Which dogma do you believe?

[dsanthony]

I think there are two basic dogmas at work in the US today. I wonder how many people belong to each:

1. Conservative Dogma: Basic religous belief in Jesus Christ as "lord and savior" (or alternatively, in Judaism or other religious belief). Belief in "end times" and the idea that Jesus will return (or a messiah will arrive) to judge the living and the dead, etc. Their dogma is not affected by the knowledge that people have been preaching that "truth" for at least 2000 years, and it has never come true.

2. Liberal dogma: War, ignorance, poverty and crime can all be eliminated if a political/cultural programme can be enforced, or forced on others. Belief that a select group have the wisdom and insight to produce a peaceful and coexistent world. Their dogma is not affected by the knowledge that people have been preaching that "truth" for at least 2,000 years, and it has never come true.

I'm curious how many people subscribe to #1, and how many to #2. I also wonder which of these two dogmas has caused more pain and death.

[firefox]

Why are so many people getting banned all of a sudden?

As far as this post goes, I'm libertarian, meaning that i'm a combination of both. Essentially, I'm fiscally conservative, and socially liberal. For a fun and quick demonstration of this, check out the World's Smallest Political Quiz (http://www.theadvocates.org/quiz.html).

[Rider]

I reject the definitions stated by anthony. It's just not that simple.

[piratemonkey]

Exactly, Rider.

My political leanings aren't based upon "belief" at all. Belief (by definition) requires no evidence and no rational thought.

[Mayberry]

Belief (by definition) requires no evidence and no rational thought. On the contrary, my beliefs are all based on evidence AND rational thought. One can draw their own conclusions based on their knowledge and personal experience as the foundation for a belief. Therefore evidence and rational thought are necessities to founding a belief. Of course some follow someone else's beliefs blindly. Main Entry: be·lief
Pronunciation: b&-'lEf
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English beleave, probably alteration of Old English gelEafa, from ge-, associative prefix + lEafa; akin to Old English lyfan -- more at BELIEVE
1 : a state or habit of mind in which trust or confidence is placed in some person or thing
2 : something believed; especially : a tenet or body of tenets held by a group
3 : conviction of the truth of some statement or the reality of some being or phenomenon especially when based on examination of evidence

[firefox]

Perhaps he means "faith"? This definition fits somewhat better, but it doesn't work perfectly either. BTW, Mayberry, are you "KBCraig"? If you don't know who this is, you must not be ;)

[Mayberry]

BTW, Mayberry, are you "KBCraig"? Nope. This is the only forum I am really active on, or have ever been, besides Boat Design.net.