Sat Mar 08, 2008 2:14 pm by Orderous
Atheist, never believed.
I never believed anything, I only trust the facts. But how does one quantify facts? In science I would say that if a person allows you to attempt to preform the same experiment, in other words a Materials and Methods section is included, then the facts are believable and verifiable, even if you do not preform the experiment yourself. You are still given the option to prove this person wrong or correct.
This is both possible and impossible with religious ideas, it really depends upon the religion and the person. Some will tell you that you have to experience Jesus/God/Allah/whatever-the-hell-you-wish-to-call-it, yourself and make up your own answer. Some will tell you that the only way to experience them is through the words of others (the religious writings). I have not had any experiences indicating any form of diety, therefore the facts are not verifiable to me, and I can not simply believe.
Scientology is based solely on writings, and experiences I can link to any number of scientific and common sense explenations.