posted by [identity profile] benlehman.livejournal.com at 09:37pm on 29/07/2008
Let's not use hypetheticals. Let's do what Machiavelli suggested and use reality.

Now you're not taking my test.

Do you have something against fiction? Do you have something against fiction which asks "what would you do, placed into this fictional world?"

The funny thing is that I know you're capable of imagining a world where magic works.

Hmm... That might help. Look at it this way: It's a role-playing game.

If we sit down to play, oh, I dunno, L5R. And I go "actually, there wasn't any functional magic in Japan!" the first time someone casts a spell, that's just me being a dick.

yrs--
--Ben

P.S. The goal of this test is not to convert you. I don't even know what I would convert you to.
 
posted by [identity profile] wunderworks.livejournal.com at 11:32pm on 29/07/2008
Okay, let's say _I_ take this test of yours - and let's use a real world example - meditation used by Buddhists monks lowers blood pressure.

I would answer as follows:

1. a - it's conclusive
2. b - start using it
3. c - still an atheist
4. a - still rational

Why? Because the study finds that Correlation does not Imply Causation.

Just because the Buddhist monks discovered a practice that helps them be healthier, doesn't mean it has anything to do with their religion.

The Shinto Japanese lived longer during the Middle Ages because they used ritual Purification and regular bathing as religious practices. Does being clean and dangerous microbe free have health benefits? Yes! Is it a matter of religion or faith? Not really. Can there be such a test where Faith or religion cannot be parsed from the results? No.

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