by jimwalton » Mon Jun 12, 2023 3:20 pm
As I said:
1. Gathering information: historical corroboration (where known), philosophical arguments, identity (where known) of authors, study the writings themselves, examine the effects in individuals and society
2. Considering alternatives: comparative studies in other religions as well as the logic of the atheist position.
3. Weighing the evidences: examination of the data at hand, looking for trends and patterns, evaluating what holds water and what leaks, make initial conclusions subject to further input.
4. Assess aberrations: Every movement has its weirdos and extremists, and they can plausibly be written off. There is also data that doesn't seem to fit the other patterns that has to be appraised.
5. Discern truth from error: If our human minds are incapable of rational thought and discerning truth from error, we are nowhere and even science itself is impossible. Instead, we presuppose on the basis of experience and evidence that we are indeed able to make such discernments on the basis of observations, logic, and experiences.
6. Corroboration to real life: Any religion that purports to be true has to align with real life in both realistic, factual, and practical ways.
7. Infer the most reasonable conclusion: Upon examination, comparison, and critique, Christianity in my mind is the truth.
As I said:
[list]1. Gathering information: historical corroboration (where known), philosophical arguments, identity (where known) of authors, study the writings themselves, examine the effects in individuals and society
2. Considering alternatives: comparative studies in other religions as well as the logic of the atheist position.
3. Weighing the evidences: examination of the data at hand, looking for trends and patterns, evaluating what holds water and what leaks, make initial conclusions subject to further input.
4. Assess aberrations: Every movement has its weirdos and extremists, and they can plausibly be written off. There is also data that doesn't seem to fit the other patterns that has to be appraised.
5. Discern truth from error: If our human minds are incapable of rational thought and discerning truth from error, we are nowhere and even science itself is impossible. Instead, we presuppose on the basis of experience and evidence that we are indeed able to make such discernments on the basis of observations, logic, and experiences.
6. Corroboration to real life: Any religion that purports to be true has to align with real life in both realistic, factual, and practical ways.
7. Infer the most reasonable conclusion: Upon examination, comparison, and critique, Christianity in my mind is the truth.[/list]