Explain the characteristics of a belief that is live, forced, and momentous. Give examples for each. What kind of belief fits all three? Has James found an exception to Clifford’s standard for belief? Do you agree more with Clifford or James?

Live Belief

  • Characteristics: Both hypotheses are alive.
  • Example: Asking a kid to “ride his bike or play with a soccer ball” – both are likely to pique his interest.

Forced Belief

  • Characteristics: There is no way of avoiding the options, no possibility of not choosing.
  • Example: When I was younger and driving in the car with my dad, I used to tell him I didn’t want to listen to his music. He would respond by saying “this is my car so either listen to my music or don’t ride in it.”

Momentous Belief

  • Characteristics: A unique opportunity that cannot and should not be passed up.
  • Example: If a friend offered you an all-expenses paid vacation to Costa Rica that is something you just cannot pass up or else you lose out on the whole amazing experience.

A belief that fits all three is religion. Religion is live because it is likely that it appeals to people in many forms. Religion is forced because whether we choose to believe it or not, it still affects us. There are a lot of congregations who work hard every day to bring people into their religion and gain new followers. At least once a month, people come to my door to try and get me to convert. It is all around us, we cannot avoid it. Religion is momentous because it makes a big difference in our lives if we accept it or not. If we choose to accept it in our lives, we must live by the rules of the religion. This might include no sex before marriage, certain religions also force women to wear modest clothing, and most religions do not accept gay or trans people. Some of the most natural things are considered wrong or blasphemous to those that have written the rules for these religions. I believe James has found an exception to Clifford’s standard for belief, especially when he says “a certain lightness of heart seems healthier than this excessive nervousness on their behalf. (James Pg.2)” I have spent a lot of time living in the past, thinking of the mistakes I made and how I wished I could go back and correct it. I know it can be difficult to let go and accept the things that you cannot change but we must try hard in doing so. That is why I agree more with James – I feel it is better to learn from your mistakes than to make yourself a prisoner of your own mind. No one wants to live in fear of believing lies.

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