Philosophy Discussion Forums | A Humans-Only Club for Open-Minded Discussion & Debate

[Chinemezu Okafor]

I think that it is going to be overwhelming for someone who is very religious to put away his religious beliefs while reading this book. This isn't totally bad because everyone is going to have a different experience while reading this book, both religious people and people that are not religious.

[Covenant Olusegun]

Yes, I think we humans are bound to spiritual things and beliefs. We have something we hold on to and have faith in; humans are naturally very religious, and this is because we all have a spirit. 

[Yasmine M]

I struggled to conceptualize consciousness without incorporating religion while reading the book. Religion and faith are a large part of my life and shape how I view the world and existence. I appreciated how Hughes allowed space for readers to interpret his theories through their unique worldviews. For some readers, it may have been impossible to consider religion a part of consciousness. That is the beauty of individuality.

I agree with you. I also find it hard to disassociate both consciousness and spirituality from religion. Particularly because the first time I came upon those terms was from religious teachings. And although Scott tried to not base his book on religion, there is a lot of common ground with religious teachings; it is the case at least for those with religious background.
I guess those who don't identify with any religion will manage to understand consciousness and spirituality in their own way.

[Catalina Isabel]

Yes, I think we humans are bound to spiritual things and beliefs. We have something we hold on to and have faith in; humans are naturally very religious, and this is because we all have a spirit. 

I don't agree that humans are naturally very religious. It depends on where you live, the beliefs there and also upbringing, people's own thoughts around religion. There are plently of people who do not believe in God, or some that believe we have a soul but do not believe in a particular religion. These things are not mutually exclusive.

I think we can definitely discuss conciousness without going into religion, but I like that the author mentioned both of these views. They were likely trying to appeal to a bigger audience by doing so.

[Davy Ifedigbo]

Considering that individuals are metaphysical entities, I believe it might present difficulties to exclude theological allusions from conversations regarding awareness. People possess cognizance of their environment owing to their cognitive capabilities. As ethereal entities, we harmonize with the divine essence residing within ourselves and others. Consequently, conversing about consciousness without addressing our cognizance of the divine becomes an unfeasible task.

[Liza Chulukhadze]

Faith has transformed my life I could say. I find that peson with no faith finds it hard to find hope in anything. Overall, ot usually depends on the society you live in.

[Kathie Slief Turner]

I don't think it's hard. For some, it's just second nature because they hold those beliefs. I, however, do not have those beliefs and therefore understand the reason for the question. I agree that atheists should be included in the discussion about consciousness. I'm Buddhist in thought and practice, but it is a non-theistic practice; no deity is involved. Therefore I do not feel a need to talk about religion in a discussion about consciousness.

[Jessica Cole 3]

As someone who was raised in a religious household and then left that religion, I think it's possible. The base of consciousness is not religion. My world doesn't revolve around religion, but I am conscious of myself and things around me. I am spiritual, though. I still don't think my spirituality informs everything I do. As someone mentioned above, atheists exist. Their worlds have nothing to do with the presence of religion.

Someone else above mentioned that religion is the base of civilization. I disagree. Religion used to be the base of civilization, which is why the Church is such a powerful institution and why there are so many religions. It's not the case today, as there is a separation of Church and State today. I believe that inclusive language should be used when discussing this topic, as it's not a religious topic. It can be religious, but it's not inherently religious.

[Rupali Mishra]

You can't really avoid talking about religion while addressing issues relating to human life because everyone has an opinion—whether they are for or against religion. It might not be feasible to speak in a way that is more welcoming to all people, regardless of their beliefs, and to include them in the conversation.

[PanwarP]

Given that people are spiritual creatures, I believe it would be difficult to avoid bringing up religion in conversations about consciousness. The ability to think allows humans to be aware of their environment. We are in harmony with the God within us and the God within others because we are spiritual beings. As such, discussing consciousness would be incomplete without discussing our awareness of God.

[RJ Reviews]

While religions serve their purposes, I do not believe that discussion about conciousness must include religious references. People who don't follow any religious beliefs may also provide valuable information about conciousness. With time, the concept of religions have evolved a lot, both towards positive and negative. Keeping that in mind, we should find a way to discuss conciousness with diving into religious references.

[Marie Chalupova]

I think we can have issues agreeing on things and terms not only as it pertains to religion but also other beliefs. Some might take some spiritual ideas for granted and some find it nonsense. For example, people that believe in reincarnation but not because of any religion.

[Buikem Kasia]

No, I don't believe that it is too hard. Weare humans first before any religion comes into play. Our humanity supersedes anything so it isn't too hard.

[Angie Fernandez]

As a practicing Christian who reads my Bible daily and believes "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16-17, it would be hard for me to separate my faith from philosophy. Furthermore, our conscience is a gift from God, a "sixth sense" if you will, that leads my mind and body to walk in a way that is honoring to God

I often had that "knowing" in my heart as a young person that I needed to flee a situation before I got into serious trouble. Sometimes I listened and sometimes I didn't and paid the price. Luckily God challenges my conscience in what I consider right and wrong in an attempt to reform or change my thinking. Reading "In It Together" was one of those times.

[Thera reads]

Excluding religious references from discussions about consciousness can be challenging because they are not far from each other, and beliefs and worldviews often influence these discussions.