Dane Skillrud
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Dane Skillrud commented on What is your definition of God? 100 words or less. on February 21, 2008, 4:50 PM
"God" is not a being. Rather, god is a manifestation of belief. Even if something does not actually exist, it can still have a profound impact on behavior. For example, if a child is scared of the boogie man and therefore won't open his closet door, god still exists to that child and impacts his behavior. It doesn%u2019t matter if god is real or not, as long as god%u2019s %u201Cexistence%u201D continues to inspire, comfort and help. While evil acts are also committed in the name of a god, it is vastly outweighed by the good that is done.
Dane Skillrud commented on Steven Pinker on Nature vs. Nurture on January 9, 2008, 2:22 AM
Pinker makes the point that communal education has a substantial influence on immigrants. I wonder how much credit we give to parents for this type of learning because, arguably, PARENTS are the ones who ALLOW their children to engage in these experiences.
Re: Religion in a Modern World
Myth or Truth - Does it matter? What is the difference if I choose my moral beliefs based upon my own experiences or if I choose them based upon the written, religious stories of others? Does Christianity / religion answer all the questions of the modern world? Maybe not literally (although occasionally I run out of wine and need a quick solution), but it can provide you with at least the description / interpretation of lessons in a centralized place by which you can inform your own answers. Religion provides not only the tales to reference, but gives one an organized forum in which to participate via group worship and congregation. The only problem arises when individuals use their religious interpretations as justification for not abiding by earthly laws, both governmental and cultural. … Read More
January 9, 2008 |
Dane Skillrud commented on Steven Pinker on Nature vs. Nurture on January 8, 2008, 9:22 PM
Pinker makes the point that communal education has a substantial influence on immigrants. I wonder how much credit we give to parents for this type of learning because, arguably, PARENTS are the ones who ALLOW their children to engage in these experiences.
Dane Skillrud commented on What is your definition of God? 100 words or less. on February 21, 2008, 4:50 PM
"God" is not a being. Rather, god is a manifestation of belief. Even if something does not actually exist, it can still have a profound impact on behavior. For example, if a child is scared of the boogie man and therefore won't open his closet door, god still exists to that child and impacts his behavior. It doesn%u2019t matter if god is real or not, as long as god%u2019s %u201Cexistence%u201D continues to inspire, comfort and help. While evil acts are also committed in the name of a god, it is vastly outweighed by the good that is done.