Lincoln and religion

[Dr. Todd Descendant]

(11-18-2012 01:59 PM)Rob Wick Wrote:  As someone who hasn't hidden the fact that I'm strongly agnostic leaning toward outright atheism, I realize I'm in a minority both here and in the population at large, but I've always accepted that fact and deal with it. Even though I strongly admire the work of Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens, I also realize that many people have gotten real comfort from their faith. That I get the same comfort from listening to Mozart or Beethoven just means that my way is different.

It's easy to take a subject like Lincoln and put our own views and biases on his back, but that only does all involved a disservice. My goal isn't to prove that Lincoln was this or that, but rather to try and grasp the complexity of the man and to accept that just one aspect of his character tells us nothing about the whole man. Of course there are disagreements here between people, but the underlying respect which also resides here does much to palliate any troubles which might spring up.

Best
Rob

It's true that we need to be careful about attempting to set opinion up as fact. You're correct. That would be a disservice. I HOPE I made myself clear by stating the word "perhaps" in my reply.

Although it's true that our (yours, mine and Lincoln's) beliefs, whether they be in science or a Creator, are one aspect of our character, I would think they flavor our thought processes and choices made. Yes? I have a couple good friends who also share your atheistic beliefs. We have some good discussions while respecting each other's right to be wrong...lol.