Download or read book Climbing Backward Out of Caves written by John Harris and published by . This book was released on 2014-11-18 with total page 183 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The first draft of this rational case on behalf of religious faith was written in spring of 2010. Though much revised, the book still comprises three parts offering complementary perspectives. "Why Science Cannot Be the Final Word" logically demonstrates that the empirical approach (what we commonly call science) cannot possibly render conclusive answers to questions about the nature of ultimate reality. This section relies heavily upon German rationalist philosopher Immanuel Kant's "antinomies of pure reason"."Reasons to Be Suspicious of Faith" presents some of the emotional responses frequently voiced by non-believers. In the absence of conclusive empirical evidence and logical proof, we are left with "feelings"--some of which are quite poignant on both the "for" and "against" side. Non-believers may indeed conceal a history of traumatic bullying under their suave arguments on behalf of nothingness: a domineering community whose members claim to represent "the true faith" may have scarred them from an early age. Though these emotions deserve respect when they are genuine (as opposed to derisive or exhibitionist), all eventually undercut themselves in hopeless contradiction.Finally, "Reasons to Be Inclined to Have Faith" argues that our sentimental orientation as human beings becomes most coherent and is pointed in the most productive direction if we assume certain spiritual realities. The rudiments of faith cannot be proved any more than they can be disproved. Yet to assume a higher reality, far from being less reasonable, is much more so if we are trying to explain such cryptic inclinations as our admiration for selfless deeds and the crushing guilt we feel after committing a vile act.The book is not a light read, though its author made every effort to avoid dense terminology and to stir in some pleasantly homespun analogies. It shouldn't be picked up by those who haven't much time to spend thinking about metaphysical matters or who seek an airy, "feel good" experience. The contents are dedicated to finding truth. In the right hands, it will sure to have a tremendously liberating and productive impact.The book seldom cites biblical passages. Its intent is explicitly not to presume that the reader acknowledges the authority of any scriptural tradition, but rather to place final authority in the soul's mirror: a bared, self-examining heart and mind.