🚀 go-pugleaf

>>>, I'm just pointing out that it is a nonreligious value theory, and so
the claim that religion has exclusive authority over matters of value, and
science may not comment on them, is not even how things stand at present,
let alone how they might look in future.<<<

Whatever did I say that implied that religion has exclusive authority over
matters of value? I simply stated that it is one area of religion. Obviously
philosophy and social traditions are two other areas that bear upon
questions of social value. But neither are (to my way of thinking)
"scientific".

One apriori assumption of the physical sciences is that reality is
observable. Another is that the natural world behaves according to orderly
patterns. Both are questions of value which are indispensable to the
physical sciences.

One pertinent question is whether a Supernatural Being has been arbitrarily
meddling with the evidence, in which case even the most confirmed evidence
of "hard" sciences would be suspect. I think rather not... but it's a
hypothetical possibility.

>>>Suppose the way our brains work also predisposes us to be rather easily
rendered xenophobic. Would xenophobia then also be spiritual truth?<<<

Yes, as I understand things.

>>>Then try this version out: I want to be rich. I mean, I really *really*
want to be rich. Therefore, I will win the lottery. This may not be an
empirical truth, but it is certainly just as valid as "Truth"... even if of
a different type.<<<<

When speaking of "Truth" I believe that it's helpful to understand the
methodology by which evidence is weighed and evaluated for "truthness".
Science has such a protocol, and so does most established religion. Your
comment was intended to be facetious, and yet... it is perfectly proper.

>>>A Transcendent Intelligence responsible for sickle cell anemia and other
genetic diseases doesn't seem very benevolent. But I asked for your
evidence. You offered none.<<<

Oh please. You know as well as I do that genetic mutations carry with them
the potential to develop superior adaptive responses. Furthermore, my
closest friend and cousin struggled with a terminal brain tumor for seven
years before succumbing. The heroic faith and trust in God that he exhibited
during that difficult struggle is an inspiration to myself and others to
this day. A Transcendent Intelligence isn't a tool to be used by us for our
own private purposes, we are a tool that we (might) allow Him to use.
Benevolence is one thing... our insistence upon being spoiled brats is
something different.

What qualities would you require to be accepted by you as sufficient
"evidence"? Lightening bolts from the sky? (We already have those).

How did I inherit the responsibility to presenting "evidence" to you anyway?

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