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I like to think of these things in terms of levels of evidence.
such as
facts(evidence),
belief, and
faith.
eg.
1. there are facts. eg 'things fall down.'
2. belief can based on repeated facts (evidence). eg based on 1., I believe gravity exists. (never mind! the complications from relativity at this stage)
3. faith can be held without facts, and sometimes in spite of them.!
There is a gap from 2 to 3, which involves a mental 'leap' aka a paradigm shift. Basically, never try to argue with someone whose view is founded on a different paradigm !
UNfortunately I get upset when I occasionally thumb the pages of the latest 'creationist' magazine in my local newsagency. (really easy to find, in the science/astronomy section usually mixed in with astrology..!.)
What upsets me is the selective cherry picking of 'facts' that support the faith paradigm, while ignoring everything else ! I guess this is the realm of 'blind faith'.
maybe I have already said too much...anyway, you know where I am coming from. All the same, I have tremendous respect for those in the faith camp who are exploring their own faith with the same uncertainty of those who look up at the night sky in awe, from the alternative paradigm. I recall one amazing conversation with a visiting Vatican astronomer a few years back, about astronomy, more so than the nuances of faith. Ultimately the conversation was about the same fascination that comes from 'looking up'.
I guess in the end it is about how we treat each other, whichever paradigm we come from.
I will leave it there...
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