[Vision2020] Installment #34 - Believe

Mon Jan 24 20:27:49 PST 2011

Well if it can get folks to accept and respect the beliefs of others, that would be a good thing!

I don't understand how "believe" is a value. It has to depend on what you believe, right? Everyone has beliefs. Are they all valuable? Maybe the beliefs of others should be respected but is that the same thing as valuing them? What you respect is the person and his or her right to believe what he or she will.

I think to most people the words "credo", "faith", and even "believer" have religious connotations. I'm pretty sure that came out in your research, too, Jeff. Or are you of the opinion that what is being claimed is that any old belief is of value?

On Jan 24, 2011, at 6:40 PM, Jeffh <jeffh at moscow.com> wrote:

> Don't see much advantage to "wordsmith" the values project definitions, but in this particular instance, it seems to warrant a comment or two.
> 
> First, the items used to describe the value "belief", e.g. credo, faith and be a believer are segregated by semi-colons and hence can be inferred to be mutually exclusive of one another.
> 
> Second, common definitions point to a broad interpretation of credo, faith and "be a believer".
> 
> Credo: ... while usually associated with a religious creed, it can be used to describe any formula of belief
> 
> Faith:  ... the confident belief or trust in the truth or trustworthiness of a person, concept or thing.
> Faith is in general the persuasion of the mind that a certain statement is true,[5] belief in and assent to the truth of what is declared by another, based on his or her supposed authority and truthfulness.[6] Informal usage can be quite broad, and the word is often used as a mere substitute for trust or belief'. (Wikipedia)
> 
> Believer:  Again, while often associated with a theological bent, it's common use, according to Dictionary.com is "...
> to have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so: Only if one believes in something can one act purposefully."
> 
> To focus on a specific application of the terms belief, credo, faith; e.g. a theological bent seems to me to take away from the "value" of the language.
> 
> Furthermore, imposing a religious or theological element to the value as presented takes away from the whole point of the exercise, that is to ponder the role that belief can play in one's life and their interactions with others.
> 
> BUT, it is clear to me that the "Values" project welcomes comments, criticisms, revisions, etc.  Easy to do - just go to the website and post your suggestions.
> 
> I am persuaded that the notable quotations provided help to clarify the intent of the Foundation for a Better Life's purpose in including "believe" as a value.  The following is a case in point:
> 
> We all have our own life to pursue, our own kind of dream to be weaving, and we all have the power to make wishes come true, as long as we keep believing.
> 
> Louisa May Alcott Novelist  (1832-1888);
> BUT - the exciting part to me is that folks are reading the values and thinking about them.  I have received numerous comments (mostly positive) and I am grateful that you find the efforts useful.
> 
> On 1/24/2011 3:59 PM, Joe Campbell wrote:
>> 
>> Sorry but folks without faith still have beliefs. This could be the worst definition yet.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On Jan 23, 2011, at 8:49 PM, Jeffh <jeffh at moscow.com> wrote:
>> 
>>> Believe:
>>> 
>>> is to follow a credo; have a faith; be a believer.
>>> 
>>> Visit the TV spot:  http://www.values.com/inspirational-stories-tv-spots/86-Track-Coach
>>> 
>>> Some notable quotes about the video:
>>> 
>>> ago by Stay Positive from Alabama 
>>> 
>>> Who sings this version of "If you believe in me"? Very pretty!
>>> Posted over 2 years ago by Sherry B. from North Carolina
>>> 
>>> This was the very first video I saw from your organization, and I've looked for them on TV ever since. Thank you!
>>> Posted over 2 years ago by Hannah S. from Sierra Madre, California USA
>>> 
>>> What a great idea! I think you can get a free DVD if you click on the "for schools" button at the bottom of the page.
>>> Posted almost 3 years ago by Ben M. from Colorado, USA
>>> 
>>> Is there any way to get a DVD of these clips? We would like to use them for a program that we are having for the youth of our church.
>>> Posted about 3 years ago by Rebecca S. from rwcampschmidt at yahoo.com
>>> 
>>> I am a foster parent and this tv spot keeps me focused on helping my foster child be all he can be.
>>> Posted over 3 years ago by John C. from Knoxville, TN, USA
>>> 
>>> Thank You for using Kenny Loggins' song "If You Believe". I do believe!
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Posted over 3 years ago by Kevin F. from Honolulu, Hawaii USA
>>> 
>>> Believing in one self is a wonder but having someone believe in you is the true gift of LOVE! I believe you are wakening our spirits with this gentle reminder.
>>> Posted over 3 years ago by Lady Samm from Toronto, Canada
>>> 
>>> As a high school teacher, I am really inspired by this TV spot. Great job!
>>> Posted almost 4 years ago by Jung-in Kim from Seoul, Korea
>>> 
>>> SOME QUOTES ABOUT "BELIEVE".
>>> 
>>> You were meant to be here. This is your time.
>>> Herbert "Herb" P. Brooks, Jr.  American Ice Hockey Coach  (1937-2003);
>>> 
>>> Every tomorrow has two handles. We can take hold of it with the handle of anxiety or the handle of faith. 
>>> Henry Ward Beecher Clergyman, Social Reformer  (1813-1887);
>>> 
>>> We all have our own life to pursue, our own kind of dream to be weaving, and we all have the power to make wishes come true, as long as we keep believing.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Louisa May Alcott Novelist  (1832-1888);
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>> 
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>> 
> 
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