Introduction to Religion Humanities 215.02 March 4, 2013 Targeted Question #4

We have a choice. We have two options as human beings We have a choice. We have two options as human beings. We have a choice between conversation and war. That's it. Conversation and violence. And faith is a conversation stopper. --Sam Harris That which can be asserted without evidence can be dismissed without evidence... --Christopher Hitchens One of the truly bad effects of religion is that it teaches us that it is a virtue to be satisfied with not understanding. --Richard Dawkins I think that there are no forces on this planet more dangerous to us all than the fanaticisms of fundamentalism, of all the species: Protestantism, Catholicism, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism, as well as countless smaller infections. Is there a conflict between science and religion here? There most certainly is. --Daniel Dennett

The very fact of its being, and of our own, is a mystery absolute, and the only miracle worthy of the name. --Sam Harris

“Thoughts” ~1659

The Order of the Body What Bible Calls “The Flesh” Desires... Wishes... Acquisition of Power External Appearances

The Order of the Mind Reason, Intellect & Genius... How & What The Way of Objectivity May Show Us That We Are Incomprehensible to Ourselves

The Order of the Heart Greatness (of this Level) Not Accessible to the Body or the Mind The Way of Subjectivity Sensitivity to the Supernatural, Beyond the Sensual, Beyond the Empirical Divine Wisdom

Pascal’s apology for the credibility of Christianity has faith as its crown, the faith of an intellect which has learned when to yield to what is beyond its domain...

Question #4 March 4

What is Blaise Pascal’s Wager and how has it been attacked by contemporary atheists? How does Diogenes Allen, the author of Three Outsiders, suggest that those critics have misunderstood Pascal? In your response, please include your understanding of Pascal’s “Three Orders.”

Let’s Talk... Given that “Reason” has limits, isn’t it credible to say that Atheism requires belief or faith?

Soren Kierkegaard & Simone Weil For Wednesday Targeted Question #5 Soren Kierkegaard & Simone Weil Small Group Research