I have read on these forums all sorts of utter bullshit regarding "faith". Lately and recently I have read that you need an "open mind" to have faith. So what does this really mean?
Does "open mind" mean abandoning common sense, and or reality?
Does it mean allowing propaganda to take over your mind with no regard to truth or facts?
In science or the REAL fucking world, "open mind" means observing with no prejudice or preconceived idea of a conclusion.
That is not what it means with regard to faith! In fact, to have "faith" you have to accept a preconceived conclusion no matter what. It doesn't matter what the facts are or where they lead. One idiot on the forum actually stated that facts are somehow not valid. I can't remember the exact quote but that was the idea.
"Faith" in reality is an excuse for not having facts. That is all it is. Having "faith" has nothing to do with an "open mind". In fact, you have to have a closed mind to have faith. You have to close your mind off from facts, history, reality, truth, and intellectual honesty. You have to accept a prejudicial preconceived conclusion which is the very opposite of an open mind.
The best saying I have ever read was:
"THANK GOD FOR ATHEISM!"
Atheists follow the facts and let the facts lead them where ever the facts go. There is no preconceived notion of any conclusion. There is no "leap of faith" to fit a preconceived narrative. Atheists have an OPEN MIND!
So yes, everyone should have an open mind, open to where the facts lead. If the facts don't lead to a conclusion, then sobeit. That is where they lead.
Belief is synonymous with a closed mind. Nonbelief is synonymous with having an open mind.