Geologic time, cultural differences and religion

[bore]

I've always found the cultural contingency argument against religion a bit hypocritical, at least in the way its normally given, because its given by people who have strongly held political views that they believe are completely truthful (Thou shall not let poor people live in the New York City etc) but which are every bit, if not more so, as contingent as religious beliefs. If you'd have been born in the south in 1850 you'd support slavery for instance. Very few people have the ability to rise above their culture.

In fact, every belief we have is contingent on our circumstances. If I was born in the bible belt I might be a YEC.

It reminds of an alleged exchange between an archbishop and some sort of heckler who said:

"You're only a christian because you were raised that way"

And he replied: "You only think that's a good argument because you were raised that way"

[bore]

It reminds of an alleged exchange between an archbishop and some sort of heckler who said:

"You're only a christian because you were raised that way"

And he replied: "You only think that's a good argument because you were raised that way"

If that line of argument convinces you and you think all reason and empiricism is no better than cognitive bias, why ever discuss anything with anyone?  

I'm not sure that line entirely convinces me, but I think the people who use the cultural contingency are generally being hypocrites about it.