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Swimmer963 comments on Positive Thinking - Less Wrong
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I don't think that rationality and Christianity occupy the same place in one's life -- rationality in itself is only a means to an end, not an end in itself, while following the principles of Christianity does seem to be an end in itself for Christians.
Rationality is an art which one follows to acquire true beliefs and take effective action, regardless of one's utility function. The question 'Could the principles of rationality prompt a group of people to form this kind of community?' feels like it's asking something of rationality that is completely tangential to its purpose.
I could better understand the question 'Could the principles of transhumanism and/or altruism prompt a group of people to form this kind of community?'
Also for me, going to church and ish-following the principles of Christianity was a means to an end ("I want something to hold me accountable to being a better person") whereas trying to become more rational has less of a well-defined end.
One potential end for rationality is "I want to be able to hold myself accountable for being a better person." I'm not currently able to do that entirely, but I think I'm getting better, in part through participating in the LW community.
I go to church to help me be accountable to my daughter. The church we attend is gay-friendly and supports a family of two men and a baby. Some churches are filled with bitter people always looking to criticize each other, usually behind their backs. You're lucky to be part of a positive church community. I am, too.