“each theist” is the part of the claim that is too strong, since it would include, among others, the Pope, Mother Teresa and Osama bin Ladin. I grant that some techniques do work on some theists (and atheists).
True, if you want to be pedantic about it. In fact, they probably wouldn’t work on most theists in high-status positions. Think about how often you hear about someone “finding God/Allah/Jesus” at a low point of their life when they feel themselves to be failures. Now consider how often someone high-status changes their beliefs.
Didn’t see this! You’re right, that is quite a bit too strong. Let me reduce the strength of that statement: Among theists to whom I have become close enough to ask deeply personal questions and expect truthful answers, such levers seem prevalent.
“each theist” is the part of the claim that is too strong, since it would include, among others, the Pope, Mother Teresa and Osama bin Ladin. I grant that some techniques do work on some theists (and atheists).
True, if you want to be pedantic about it. In fact, they probably wouldn’t work on most theists in high-status positions. Think about how often you hear about someone “finding God/Allah/Jesus” at a low point of their life when they feel themselves to be failures. Now consider how often someone high-status changes their beliefs.
Didn’t see this! You’re right, that is quite a bit too strong. Let me reduce the strength of that statement: Among theists to whom I have become close enough to ask deeply personal questions and expect truthful answers, such levers seem prevalent.