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Topic: Belief Systems

We all believe something. Even if one doesn't believe in any religion, one believes that God doesn't exist. The issue I'd like your help in thinking through is, HOW do we come to believe something? Most people believe that our past experiences help to define what we believe. Of course that's true to some extent in everyone. But what about truth? Assuming one's belief system is defined by past experiences, can't that belief system be based on a lie? Or is there such a thing as truth? Are there any moral absolutes? If there are no moral absolutes, the world is a scary place indeed. Hitler managed to convince a whole nation that murdering countless Jews was an acceptable act. His belief system did not include the moral absolute that murder was wrong.
In his article in a recent edition of "UCLA Magazine," Talk radio host Dennis Praeger very accurately points out that on a macro level, there is nothing more important to humanity than truth. Maniacs can cause some harm such as the Oklahoma City bombing, but wholescale destruction can only be brought about through suppression of absolute truths, such as in the case of Hitler.
But if there is such a thing as truth, then we all need to pay attention to what that truth is. If God does exist and He has communicated to mankind through the Bible, then we better pay attention to what it says.
This all leads to the uniquely American idea of separation between church and state. The original intent of this separation was so that a religious group, such as the Roman Catholic Church, would not have any political powers over the running of a state, namely the United States of America. This separation was never intended to prevent the displaying "The Ten Commandments" nor to suppress the study of the Bible in public classrooms.
I am interested in hearing from you regarding this issue. I am particularly interested in hearing from those who disagree with me on this issue. The only thing I ask is that we all keep an open mind and be kind in responding to each other as toes are stepped on.

Please send all replies to: peterlim@bigfoot.com.