No gentle rebuke?
I have actually read the standard works of all the major religions.
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It was not directed at you, it was a comment about atheists in general, therefore fair game. :)
Yeah, so? So have I, several times and many in their original languages (I am fluent in several). Point?
Familiarity with the stories does not equal a detailed or scholarly knowledge. That applies to believers as well as non. A knowledge of a religion goes far, far beyond a reading of the “standard works”.
And reading does not equal comprehension. A book knowledge is entirely different from a faith. Christians usually refer to it as a “head” knowledge vs. “heart” knowledge.
I am impressed. You read the Koran in Arabic? Or the Bhagavata in Sanskrit. The Tanakh in Hebrew? The Buddhavacana in Pali? That is really amazing :) Or were you just pulling my leg?
Familiarity with the stories does not equal a detailed or scholarly knowledge. That applies to believers as well as non. A knowledge of a religion goes far, far beyond a reading of the “standard works”.
Yes, but a familiarity with the teachings does go a long ways towards understanding the religion. Have you found that most of your comrades truly understand their beliefs?
And reading does not equal comprehension.
I couldn't agree more : )
A book knowledge is entirely different from a faith. Christians usually refer to it as a “head” knowledge vs. “heart” knowledge.
And your point is that faith trumps actual knowledge? The reality is the other way around : )
I will agree that blind faith often has the power to get people to do stupid and crazy stuff, the Moslem suicide bombers for example.