Re: Worldview Survey

[mbell31]

I am a Christian and I go to a  Christian university and I am conducting some research for my Apologetics class examining various worldviews. I was hoping to hear the answers to these questions from as many non-theists as possible. I posted this about a month and a half ago but I would like more responses if possible. If you would be willing to answer them, I would greatly appreciate it. Your name or anything like that will never be used for anything. Thanks.

1. Do you think there is any universal truth, things that are true regardless of a person's opinion? Why or why not?

2. Do you think that racism is wrong, in other words, hating people simply based on their ethnicity? Why or why not?

3. Do you think it is wrong to judge another person's beliefs or actions? Why or why not?

4. Do you think morality in America is getting better or getting worse? Why?

5. What do you think is the purpose of life?

6. What do you think happens when a person dies? Why?

7. What is your view of God? What is He like (if you think he exists)?

[AlP]

What's an apologetics class?

[Prometheus]

1) No. There's nothing present to give such truths absolution/substance.

2)Yes. I personally "feel" that racism is wrong because I feel compassion for all living beings and do not want them to suffer needlessly. However, there is no "universal truth" defining racism as "right" or "wrong".

3)No. I don't believe in right and wrong.

4)N/A. Morality is a social delusion.

5) Life has no "purpose" since there is nothing present to give life purpose/define lifes purpose.

6)They rot duh . Since the chemical activity in their body ceases, their consciousness ceases to exist. There is no self/soul present to live on after the body dies.

7) I'm an agnostic. I believe that we lack enough knowledge to say whether or not there is a god. I believe that the existence of such supernatural entities is unlikely. Furthermore I believe that if a god or gods exists, it is highly unlikely that our supposed understanding of them(Through "revealed" religions like christianity and Judaism.) is the least bit accurate. We seem to be just guessing at their potential designs and what they might expect of us. If such a deity were real and did plan on punishing/rewarding me for my actions in this life, that deity couldn't justifiably judge me for not picking a specific religion out of the hundreds that exist.

[karadan]

1. Do you think there is any universal truth, things that are true regardless of a person's opinion? Why or why not?

Yes, i do believe there is a level to which someone may attain ultimate knowledge. Ie, there is a finite amount of stuff to learn in the universe. Once learnt, I guess you'd know what the universal truth would be. Opinion has nothing to do with it. There either is something (reality), or there isn't.


2. Do you think that racism is wrong, in other words, hating people simply based on their ethnicity? Why or why not?

I'm sorry but that's a pretty stupid question (no offence).


3. Do you think it is wrong to judge another person's beliefs or actions? Why or why not?

Nope. Everyone should be free to have an opinion. It is how they act on it which should be concentrated on.


4. Do you think morality in America is getting better or getting worse? Why?

I don't know because i don't live in the US. It's a pretty weird question though. I think you'd have to define morality first (no mean feat).


5. What do you think is the purpose of life?

There is none (in the grand scheme of things) but you can make yourself a comfortable and fun existence in the short 80-or-so years you have on this planet.


6. What do you think happens when a person dies? Why?

You die and that's it. The human brain cannot really comprehend oblivion in the same way it can't really comprehend the fourth dimension. What i'm sure of, though, is this is our only chance to experience reality. There is no afterlife. There is no supernatural realm of the non-living. Stories of an afterlife have been dreamed up by people scared of the unknown. If that makes you feel comfortable, so be it.

7. What is your view of God? What is He like (if you think he exists)?

There is no god. It is a human construct designed by people who wanted answers to the great questions. That's it. Simple really. My view of the god construct is that it is an outdated concept which has no place in an advanced society.

[Enoch Root]

1. Do you think there is any universal truth, things that are true regardless of a person's opinion? Why or why not?

There's no such thing as universal truth.  Nobody can ever know anything for sure, we're all just guessing, I don't even know if you exist.  Come to think of it, I don't know if I exist.  Trippy.

