Something funny is happening in here....

[kittiepoetrygod]

We supposedly come here to learn, yet how can we do that when people are constantly talking about things they don't know about? The most odvious example is Satanism, but there are others ....

Just an observation.

[Mairwen]

Keen observation. I've wondered about that, myself.

[amberlaine]

Originally posted by kittiepoetrygod
We supposedly come here to learn, yet how can we do that when people are constantly talking about things they don't know about? The most odvious example is Satanism, but there are others ....

Just an observation.

We learn not only through the teachings of others. We also learn through experiencing fallacious interpreatations of reality. When someone makes a comment on a subject they obviously don't know anything about, we ask ourselves "I know he's wrong, but how do I know they're full of it?" When we do this, we compare their paradigm with our own, and better understand our own ideas and beliefs, and concurrently, we examine *why* we hold those ideas to be true, which is a form of self-exploration.

[QueendeQrash]

Well said amberlaine!
Anyways, what is the fun of researching if everyone knew what they were talking about? :) :) :)

[slvr_phoenix]

A good point, but better said would be: What is the point of researching if we already know all of the answers?

The simple truth is, by comparing notes and trying to learn, we usually end up learning. If we knew it all to begin with, then there would be no reason to discuss it in the first place.

[Myst]

Well I love reading various opinions and resources on different subjects so I can experience as wide a view as possible on any given subject. amberlaine brought up some excellent points. If I don't know why I think others are wrong how do I know I'm right?

[kittiepoetrygod]

Well ... what if one of those peopel that doesn't know about Satanism posts about it, and 20 other people beileve him? Not only would that cause problems on the board, out of those people, some would veiw that veiw as the only correct, and peopel like that tend to be a tad more vocal, so in the end, lots and lots of misinformation would be spread... hows that a good thing?

[slvr_phoenix]

Well, I'd hope that in a case like that someone would know at least enough to correct the mis/uninformed person. And I would hope that at least the majority of the people in the discussion would be intelligent enough to tell truth from made-up bologna.

However, as this isn't a perfect world, stuff happens.

Should we worry ourselves that it may go bad? If we did, what solution would there be, other than to just not talk? Personally, I'd rather continue talking openly and risk it than to have to suffer rules or regulations in place to theoretically prevent it.

Especially here at Mystic Wicks, where theoretically we're people with reasonably open minds who aren't prone to snap judgements based on a single person's words. :)

[Emy]

Originally posted by kittiepoetrygod
Well ... what if one of those peopel that doesn't know about Satanism posts about it, and 20 other people beileve him? Not only would that cause problems on the board, out of those people, some would veiw that veiw as the only correct, and peopel like that tend to be a tad more vocal, so in the end, lots and lots of misinformation would be spread... hows that a good thing?

Well, as for everything in life, one must check ones sources. Before one completely buys what others are saying one should really think about it, could this be correct, where does this information come from... etc. I mean you don't have to check everything out in that way, but if something seems a bit unlikely, or strange or it is an important matter discussed, you should probably seek out more knowledge before accepting what others has written to be true. Before you make it your truth...
And just like slv_phoenix said someone who knows this to be incorrect, would hopefully correct the mistake. :)

Blessings

[Myst]

Do I know the person well? If not I check everything they say thoroughly and don't believe them till I know for sure..

Do I know the person is usually a good source of information? If so I probably trust them but if the topic is important to my life or my views I doublecheck. If not, I check everything they say thorougly and don't believe them till I know for sure.

Has the person provided some basis for their beliefs (ie. having experience in the religion, having shown resources or complex thinking behind their beliefs)? If not, I don't believe them.

Has the person chosen to be rude or argue small points over and over instead of sticking to the point and carefully considering other points of view? If so, I don't believe them.

Anyone who bases their beliefs or actions in life on the words of one person they don't know who said so on a message board is only hurting themself! MW provides a forum for discussion and sharing, but it does not intend to be the sole place for all the answers to life's questions.

Sharing "misinformation" and discussing it on a board is the best way to decide what to you is "misinformation" and what is not. That's why it is a good thing.

Opinions vary from person to person based on experiences and understandings, and in essence, every opinion is *right* to the person who has it. It is up to *you* to sift through the conversations and make your own decisions. This is not only an excellent thinking exercise for yourself but IMHO the best way for a person to develop their beliefs. You learn, you make decisions, and you form your own beliefs. Examining your beliefs and that of others is the best way to understand fully why you do or do not believe something. It makes you sit down and think about your own beliefs and possibly re-evaluate them. No one else can be held entirely responsible for what you believe, especially not someone on a message board.

[Twilight Garden]

Posters in here are much like authors... How do you know the author of "that book you love so much" wasn't full of it when s/he wrote it, but actually printed a truely enlightening thought/theory. Or vice versa? Just a thought...:)

[Lavender]

As an ordinary person, I don't have access to research materials or equipment that others may have. Nor do I want to spend that kind of time and energy doing so. In the case of authors, I like to check out the bibliography & see where their sources came from. If it's a subject I want to pursue, I try to track down those books or articles to read for myself. As to what's posted here or anywhere else on the internet, you just need to do your own research. You have to learn the reputation of the author and look at more than one source.

I love reading what other people's opinions are but in the end, it's up to me to look further. What I read here & other sites are just starting points. I don't expect others to take what I say as the end of all things either.

All that and your own experiences will tell you if someone is giving you the right information or not.

For example, I know feverfew is good for headaches. How do I know? I've read it books from more than one author. I've talked to herbalists who have prescribed it. I've talked to people who used it. I've used it myself. I've never done any scientific research on it to see why & how it works but in my limited capabilities, I've done as much as I can.