Freethought & Rationalism Archive

bacht · 11-06-2009, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lamberthml

Why would anyone think these books any better than the other sacred ones without special pleading?

They may not be, but by historical accident they formed part of the cultural foundation of Western civilization. Unless you want to chuck out the whole thing (and some people do) we're stuck with books, paintings, music etc drawn from biblical themes.

As for the supernatural stuff, what does it matter if it's all fantasy anyway? Should I care more about Vishnu or Odin than Christ if they're just metaphors?

Ethics are easy to teach and hard to do. Most of the great religions and philosophies say the same thing: be a good person. You don't need to learn Hebrew or Sanskrit to understand this.

Jedi Mind Trick · 11-07-2009, 05:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by No Robots

I vote yes, his ethic was dangerous and silly. It is always dangerous and silly to defy the authorities. It is always dangerous and silly to trust the common folk. It is always dangerous and silly to stake everything on upholding an ideal. All my thanks to those incredibly brave geniuses who are willing to do the dangerous and silly things that alone elevate mankind above dangerousness and silliness.

I voted the same way for the same reasons.

Roger Pearse · 11-07-2009, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lamberthml

Ipetrich, yes, perhaps if Stoicism has prevailed, then slavery might have gone out centuries earlier!:angry:

Interesting. Why do you suppose this?

Zeno was a determinist. One day he caught one of his slaves taking some food and prepared to beat him. "It was my destiny to steal" pleaded the slave. Said Zeno, "And to be flogged."

View Poll Results: Did Yeshua have a silly and dangerous ethic?
Yes	5	71.43%
No	1	14.29%
Ill study the matter more	0	0%
Don't know	1	14.29%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 7. You may not vote on this poll

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