tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22020163.post7822279398420998997..comments2023-10-24T07:28:50.297-04:00Comments on Thinking on the Margin: (Ir)religion and IrrationalityBrian Hollarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09365101283657395331noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22020163.post-55899753353481450262008-09-24T09:02:00.000-04:002008-09-24T09:02:00.000-04:00My comment "If included, the non-irrational evange...My comment "If included, the non-irrational evangelical percentages could be even higher" was poorly worded. What I meant to say . . . if the authors included the Word of Faith Christians in the conservative evangelical category and I contend that they should not have been, the percentage of non-superstitious evangelicals is probably even higher.<BR/><BR/>While the WOF followers may have conservative social views, they most certainly do not have conservative biblical views.<BR/><BR/>Sorry for the confusing post.l4khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00501227354335352379noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22020163.post-32100460011864469842008-09-24T00:51:00.000-04:002008-09-24T00:51:00.000-04:00Lewis, I totally agree that some religious people ...Lewis, I totally agree that some religious people can be superstitious, but on average are so to a lesser extent than the non-religious. Additionally, with someone who is from a traditional religion, their belief system and values are a relatively known quantity. For the non-religious, there is far less certainty.<BR/><BR/>Thinking, Friedman's point is neither a cheap shot nor inaccurate. You are absolutely correct in citing that politics is in many ways a substitute for religion. That is why I am very distrustful of people who are too far partisan and/or unquestioningly supportive of particular candidates or parties.<BR/><BR/>To compare a presidential candidate with a doctor, plumber, or mechanic is not a fair comparison. A president has the potential to have large influence on the course of a nation rather than on a specific outcome for a specific task. When an isolated task is my objective, I care most about a person's talents and skills in that specific area and not so much about their worldview or personal values (outside of not cheating me on a job I've contracted them to do). In a political candidate, worldview is critically important which is why so many people get so intense about Presidential elections.<BR/><BR/>Rationality and intelligent are necessary, but not sufficient qualifications for a president. Despite what many from opposing sides say about any of the current crop of candidates, they have all passed this test to some degree. At this point, the best a person can do is to vote for the candidate that shares their priorities in setting policies and their values in making future decisions. That is not something as critical in the professions you named.<BR/><BR/>Beyond a certain point, values matter far more than intelligence in determining political outcomes. Nixon was one of the most intelligent presidents we've had. Reagan was (arguably) one of the solid in his worldviews. Which of the two would you rather have as president?Brian Hollarhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00694444396412628374noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22020163.post-89886650520882135452008-09-23T20:47:00.000-04:002008-09-23T20:47:00.000-04:00Extremists on all sides are a danger.To group "Lib...Extremists on all sides are a danger.<BR/><BR/>To group "Liberal Politics" as a substitute for religion for some is rather a cheap shot and inaccurate. <BR/><BR/>I could just as easily say that for some conservative politics is a substitute for religion, or for that matter, belief in the markets is a substitute for religion. I can find such examples.<BR/><BR/>I can name just about any philosophy or even object and find some examples of people using that as a substitute for religion. False idols take many many forms.<BR/><BR/>As to who we elect to high offices, the key is that these are secular positions in a secular govt, and we should evaluate these people independent of their religious beliefs. We should examine the issues, the qualifications, etc.<BR/><BR/>When I choose a doctor I do not administer a religious test. The same goes with choosing a plumber or mechanic.<BR/><BR/>Why? Because the talents and capabilities do not correlate either positively or negatively with any particular religious belief system.<BR/><BR/>I do not need to believe that Christians make the best doctors or politicians or leaders or anything in order to believe in Christ. My faith does not demand or depend upon some sort of earthly litmus test.<BR/><BR/>Why should I choose a President with less rationality or intellectual rigor than I do when considering people for other jobs?thinkinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06024721812573340354noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22020163.post-40330885186673255472008-09-23T15:52:00.000-04:002008-09-23T15:52:00.000-04:00Yes, but . . . Do the authors of this study consid...Yes, but . . . <BR/><BR/>Do the authors of this study consider the TBN faithful to be evangelical? If included, the non-irrational evangelical percentages could be even higher.<BR/><BR/>My experience is that those "Christians" who watch TBN are, in general, very superstitious. They follow a different message. To them they can use words to command goodies. If Palin were a member of a Word of Faith congregation, I would be concerned.l4khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00501227354335352379noreply@blogger.com