Whose beliefs are true, whose are superstition?
A recent Bee article cited traditional Hmong beliefs, such as animism (attribution of a soul to plants, inanimate objects and natural phenomena, as well as humans) resulting in negative or fatal reactions upon separation of one or more souls from the host. A Western-acclimated daughter was estranged from her mother, who believed a departed soul or souls had caused her cancer. The young woman rejected such “antiquated” ideas.
Fast forward: Christianity’s belief in prayer also has no established basis in fact, yet there are innumerable supplications for healing and assistance daily. If the desired outcome is favorable, it is perceived as divine intervention and prayers have been answered; if unfavorable, it is deemed “God’s will.”
Assessing such beliefs solely from the standpoint of scientific inquiry and confirmation, all unsubstantiated ones may be regarded as “antiquated” and ill- founded superstition.
Paula Ann Costis, Fresno
This story was originally published September 18, 2015 at 11:48 AM with the headline "Whose beliefs are true, whose are superstition?."