I'm curious whether fundamental beliefs really are impacted by age and the wisdom that comes with that, or whether beliefs are pretty well inate--i.e. is it the person or the environment?
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Discuss
Joe Kelly on November 28, 2007, 3:21 AM
It’s pretty difficult to back up the argument that beliefs are innate – it’s pretty unlikely that all of the people of a particular belief system just so happened to come from the same place. You are conditioned to beliefs by those around you.
Craig Cunningham on January 7, 2008, 2:06 PM
While there must be some limited set of values that are genetic, I assume beliefs are primarily impacted by the environment. In the United States, we live in a time with more religious choice than any in our history, particularly when prejudice and social judgment are included. This was hardly the case even a generation ago.
george crisafulli on January 7, 2008, 2:34 PM
Agree w/aamesxdavid. Do we need to look further than the billions spent on advertising. The tremendous advances made in telecommunications in my lifetime are a two-edge sword.The effect it has on society magnifies the need to improve our educational system.
Pieter Jansegers on January 9, 2008, 11:05 AM
Believing is just a level of trust and has to be acquired during childhood.
We trust in God.
The question about the meaning of life is an innate human ability which can be triggered by nature, human goodness, shared wisdom – revealed or not- , synchronicity or catastrophe.
Huw Thomas on January 9, 2008, 6:57 PM
All things that pertain to salvation are by revelation through the eternal word, anything else is philosophical and has no eternal worth.
Eric Thompson on January 9, 2008, 7:29 PM
I don%u2019t believe beliefs are innate, but their potential is. How that shapes up depends on the individual and how they experience their surroundings. Curiosity, skepticism and other things that help us refine our personal/core beliefs, are gray areas. Some people seem %u201Cborn curious%u201D while others seem naturally skeptical. But here, experience is the benefactor, whether it%u2019s ours or someone else%u2019s, providing wisdom that stacks up against the rest, making all beliefs somewhat unique.
dennis ilic on February 20, 2008, 12:19 AM
Jenna Beals, you are invited to participate in the idea “What is your definition of God? 100 words or less”. Thank you.
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