2. Do you think that racism is wrong, in other words, hating people simply based on their ethnicity? Why or why not?

Nothing wrong with racism.  Since humans evolved out of swamp soup, who's to say we have all evolved to the same level?  

3. Do you think it is wrong to judge another person's beliefs or actions? Why or why not?

Well given my answer to number 1, but given that I don't think there's a such thing as "wrong", I find myself in a contradiction.  Anyway, the guy who rocks back and forth on the bench on Laurier Ave thinks he's a grilled cheese sandwich, and he's probably right.

4. Do you think morality in America is getting better or getting worse? Why?

I liked it better when women couldn't vote.

5. What do you think is the purpose of life?

To murder and rape and pillage and vote Republican.

6. What do you think happens when a person dies? Why?

Worm food.  Cause the worms gotta eat.

7. What is your view of God? What is He like (if you think he exists)?

He makes for one awesome super-villain.

Let's be honest, these are the kinds of answers your "apologetics class" wants to hear.

[Whitney]

What's an apologetics class?

It's a class that teaches them how to apologize for the problems in their faith so that their views will sound less unbelievable

[Will]

1. Do you think there is any universal truth, things that are true regardless of a person's opinion? Why or why not?

Mathematics are universal and are true, regardless of opinion.

2. Do you think that racism is wrong, in other words, hating people simply based on their ethnicity? Why or why not?

I believe that hating anything is a bad decision made after an emotional response. Emotions often are not quantifiable or rational, and can motivate illogical thoughts or behaviors. It makes no sense to hate at all, let alone for something as insignificant as color of skin or country or origin.

3. Do you think it is wrong to judge another person's beliefs or actions? Why or why not?

If their beliefs or actions have a demonstrable destructive or intrinsically harmful affect, they may require judgment. There are certain basic rights that are generally shared as a part of the social contract, and chief among them is the right to protect one's self. If one has a belief or behavior which puts me in danger, I reserve the right to judge said action or belief, just as if I were to have such a belief or action, they should be allowed to judge me.

4. Do you think morality in America is getting better or getting worse? Why?

That's a bit relativistic and vague. In some ways we are improving, and in other ways we are not.

5. What do you think is the purpose of life?

There is no objective purpose for life, as purpose would suggest creation by something capable of imagining purpose. I have purpose only because I supply myself subjective purpose, such as being a good son, a good friend, a capable worker, and one that seeks to contribute to the fabric of humanity in a constructive way.

6. What do you think happens when a person dies? Why?

One decomposes because the systems in place to maintain life are no longer functioning.

7. What is your view of God? What is He like (if you think he exists)?

There is no compelling evidence for the existence of the supernatural. If such evidence were presented to me I would be able to develop a view but until then I have no view of god or gods beyond a rational doubt that he, she, or they exist.

[Tom62]

1. Do you think there is any universal truth, things that are true regardless of a person's opinion?

There seems to be an absolute truth in the Peter Principle.

2. Do you think that racism is wrong, in other words, hating people simply based on their ethnicity?

Yep. I also believe that homophobia is wrong as well as sexism.

3. Do you think it is wrong to judge another person's beliefs or actions?

Sure, why not. If someone behaves badly or stupid then that person need to be corrected.

4. Do you think morality in America is getting better or getting worse?

It was pretty bad under the Bush dictatorship, but things seem to improve a bit. If only you can get rid of this silly politically correctness and absurd prudishness then there is still hope for you.

5. What do you think is the purpose of life?

To enjoy it to the fullest and don't annoy others.

6. What do you think happens when a person dies?

People will start to cry (or cheer), depending on who died. I assume that in some cases a funeral is held, where some people might get drunk.

7. What is your view of God? What is He like (if you think he exists)?

He, she or it is the invisible bogeyman.

[mbell31]

Apologetics - from the Greek "apologia," a legal term meaning "defense" - is the branch of Christian theology concerned with the intelligent presentation and defense of the historical Christian faith.

