I'm curious about human intelligence and beliefs as a natural phenomenon.
I've long suspected that even the most "normal" and well-educated person harbors "fringe" beliefs.
The purpose of this thread is not to mock beliefs of any kind. Rather it is for all of us to toss in to a pile our own unprovables so
we can, as a group, evaluate how natural and non-neurotic such thinking might well be.
For example:
1.UFO's.
On the one hand, UFO's have been a source of fascination since the late 1940's and 70 years later all we have are personal testimonials and fuzzy videos. NO HARD EVIDENCE.
I don't know what to make of this. I'm neither a believer nor a disbeliever. I guess I'm more of an open skeptic. How about you?
2. Ancient Astronauts/Alien kidnappings
Erich von Danniken had a series of popular books from the 1960's forward purporting to explain technological advances on earth with "interference" by Aliens.
In the 1970's reports of people being kidnapped and "probed" began to make the news. I personally find this unbelievable, but, others do not. Do you?
3.E.S.P. and Psychic powers
So many tests have been conducted by Universities and independent researchers concerning psychic abilities. An avalanche of books have been released. The "Amazing" Randi (former magician turned Skeptic Investigator) has debunked these claims by pointing out the flaws in the testing and the naive assumption by investigators. Never-the-less, a majority of people strongly include psychic powers as part of their own belief system. I cannot accept any of it, but, I'd like to know your views.
4. Conspiracy theories
There are so many of these from time immemorial I can't begin to list them all. My own Grandfather believed the medical profession did not want people to be healthy because it would put them out of business! He was a vitamin fanatic and food faddist. 9/11 Truthers hold fast to strong assertions that the Bush Administration blew up the Twin Towers as pretext for starting wars in the Middle East. I can't figure out why a GREATER pretext was needed than the actual flying of passenger planes into buildings was necessary! But, beyond my skepticism....do you find any Conspiracy ideas so plausible you have to include them among your own beliefs?
5.Angels
In the 1990's every other book or TV show was about guardian angels. It was a huge fad. When I was a child, my Grandmother (a Catholic) told me I had a guardian angel until puberty! It comforted me. Now I can't begin to embrace such an idea--yet, many people do. What about you/
6.Revelations by God
Sincere, devout, pious and honest believers have been receiving "revelations" from god as far back as we care to look--yet, as far as I know, for all these assertions, claims and presentations: nothing awesome and credible has come of any of them. Predictions and assurances of dates-certain fall by the wayside one after the other. Do you still claim God reveals directly "inside information" to specially chosen ones? I can't. But, Do you?
7.Any other belief
What is it and could you describe it?
Importantly: TELL US IF YOU FEEL THERE HAS BEEN EVIDENCE OR PROOF to encourage your deep convictions.
Thanks!
P.S. I don't really want this thread cluttered by nay-sayers and ridicule. Just simple statements of belief. Okay?