Look I know this is a stupid quibble. But I have a quibble. One of those little things that just bugs me and snaps me out of reading the article specifically to complain about it.
Stalin was religious and lifted the ban on religions put in place by Lenin. Stalin trained in being a minister before he started being a communist. (Check wikipedia for evidence)
That having been said: Other then that this article is pretty good, and I can understand not wanting to actually get into the religion vs aethisim debate or spending the time to correct my quibble… Other then, you know, the fact that you’re saying that the fact that I require burden of proof there is a good thing.
The problem is that every core assumption you take requires a certain amount of faith. (See the mock turtle). Most core assumptions are based on emotions (which are humanity’s way of weighing the value of core assumptions, if used properly) and emotions are based of a mess of learned responses and instincts that operate at a level that is difficult to control intellectually. (Instinct: I have a certain type of pain, therefore I am hungry. Therefore the value of food raises in my mind)
Which is why, of course, every rational debate comes down to differences in base assumptions which are, of course, difficult to change, because base assumptions are rooted in emotions, cultural heritage, and instinct.
Please inform me of my flaws that I may correct them, for my perceptions are not properly calibrated yet to find flaws in my own work beforehand.
Thank you!