Although I disagree with almost all of your responses, most of them remain consistent to each other. One, however, I must respond to right now.

Prometheus, how can you simultaneously say that no absolute truth exists, there is no right and wrong, morality is a social delusion, and yet you "feel" racism is wrong? Where do you get this "feeling" from? Where does your compassion come from? Why don't you want them to suffer needlessly?

1) No. There's nothing present to give such truths absolution/substance.

2)Yes. I personally "feel" that racism is wrong because I feel compassion for all living beings and do not want them to suffer needlessly. However, there is no "universal truth" defining racism as "right" or "wrong".

3)No. I don't believe in right and wrong.

4)N/A. Morality is a social delusion.

If you won't acknowledge the existence of good and evil or right and wrong, you can't have any say in whether you feel something is right or wrong. I would suggest abandoning this "feeling" or admitting it is based on your knowledge that certain things are indeed wrong.

[Will]

Although I disagree with almost all of your responses, most of them remain consistent to each other.

We don't require agreement with any particular view or philosophy to be a member, so long as you remain respectful of others.

How would you respond to the questions you've posed, and would you be interested in defending those positions, as you're taking a class on "defensive religion"?

[Whitney]

I don't remember if I answered your previous survey but figured I'd answer again.  For all I know my answers will be different from any previous answers since I change my views as I learn new information.

1. Do you think there is any universal truth, things that are true regardless of a person's opinion? Why or why not?

As movies like the Matrix pointed out, this could all be an illusion.  However, I don't find it reasonable to make that assumption since it would be an extraordinary claim requiring extraordinary evidence.  I think we can reasonably be certain that objective truths do exist.  2+2=4 for example.

2. Do you think that racism is wrong, in other words, hating people simply based on their ethnicity? Why or why not?

We know enough now to realize that skin color and facial features do not determine what a person will act like.  Racism is wrong because it creates stereotypes which can harm innocent people and stupid because we have enough knowledge to know better.

3. Do you think it is wrong to judge another person's beliefs or actions? Why or why not?

No, why would it be wrong to use my brain to decide if I approve of what someone believes or does?  But, if they aren't hurting anyone I don't really care what they believe or do.

4. Do you think morality in America is getting better or getting worse? Why?

Better.  We no longer have slavery.  Women are no longer second class citizens.  Minorities can vote.  Homosexuals are no longer outcast (by most people) simply for loving whom they love.  For the most part, people are free to practice, or not practice, whatever religion they follow.

5. What do you think is the purpose of life?

I think it is whatever we want to make the purpose as an individual.  I find no reason to think there is a universal purpose.

6. What do you think happens when a person dies? Why?

Whatever happens to a dog, cat, or mouse...that happens to a person.   I find no reason to think that anything else will happen.

7. What is your view of God? What is He like (if you think he exists)?

I don't believe in one.

[AlphaBitch]

1. Do you think there is any universal truth, things that are true regardless of a person's opinion? Why or why not?
The only things I hold to be universal truths are the laws of math and physics, really. I believe that experience, emotion, social constructs, reason, and instinct influence what we deem "right" and "wrong." I think that different people/groups or communities of people base their personal moral codes on different levels of each type of influence. Even within groups there is difference in these levels. For example, some Christians feel that homosexuality is acceptable because they believe that their god made people that way. Other Christians feel that if the bible says it is wrong, then it is, period. Still, others feel that having homosexual thoughts is alright, but only if you repress your feelings and never act on them. Each belief variance within the religion is based on individual experience, emotionality, etc.

2. Do you think that racism is wrong, in other words, hating people simply based on their ethnicity? Why or why not?  
My personal moral code says that racism is wrong, along with other forms of social discrimination. Again, it's related to my personal experiences, reason, emotion, etc.

