Compassion, and it's discontents....

[Leifer]

Interesting read, about ...
http: [url]http://www.morethanmen.org/2012/05/14/compassionate-skepticism/ //[/URL]

 

[Mick West]

Interesting that he's talking about being compassionate, but also says:

When we interact with true believers, we have a responsibility to be compassionate and considerate as well. We need to realize that our skeptical values are the result of fortunate circumstances, and not everyone has access to the same information and experiences that we do.

Content from External Source

Which unfortunately comes across as somewhat condescending. It's tarring all the true-believers with the same brush, a variation of the "get some education" school of skepticism. There are many true-believers, especially in religion, who are very well educated, very intelligent, and who had very fortunate circumstances.

That they ended up with some erroneous beliefs is certainly the end result of a vast chain of chance, but his phrasing comes across as "not everyone is as lucky to be as clever as us".

 

[Leifer]

"Fortunate" is a relative and superbly human term.....and cannot be described without a certain amount of fortune as a base for understanding.
-- even if you live in a landfill, finding a coin will make you feel fortunate.
"Fortunacity" is in the brain of the reader, and seems to be difficult to avoid, though it is a noble goal, and requires an open mind. Thanks for the open mind !!

To assume that anyone is "less than", is not compassionate.....so you are correct.