Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Horatio Parker · 10-10-2011, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mountainman

Quote:

Originally Posted by Horatio Parker

I don't see a conflict between MJ and faith; in fact I think it improves the theology.

I would tend to agree with you, but there may be limits. The way I read the ancient historical evidence is that Plato's theology (which needed little improvement) was infected with the centralized state monotheistic HJ virus to become Christian theology.

No question. But they corrupted Plato in order to have a more traditional type of God; one that was a credit to the Emperor.

Plato is more intuitive, consistent and spiritual than Xtianity could ever be, but he has the disadvantage of being esoteric. Not to mention the difficulty of wading through the dialogs to find the bits of gold. Xtianity is accessible and immediate. One only needs the desire.

Bertrand Russell says Xianity rose out of Stoicism as opposed to classic Platonism and his reason is very interesting: the Stoics emphasized the individual whereas justice for Plato was a society-wide concept. I don't know enough Stoicism to judge, but BR carries a lot of weight with me.

archibald · 10-10-2011, 01:48 PM

While we are on the general observations theme.....I sometimes think early Christianity was basically socialism. Later events remind me of Orwel's Animal Farm, with the orthodox Catholic Church being the pigs in suits.

Just a lighthearted thought.

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10-10-2011, 01:48 PM	#82
archibald Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Northern Ireland Posts: 1,305	While we are on the general observations theme.....I sometimes think early Christianity was basically socialism. Later events remind me of Orwel's Animal Farm, with the orthodox Catholic Church being the pigs in suits. Just a lighthearted thought.

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