Dumb Things On Pinterest

"Being Clever" Fails: #1 in a potential series

Saw this on the interwebs and it caused this post which may in fact become a semi-regular feature.

In case you can't read the tiny print:

Philosophy is questions that may never be answered.

Religion is answers that may never be questioned.

There is in Philosophy a technical term for this type of juvenile attempt at a clever juxtaposition: Bullshit.

This was clearly written by someone with no familiarity with either philosophy or religion. But then of course, religion is a term misused and misunderstood. It usually refers to "organized" religion, meaning a hierarchical structure that keeps their ignorant flock in check with threats and magic incantations.

Religion actually originally meant that which binds together, which is why I frequently contend that the pre-game activity of tailgating at football games is a religious event. People are wearing their Sunday best jerseys, they tell stories of past glories, they anticipate going to the promised bowl, they share a meal...

But, I digress.

Philosophy does not ask questions without answers, it asks questions that cause you to examine how you think and what and why you believe what you believe. And there are answers. Socrates is reported as saying, "The unexamined life is not worth living."

I will add this corollary: "The unexamined religion is not worth following."

Now, that's a strong statement that many will wonder at. So, I'll double down and say, "If your religion is based on truth and reality, it will stand up to scrutiny."

Have fun with that!