Why I lost my faith

[Guest]

Hello everyone,

Unfortunately I am still an active member of the LDS church. I read a lot of articles and books by LDS apologists. I also read the CES letter and MormonThink, but the critics didn't affect my testimony. I had no problem with the LDS history of polygamy or polyandry, I learned Joseph Smith was a polygamist when I was a small child. I was very good and creative in doing mental gymnatics to defend the LDS church. It was extremely easy for me to defend the LDS church and the Book of Mormon.

I slowly started to open my eyes when I was reading neuroscience, psychology, patternicity, and confirmation bias. I realized that patternicity successfully explains many revelations and miracles. With time I was able to admit to myself that I never truly felt a powerful spirit. I realized that there is no good reason to believe in God or the LDS church.

Now I am reading a book called the Improbability principle by Dr. David J. Hand. It is about how Math explains miracles and prophecies. There is no need for God or a mystical force. I highly recommend that book to everyone, especially my LDS friends.

Sincerely,

doubting Thomas
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictiona ... g%20Thomas

[_Dr. Shades]

Please tell us: What is patternicity, and how does it explain miracles?

[_DoubtingThomas]

Please tell us: What is patternicity, and how does it explain miracles?

In 2008, Michael Shermer coined the word "patternicity", defining it as "the tendency to find meaningful patterns in meaningless noise".
http://www.scientificamerican.com/artic ... -patterns/

How does patternicity apply to miracles? For example, 1. Catholics see the face of the Virgin Mary on the side of a building. 2. Mormons find the answer to prayers when reading the scriptures of patriatical blessings. 3. Mormons think God is testing their faith when something bad happens to them.

The Improbability Principle does an excellent job in explaining miracles and prophecies.

[_Sanctorian]

Welcome Mr. Thomas. I think you hit the nail on the head in that because the church is false, it can be anything that pushes someone to disbelief. Social issues, doctrinal issues, scientific issues. Everything can prove the church false. It's just a matter of that person coming to a realization of it through any means that make the most sense to that individual.

[_madeleine]

1. Catholics see the face of the Virgin Mary on the side of a building.

We see Jesus and Mary everywhere. A nice priest once explained to me that it is a sign of our faith, seeing Jesus on toast and tortillas. As in oh look there's Jesus' face in my latte. We just really like Jesus and Mary. The real deal miracles can't be explained by science.

[_Roger]

It is about how Math explains miracles

Welcome, DT. Does math explain abiogenesis?

[_DoubtingThomas]

It is about how Math explains miracles

Welcome, DT. Does math explain abiogenesis?

Thanks. It does! There are about 10^22 planets in our observable universe alone. Our universe is 14 Billion years old. The probability for abiogenesis is pretty high.

[_Ceeboo]

Hi DT!

Welcome to the board!

The probability for abiogenesis is pretty high.

Yeah, pretty high - about as probable as a slinky spontaneously becoming a camel.

Peace,
Ceeboo

[_candygal]

Welcome..as another newbie here..you sound so interesting. Look forward to learning more about you.

[_Themis]

Hi DT!

Welcome to the board!

The probability for abiogenesis is pretty high.

Yeah, pretty high - about as probable as a slinky spontaneously becoming a camel.

Peace,
Ceeboo

LOL The odds of a slinky spontaneously becoming a camel are zero, but how do you determine the odds are zero for Abiogenesis?