Phaseolus

Hi everyone,

Im an Indian (south Asia) from a fairly liberal family (a rarity in my part of the world). I was raised to believe in god, both parents are firm believers though they don't subscribe to any one religion ("All religions are different interpretations /mediums/routes of/to the same god" school of thought).

God (not religion) was a very important part of my life in my younger years, he served as a pillar of support during the hard times and life complicated asit is was just easier to deal with knowing there was someone up there looking out for me. But as I aged, with growing experience of the world and my chosen academic field (i am a molecular biologist/geneticist) the fabric of my faith was progressively shredded to pieces (thats as delicately as I can put it, so you can imagine how difficult the transition was). Initially I became an ardent atheist but as I matured, I realized how parallel my views were to those at the other end of the spectrum - the fanatic theists, a realization that was sudden and horrifying (I kid you not, I was having an argument with a muslim friend about the usual and it just struck me, a bolt of wisdom tinged lightning...how myopically similar our arguments were albeit in the opposite direction). Well after a lot of introspection and soul searching Ive become who I am right now...an agnostic or more specifically a weak agnostic (wikipedia.org).

I haven't joined this forum to push my beliefs or to get into lengthy, strung out debates regarding the existence of god/validity of religion etc etc. What I am here for is healthy conversation with like minded individuals in the hope of finding answers that may help me understand human nature and the world a little better.

debdodd

Welcome aboard!!

You and Og (once he gets back from his honeymoon) will have plenty to discuss ... he is in a similar science field .... you can look on the members list look up Og, then check out his threads .... you will be a lively addition to the mix ....

sounds like your parents gave you great direction.

Once again Welcome and enjoy your time here! Deb

__________________
"Ubi dubium ibi libertas."

"We are all lone souls. It pays to know humility, lest the delusion of control, of mastery, overwhelms. And indeed, we seem a species prone to that delusion, again and ever again ....."

WilliamBlue

Yes, welcome, OG is going to be thrilled that some one else here has a background in biology. OG's philosophy on God is interesting and intriguing, you should look him up when he gets back.

Oh yeah, Og is the moderator on this forum, as well as George.

__________________
When you dance with an elephant it's up to you to not get stepped on.
How can we be so arrogant and egotistical to believe that the whole Universe was created just for us?

debdodd

Correct Blue but has anyone seen/read/heard from George in a while? An-gel is/was also a moderator but he rarely shows up any more either .... I hope George is okay....


I also agree that he and Og will have much in common ...

__________________
"Ubi dubium ibi libertas."

"We are all lone souls. It pays to know humility, lest the delusion of control, of mastery, overwhelms. And indeed, we seem a species prone to that delusion, again and ever again ....."

xxkayxx

Welcome!

__________________
If a million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing

romansh

Phaseolus

Welcome ...
Hope to see you in the debates ... and look forwrd to hearing your views on genetics and evolution.

all the best

__________________
There is a theory which states that if ever anybody discovers exactly what the Universe is for and why it is here, it will instantly disappear and be replaced by something even more bizarre and inexplicable. There is another theory which states that this has already happened. ........... Douglas Adams

Phaseolus

Thanks a bunch for the warm welcome guys, much appreciated. I wont be online often because my work is very demanding, but when I am Ill try to make it worth all our whiles. ^_^