In Reply to: mathematics and religion posted by porceleindoll on April 08, 2004 at 19:19:00:
PD,
The math example was mainly rhetorical, and I offered it to introduce the logical concept of mutual exclusivity. Yes, the answer to a simple math problem can be found, and empirical evidence provided to the validity of the answer.
You are correct that religion is a matter of faith, and that many religious beliefs can not be validated using scientific means. However, many of the doctrines, ethics, and rules of various religions can be analyzed for validity.
The point I am trying to make is that one cannot logically assert that several mutually exclusive belief systems are all valid. If one religion teaches that Christ is the only way to salvation, while another asserts that Mohammed is the only way, while still another asserts...
You can logically say that all of them may be invalid, or one of them is valid, but it would be illogical to assert that all of them are valid, since each has core beliefs which invalidate any contradictory belief system. I hope I've done a better job of making this point.