3. Do you think it is wrong to judge another person's beliefs or actions? Why or why not?
As humans, we will always judge others' beliefs and actions in relation to what effects they have on what matters most to each of us. For example, if we care most about the environment, human rights, and knowledge we will judge people based on how their beliefs/actions effect those areas. Likewise, if we care most about money, material goods, and power, we will judge people by how they will effect our ability to attain those goals.
As far as beliefs, if they are kept to themselves I have no problem with them. It's the actions I take issue with. I don't like the infringement onto my rights of other people's beliefs. There is no harm in believing that when you die you'll meet your family on a cloud and float around happy all day and that heretics like me will burn in eternal damnation. When its propaganda is placed on our money, infused into our government, and woven into our school curricula, that's when I have a problem.  

4. Do you think morality in America is getting better or getting worse? Why?
Again, that would depend on your definition of the term "morality". That would basically be based on each person's moral code. It's also going to be based on the time-frame you're talking about. Since when? Since the dawn of time? Since the 20th century? Since the 60's? Since 2000? Fluctuations in different areas of public morality ideals have ebbed and flowed over time, so I would say that question is a bit too ambiguous.

5. What do you think is the purpose of life?
I don't think that life has any ultimate purpose. I think that each person's purpose lies within her/himself, much like one's moral code. We can choose to let outside stimuli (religion, family/friends, etc.) infulence what we deem to be our purpose, but it is still our choice whether or not to let that happen.

6. What do you think happens when a person dies? Why?
To the person who died? I think their bodies cease to function. If not cremated or well-preserved, they will eventually break down and again become dirt/earth. That's what science has shown happens.

7. What is your view of God? What is He like (if you think he exists)?  
I don't believe in any of the gods throughout history. I don't believe in the current god(s) of the current religions. As one who trusts science, I would say that I cannot disprove it, but my reasoning tells me that they are just as false as we believe Zeus and Aphrodite to be. If you're asking about the Christian god, if I thought he was real I would think he was just as big of an asshole as "Satan" and they could both piss off.

[VanReal]

1. Do you think there is any universal truth, things that are true regardless of a person's opinion? Why or why not?

I think stubbing your toe makes everyone scream out in pain and that there is nothing funny about striking your funny bone are universally true.  I'm sure there are others but then again I guess everything can be disproven so I'll change my answer to no.  (Oh and guess a person with SEPA would disprove my examples, so double no.)

2. Do you think that racism is wrong, in other words, hating people simply based on their ethnicity? Why or why not?

Sure it is.  People will give you man more tangible and important reasons to hate them that have nothing to do with what they look like or what language they speak.

3. Do you think it is wrong to judge another person's beliefs or actions? Why or why not?

No, what else are you supposed to judge them on?

4. Do you think morality in America is getting better or getting worse? Why?

I don't think America has one morality.  I think people are pretty much people and do what people do, maybe since there are more of us and more things are out in the open and visible it appears it's getting better or worse but I think it just is what it is.

5. What do you think is the purpose of life?

I don't think there is a purpose.  

6. What do you think happens when a person dies? Why?

Well, either they are buried and slowly decay, are used for living human benefit, as an experiment or learning tool, or they are cremated and disposed of more efficiently.  I think you die and you are what you were before you were born, except you left an organic mass behind that your family will be responsible for filing taxes for and paying for the disposal of.

7. What is your view of God? What is He like (if you think he exists)?

I don't think there is one.

[mbell31]

Although I disagree with almost all of your responses, most of them remain consistent to each other.

We don't require agreement with any particular view or philosophy to be a member, so long as you remain respectful of others.

How would you respond to the questions you've posed, and would you be interested in defending those positions, as you're taking a class on "defensive religion"?

I'm having trouble telling exactly what you meant here but when I said the responses remained consistent I meant the answers each individual person gave did not contradict each other, not that they necessarily corresponded to other peoples' responses. I'm sorry I should have been more clear there. I intend to be respectful and courteous to everyone.

I would be happy to respond to my own questions and to defend my positions.

