a skeptic to hope (and mean it) is like telling a conscientious vegan to eat a rare stake without feeling guilt. ................

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Presumably at his local steak center?

[TheSkepticChristian]

The human condition is one of seeing through a glass darkly. We call things "conclusions" because they are the end, and after that point, one stops learning and growing. President Uchtdorf talked about doubting your doubts, telling us that we shouldn't allow ourselves to reach hard conclusions and assume we have all the truth. Doesn't the same go for our faith, as well? Faith grows when it is challenged and rethought and reapplied, not when we rest on a "conclusion of truth."

 

Yes, unfortunately most world leaders have hard conclusions which is part of the problem. Many in Washington also have hard conclusions. "The problem with compromising in Washington is that there are few true moderates left in either party, " says AP. 

Many critics and apologists also have hard conclusions. Evangelical anti-Mormon critics always make double standard arguments. 

Endless debates happen because both sides have hard conclusions.  

Edited October 1, 2015 by TheSkepticChristian

[thesometimesaint]

Yes, unfortunately most world leaders have hard conclusions which is part of the problem. Many in Washington also have hard conclusions. "The problem with compromising in Washington is that there are few true moderates left in either party, " says AP. 

Many critics and apologists also have hard conclusions. Evangelical anti-Mormon critics always make double standard arguments. 

Endless debates happen because both sides have hard conclusions.  

 

An inability/unwillingness to compromise to achieve a desired goal isn't always a two way street. IE; In marriage when only one of the couple has an inability/unwillingness to compromise it doesn't bode well for that marriage.

Edited October 1, 2015 by thesometimesaint

[The Nehor]

The human condition is one of seeing through a glass darkly. We call things "conclusions" because they are the end, and after that point, one stops learning and growing. President Uchtdorf talked about doubting your doubts, telling us that we shouldn't allow ourselves to reach hard conclusions and assume we have all the truth. Doesn't the same go for our faith, as well? Faith grows when it is challenged and rethought and reapplied, not when we rest on a "conclusion of truth."

There are some things that certainty should apply to but many, including myself, have added accretions of other sorts to those certainties. Now I need to polish them off. Stupid barnacle beliefs.

[pogi]

Yes, unfortunately most world leaders have hard conclusions which is part of the problem. Many in Washington also have hard conclusions.

 

No, most are just spineless puppets willing to say whatever they think will get them the vote, flip-flopping like a fish out of water. 

[The Nehor]

No, most are just spineless puppets willing to say whatever they think will get them the vote, flip-flopping like a fish out of water.

And we get those people because we pick them.

[fox_goku]

I am a "line upon line, precept upon precept" Mormon.  I have NEVER been able to swallow the whole thing all at once.  No matter.  My testimony has steadily grown over time.

 

But... yes, I am skeptical.  I love doubts.  I incorporate them into my positive growth, and I don't let them interfere. 

 

Joseph Smith made LOTS OF CLAIMS, and if the concept ain't in the Temple Recommend Interview, then I am going to be skeptical of that concept.  But, I won't hold anything against those with the gift of belief.

[The Nehor]

Be skeptical of your own skepticism.

Be skeptical of your skepticism of your skepticism.

I think we may be in one of those Russian doll situations.

[pogi]

And we get those people because we pick them.

 

It seems to be an option of who do I dislike the least anymore.

[Teancum]

Be skeptical of your own skepticism.

  I agree.

 

Also be skeptical of your dogma.

[Ahab]

Not sure that skeptical is the right word, as if we or the Lord should advise ourselves or others to be skeptical of something.

Prudent, maybe? Analytical? Cautious before jumping to conclusions which could be false?

I'm the type that tries to consider every angle I can think of, then exploring the options analytically before asking God if I understand correctly as he understands those things, also talking with God as I consider things from the beginning of my considerations.

And then when he lets me know I am right, meaning we agree with each other on a particular point, then I just stick with that figuring I already have it figured out, then.

That's the way I advise thinking about things.

Come, let us reason together, he says.

Works for me!

[Robert F. Smith]

Be skeptical of your skepticism of your skepticism.

I think we may be in one of those Russian doll situations.

An infinite regress.

[TheSkepticChristian]

No, most are just spineless puppets willing to say whatever they think will get them the vote, flip-flopping like a fish out of water. 

 

but only during political campaigns. They make conclusions before looking at the evidence when they have to make an important vote. 

[Calm]

I thought you were a skeptic...politicians are always campaigning.

[TheSkepticChristian]

I thought you were a skeptic...politicians are always campaigning.

 

Is the president always campaigning? Why are his approval ratings not as high anymore? 

 

I am a skeptic because I am open to the possibility of being wrong, and I analyze my own assumptions and views. 

Edited October 3, 2015 by TheSkepticChristian

[thesometimesaint]

  I agree.

 

Also be skeptical of your dogma.

 

Believe me I am. Sometimes I'm a Saint and sometimes I ain't.

Edited October 3, 2015 by thesometimesaint