Tammy: I wasn't comparing them, SBC. I was just trying to open up another view; consider the possibility of something else... sometimes the truth lies between two extremes.
Tammy, I know I get plenty of things dead wrong, but with all due respect, you have this innate ability to build an argument on legs of rickety logic and then, when someone points out the fallacy, suggest the idea should stand on it's own merit, completely ignoring the void that exists where the rickety legs once stood. And I hate to say that because you seem to be such a genuine poster with the best intentions.
Simply put: I disagree that true justice would permit an innocent volunteer to stand in place of a guilty felon, regardless of how noble or courageous the request may be.
Tammy: The world is a lot bigger then our experiences of it, and our culture. Its not easy to consider such a foreign concept; you have to step back a bit from the things you believe are right. But aren't you the one who started that confirmation bias thread?
That's right. That's why I ran my cherished beliefs and hopes (everlasting paradise) through the same meat grinder that I ran others' beliefs. That's why I got out of a cult, despite the fear - and reality - I'd lose my friends and family. That's also why I now welcome friends who are gay and I support equal rights, despite previously being homophobic due to strong prejudices from upbringing and living in the south. That's why I'm reading a book on sociocentrism and questioning my old views, even when it's something I really enjoy, like eating a nice juicy steak or chicken breast. (I'm still debating that one.)
To me, these are tangible results of using some critical thinking to suppress my own biases, though not to a degree I would like. Does that mean it's easy sailing for me now? No, since it's part of our nature, I know I'll always struggle with bias. But as long as I have the memory of my family disowning me because they failed to use critical thinking, I'll have the motivation to keep fighting bias.
Please refresh my memory, Tammy - were you ever a JW?