1. Do you think there is any universal truth, things that are true regardless of a person's opinion? Why or why not?

Yes, I think there is universal truth. I think that our entire world rests on universal truth. The statements I am making now assume absolute truth. 2 + 2 = 4. Have you ever been lied to? That proves truth exists. The very concept of "error" proves truth exists.

For all those who have said "there is no universal truth", you are exercising a self-refuting statement. That statement is an assertion of absolute truth that you seem to expect us all to believe and apply universally. If you don't believe in absolutes you can't say anything about anything. I don't think anyone is truly a relativist when you get down to it. Just find out what is important to them and you'll see they hold absolute ideas.

2. Do you think that racism is wrong, in other words, hating people simply based on their ethnicity? Why or why not?

Yes, I believe racism is wrong because a person should be judged based on their character and actions, not their ethnicity.

3. Do you think it is wrong to judge another person's beliefs or actions? Why or why not?

No, not when you are correct and doing so from a non-hypocritical position.

4. Do you think morality in America is getting better or getting worse? Why?

I think morality has generally stayed poor since the origin of humanity and thus isn't changing drastically in America today. However, if I had to compare America 50 years ago to America today, I would say morality has declined, at least in popular culture. For example, sex is promoted as a fun and pleasurable activity to be done at leisure. In fact, it is intended for a marriage relationship and has intense consequences on the participants.

5. What do you think is the purpose of life?

I think the purpose of life is for us to grow to be more like God in holiness and righteousness and to do His work, leading others to salvation through Jesus Christ.

6. What do you think happens when a person dies? Why?

I think when a person dies they either join God in eternal peace and joy in heaven or conversely enter eternal torment and suffering in hell. A person enters heaven if they have accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior or hell if they have not.

7. What is your view of God? What is He like (if you think he exists)?

God is an eternal being who exists outside time and space. He created time, space and the universe and all that exists. God is personal, just, holy, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, immortal, and loving among other attributes.

I'm not perfect and I am still learning and growing myself. I have said these things in humility but also with the knowledge that they are true. I would be glad to answer any questions or objections to the best of my ability.

[Hat]

Forgive me if these do not make much sense, I just woke up. I shall edit them later if they need changed. Also, I giggled at your answers, Enoch Root. Thanks for making my day a little bit better

1. Do you think there is any universal truth, things that are true regardless of a person's opinion? Why or why not?
Maths is like that, right? But yeah, I’d like to think that there is some sort of ultimate knowledge out there but I highly doubt it. Besides, even if there was, I don’t think a bunch of humans would be able to comprehend much of it.

2. Do you think that racism is wrong, in other words, hating people simply based on their ethnicity? Why or why not?
I think it’s unfair, so I suppose so. It’s a bit silly to go around judging and hating people just because of their ethnicity. We’re all human, we’re all the same. It’s a bit stupid, really.

3. Do you think it is wrong to judge another person's beliefs or actions? Why or why not?
Unfair to judges on the beliefs, but the actions can be judged on. What a person does and how they do it can tell a lot about a person, just as much as finding out about their personality.

4. Do you think morality in America is getting better or getting worse? Why?
I don’t live in America nor do I pay much attention to it, so I can’t really answer this properly.

5. What do you think is the purpose of life?
I think that life has no real purpose. You’re born, you live, you die. The End. You can go about giving yourself lifelong ambitions and goals though, to make life more interesting while you’re here.

6. What do you think happens when a person dies? Why?
You rot in the ground. I found my feelings about what happens after death in a signature on another forum. I don’t have the exact words here but it went like; “When I die, I will rot in my coffin. There will be no heaven, no hell, no 40 virgins waiting for me and the same will happen to you no matter what you say.” Shame I don’t know who actually said it.

7. What is your view of God? What is He like (if you think he exists)?
I like my little mental image of God being this big bearded guy who’s sitting at a table with other Deities from other Religions, all of them complaining that the humans are doing silly things again.