Organized Religion is Failing the Gay and Transgender Community

[cbayer]

46. I would also argue that one's position on the lack of god/gods is not more credible than either.

It is the absolute position that something is true or untrue without any evidence either way that is the problem, imo. While I understand some atheist's positions that the lack of evidence is what they base their position on, and that somehow holds more weight, I would say that they are no more credible than the "one wayers".

Intellectual dishonesty and cognitive dissonance can also lead to change. I can't tell you the number of times i have had to step back on DU because I saw myself making an argument to support a position that, on further reflection, I didn't really hold. These two things can be powerful defense mechanisms, but they can also lead to hard questions and difficult answers, if one is able to recognize them.

Religion gets a pass in some ways - I agree. Perhaps that is because no one holds the truth and the majority of people on the planet embrace it in one form or another. The question of why is an interesting one, but I certainly wouldn't just dismiss it as some kind of communal disease nor do I think it's elimination would improve the world. Quite the opposite, I think it's eliminations would lead to harm for the most vulnerable and marginalized people on this earth.

At any rate, it's not going anywhere.

Are there no groups that you belong to that have hierarchies that set the rules? Do you sometimes disagree with those rules? Do you sometimes simply ignore them? Do you ever try to change them from within? I can think of half a dozen for me right off the bat. Professional organizations, democrats, and even DU. Does that mean that I am intellectually dishonest or suffering from cognitive dissonance? I don't think so. We just have more in common than we have differences and if I see the potential to change from within, then I am likely to try.

I would suggest that it is not up to you to decide what is a healthy way of thinking and what is not for other individuals. Only for yourself. If you have found the place vis a vis religion that makes sense to you and you think it is healthy, congratulations. If others have, congratulations to them as well. But I think it's very personal and I don't think much of attempts to convert.

In case we stop this discussion at some point, I just want to say that it's been a pleasure having this discussion with you. Thank you for being thoughtful and civil and for articulately presenting your POV without any personal attack. We may never agree, but maybe we can set a tone.