End goal?

[_asbestosman]

Does anyone read what I say? C'mon people. I said that skepticism alone makes a dull person. Skepticism can and is a part of many perfect beautiful people. Why am I always accused of black and white thinking when everyone is always trying to read it into me?

I believe I got that. I was just trying to ask a question showing why I think skepticism isn't just fine as part of a whole, but probably vital as in the case of Joseph Smith and the various denominations of his day. Yes, even you said it's the smart option. However, I think it's more than just the smart option as without it we wouldn't have the restoration of the priesthood, etc.

[_wenglund]

Why do Mormons think they are the only one's persecuted by their apostate former members?

Why are you stereotyping Mormons?

Thanks, -Wade Englund-

[_asbestosman]

Like I said, skepticism can be useful. However, Joseph didn't achieve much because he chose to not believe some preachers. He achieved later because he gave his heart to something.

He wouldn't have acheived much of anything without having both. That's my point.

[_Moniker]

What is your definition of skepticism, Nehor? I'm a pretty passionate person (at times too passionate;) and it doesn't really get in the way of being a skeptic. I'm not sure I understand what you're trying to say here.

I think our definition is the same Moniker and you do have passion. It doesn't get in the way. What I'm referring to can be asked like this: Have you ever met someone that is so skeptical of everything that they will accept nothing? Those are the kind of people skepticism poisons.

Yes, actually I have met such a person. Yet, I don't know if he was less passionate because of his skepticism or if he was just that way to begin with. Anyway, yes, he irritated me often. JUST ENJOY and shush -- is what I told him often. Sheesh -- yah that can sap the fun outta stuff pretty quickly.

[_The Nehor]

This was you're original quote Nehor:

Skepticism is usually not beautiful. Sometimes it is the smart option though.

You didn't specify considering it 'on it's own'...
If a theist would have made a similar statement regarding faith, I think it would have been considered bad form if readers would have assumed it to be 'loveless', 'soulless' faith...

A was referring to the concept itself, not the people who hold it. Then again, I look forward to a world where skepticism won't exist. I don't think I'll miss it. I have some of it myself. It's not a part of myself I like though it does help with bad theories, junk science, Faith-Promoting Rumor's, MLM schemes, credit card offers, and e-mails from nice Nigerians needing to move money into this country.

[_The Nehor]

Like I said, skepticism can be useful. However, Joseph didn't achieve much because he chose to not believe some preachers. He achieved later because he gave his heart to something.

He wouldn't have acheived much of anything without having both. That's my point.

True, but I think it's a coping mechanism we can dump after this life.

[_Ren]

A was referring to the concept itself, not the people who hold it.

I'm not referring to the people either. I'm talking about the concept itself.
Skepticism can be practiced coldly and soullessly, or wondrously and marvelously. It depends on the person - of course - but looking at the ONE thing.

My point is, a concept such as faith is no different. Practice it without 'love' or 'wonder', and there's very little that's beautiful about that either.

Then again, I look forward to a world where skepticism won't exist.

Being in a position where you think there is more to know about the world and the universe is a great position. I don't understand why you don't like it... *shrug*

But - looks like were going round in circles now. So - I'll leave it ;)

though it does help with bad theories, junk science, Faith-Promoting Rumor's, MLM schemes, credit card offers, and e-mails from nice Nigerians needing to move money into this country.

It's both beautiful and useful...! :D

[_The Nehor]

A was referring to the concept itself, not the people who hold it.

I'm not referring to the people either. I'm talking about the concept itself.
Skepticism can be practiced coldly and soullessly, or wondrously and marvelously. It depends on the person - of course - but looking at the ONE thing.

My point is, a concept such as faith is no different. Practice it without 'love' or 'wonder', and there's very little that's beautiful about that either.

Then again, I look forward to a world where skepticism won't exist.

Being in a position where you think there is more to know about the world and the universe is a great position. I don't understand why you don't like it... *shrug*

But - looks like were going round in circles now. So - I'll leave it ;)

though it does help with bad theories, junk science, Faith-Promoting Rumor's, MLM schemes, credit card offers, and e-mails from nice Nigerians needing to move money into this country.

It's both beautiful and useful...! :D

Is it just me or did the smilies go away? Looks like yours didn't work.

[_Ren]

Is it just me or did the smilies go away?

That's the power of my skepticism! It wipes out smilies, and all other items of frivolity and mirth through sheer act of will! Mahhhaa!

(...or it's that I've gotta remember to uncheck the 'Disable smilies' box thingy...)

[_Blixa]

On Beauty and/of Skepticism. I offer for Nehor (and everyone's) perusal, Keat's statement on "negative capability:"

"I had not a dispute but a disquisition with Dilke, on various subjects; several things dovetailed in my mind, & at once it struck me, what quality went to form a Man of Achievement especially in literature & which Shakespeare possessed so enormously - I mean Negative Capability, that is when man is capable of being in uncertainties, Mysteries, doubts without any irritable reaching after fact & reason."

In the letter from which this famous quote is taken, Keat's was defining an exteme open-mindedness bordering on total empathy: the ability to hold several points of view at the same time, the ability to not only grasp another's view point, but creatively "melt" into it. Something quite opposite to the rigidity of the true believer of many stripes. This passage always struck me as a very passionate evocation of a kind of "complete skepticism" (though not along the lines you were taking, Nehor).