Do your beliefs conflict with each other?

[Josh D]

This is pretty far off, but just something that I've wondered about for a while now. I've never really asked anyone this, so I'm curious to hear your opinions.

A long time ago it happened to cross my mind that some of my beliefs seem to be in conflict with each other. For example, I have always thought that "when its your time to go, its your time to go", in other words there was a reason for your death, and nothing you do can change it.

I was severely injured and nearly killed (alive thanks to Shoei and AGV) in a freak motorcycle accident in late 04'. This was right before my unit deployed to Iraq. The military was something I was good at (or so I'd like to think) and really enjoyed, even if I didn't realize it at the time. I have wondered since then if I was not meant to go over there or if it was just a random event. FWIW- 2 other guys in my unit were also not deploying, due to MX accidents (broken hand and broken leg).

Yet, if there is nothing you can do, then why do I always choose to wear my gear when riding? Its not for looks and wearing a leather suit in 90 deg. weather with 85% humidity isn't exactly the funnest thing ever, at least not when you have to go through town.

So basically, do you believe that your future is already set, or not? Or some combo of the 2?

[RayOSV]

There is much we can do to affect our own future, IMO. It's not totally out of our control. Some things do happen seemingly by chance, however.

Conflicted.....

[The Central Scrutinizer]

You're talking about Predetermined Destiny vs. Free Will, and which to believe in. The core of it relates to whether or not you believe in God, though it's not necessarily joined at the hip.

Those who believe in God may also believe that God has a plan or path laid out for them to follow (predetermined destiny)... yet He judges them by the choices they make (free will). So their goal is to decipher what that plan is, even though God's will is supposedly unfathomable.

Those who don't believe in God generally believe in Cause and Effect, and that they have complete control over their own destiny, or at least they are responsible for the consequences of their actions.

I tend towards the latter, though I realize that some things are simply beyond my control... i.e. random events, accidents, etc.. I also believe that by taking advantage of opportunities when they present themselves, as long as it doesn't affect others adversely, is a way of adapting to situations as they arise... thus guiding your own destiny as much as is feasible. Or "going with the flow", so to speak.

It's a huge debate... but it's a beautiful day so I'm going to exercise my Free Will and go for a ride.

Back from a great ride... since posting this was the last thing I did before I left, it was on my mind out on the road. It struck me how this philosophical debate can be aptly applied to riding motorcycles. I felt in complete control as I piloted the Bandit through the curves and over hill & dale, yet staying in that heightened sense of awareness you need to anticipate and avoid obstacles or potential accidents at speed... life is a lot like riding.

[county]

I read somewhere once that whether we will be Democrat or Republican is determined by age 5.

So very much of our lives is predetermined by genetics and early environment.

[ZQ8Dude]

Originally Posted by Josh D

This is pretty far off, but just something that I've wondered about for a while now. I've never really asked anyone this, so I'm curious to hear your opinions.

A long time ago it happened to cross my mind that some of my beliefs seem to be in conflict with each other. For example, I have always thought that "when its your time to go, its your time to go", in other words there was a reason for your death, and nothing you do can change it.

I was severely injured and nearly killed (alive thanks to Shoei and AGV) in a freak motorcycle accident in late 04'. This was right before my unit deployed to Iraq. The military was something I was good at (or so I'd like to think) and really enjoyed, even if I didn't realize it at the time. I have wondered since then if I was not meant to go over there or if it was just a random event. FWIW- 2 other guys in my unit were also not deploying, due to MX accidents (broken hand and broken leg).

Yet, if there is nothing you can do, then why do I always choose to wear my gear when riding? Its not for looks and wearing a leather suit in 90 deg. weather with 85% humidity isn't exactly the funnest thing ever, at least not when you have to go through town.

So basically, do you believe that your future is already set, or not? Or some combo of the 2?

If your future was was already set, you wouldnt make decisions for yourself.

[BusaDave]

Originally Posted by ZQ8Dude

If your future was was already set, you wouldnt make decisions for yourself.

Maybe that's why I keep reading this forum.

[jim schmidt]

Here's the clinker. If your beliefs are in direct conflict, there is every liklihood that one or the other is flat out wrong.

[jerome_oneil]

Originally Posted by jim schmidt

Here's the clinker. If your beliefs are in direct conflict, there is every liklihood that one or the other is flat out wrong.

This is one of those "You know you're a Republican when..." kinds of tests.

[TheSollyLama]

Mine do, yes. Mostly they conflict with people that agree with me on one thing but not another.

I'm heavy into the skeptical and freethinker movement. By and large I find that group the most intellectually honest and well educated folks around.

However- they also tend to be far left leaning, whereas I am dead in the middle. I identify more with the right on many issues, but am embarrassed by them on everything else. Just as I think the far left is every bit as loopy as the right.

For example the skeptics tend to not be critical of Al Gore and his pack of BS. They are also interested in political correctness to a degree I am not.

So while I identify strongly with logic and atheism- it's not a perfect marriage. The skeptics aren't always as skeptical as they claim to be. I've called a few out and slammed their arguments shut.

It's the same in life. Most of the people I hang out with are homophobes, don't care what color you are, but who you fuck....... But I know several gay guys my wife works with and they're a riot to hang around.

Whenever you don't give a shit what other people approve or don't approve of- you'll find yourself alone.

[SlowGoose]

How's this: I'm anti-abortion but pro-choice.

[TheSollyLama]

I support Post-Birth Abortion for all politicians. I think we should institute an immediate enforcement of said law as well. Start with the current president- and then move on to anyone that says they want to be president.

Between them, and moving on to congress and the senate- this country could only improve.

Although I bet if you look closely, you'll see the coat hanger scars on the heads of all the politicians currently running...........................

[Josh D]

Originally Posted by ZQ8Dude

If your future was was already set, you wouldnt make decisions for yourself.

But that doesn't mean that you couldn't THINK you were making decisions for yourself, even though you had no choice but to make that decision.

[ZQ8Dude]

Originally Posted by Josh D

But that doesn't mean that you couldn't THINK you were making decisions for yourself, even though you had no choice but to make that decision.

Well if you "think" you have no choice then to make that decision. Then you must believe you don't even have a free mind?

[Josh D]

I believe in free will, but it was just another viewpoint I thought I'd bring up.