Our experience directs and forms what we believe.
i.e.
Our experience directs our perception of what 'reality' is.
I believe that the converse is true also.
That [to some extent] what we believe can also direct ['allow'?] what we can experience.
I have experienced enough things in my life, to not posit [as many/most men do] that the extraordinary experiences of others are not likely to be valid, simply because in this life, i have not experienced what they say they have experienced.
I'm a very gullible person.
And what we believe, also determines how we will choose. !!!
Yadda said.....
Quote:
Prior to Columbus discovering the Americas [well, central America anyway] the American continents did not exist, well not within the mental consciousness of Europeans.
I am sure that when Columbus returned to Spain, that initially many of his interlocutors were unable to 'conceive' of >his< 'new world', beyond the horizon.
I am certain that when Columbus returned to Spain from the Americas, that many Europeans refused to believe, that he had discovered a 'new world'.
e.g.
"A new world??? Beyond the horizon!!! That is absurd. I have not experienced it, and i can not conceive of it, therefore, it is not, it can not be real."
Its the same concept.
Trying to convince a 'natural' man of the existence of a spiritual realm, must be, i am sure, similar to the initial experience of Columbus when he returned from the new world.
"I can't believe your spiritual experience, because >> i << have not experienced it."
LOL
Fair enough.
You poor atheists, live in such a 'small world'.