Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Ubercat · 11-28-2005, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Helpmabob

Skepticwiki - It depends Jephthah didn't need to come out with this promise to God to sacrifice the first person that came out of his house. God had already assured him of vicory in battle by sending him with the Spirit, but Jephthah then thinks he needs to also do a deal with God to win. There is a lesson here to be learnt.

Don't trust god to do the right thing, 'cause you'll get burned every time?

-Ubercat

Ubercat · 11-28-2005, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rhutchin

I have read the Bible and I like the way it describes people as they really were and that it does not sugar coat anything (this allows people to nit pick what they read). Paul was incredible because he did not cave in to peer pressure or the majority's selfish desire of the day. Paul was a strong individual who knew the truth and would not compromise his beliefs. People today are wusses, have no strong morals or beliefs, only want everyone else to know what really neat people they imagine themselves to be, and then go balistic when their egos get popped; pretty pathetic. Lot of work for the shrinks though.

Yes, arrogance and the inability to ever admit to the slightest error are great qualities Rhutchin. I sure am glad we have "christians" like you in the world to demonstrate christs character.

-Ubercat

Helpmabob · 12-02-2005, 02:42 AM

Hi Diana – I meant to say that finding a lesson in the Jephthah story (not to try to force God’s hand; to first stop and think through the consequences of one’s actions) reinforces the view that the bible does indeed offer useful guidance in these times. I must leave aside the divine inspiration part for a different thread. I agree that Jephthah’s actions were unreasonable, but understandable, in this case. I have posted a very brief story in your moral challenge thread. I’ve not got a great imagination I'm afraid.

Definitions - rationalize = what something is; make sense = why something is ?

Hi John –

Quote:

"A work of fiction can be inspiring, even though it's a work of fiction."
Is that what you are saying? If so, I agree with you.

That was not what I was saying, but I do agree wholeheartedly that a work of fiction can be beautiful and inspiring. Please see reply to Diana above for my attempt to clarify what I was saying. With respect, John, I think that my means of elucidating my point of view generally do not meet your stellar standards, but we all have our weaknesses, and this one I am unable to address right now, so I humbly request your understanding. Would you not agree that the ability of someone to argue, or prove, a stance they take necessarily in any way invalidates that thing in which they believe?

John A. Broussard · 12-02-2005, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Helpmabob

Hi John – That was not what I was saying, but I do agree wholeheartedly that a work of fiction can be beautiful and inspiring. Please see reply to Diana above for my attempt to clarify what I was saying. With respect, John, I think that my means of elucidating my point of view generally do not meet your stellar standards, but we all have our weaknesses, and this one I am unable to address right now, so I humbly request your understanding. Would you not agree that the ability of someone to argue, or prove, a stance they take necessarily in any way invalidates that thing in which they believe?

I appreciate your humility, though I have a great deal of difficulty understanding such questions as:

"Would you not agree that the ability of someone to argue, or prove, a stance they take necessarily in any way invalidates that thing in which they believe?"

I guess I would definitely not agree that someone's ability to argue would invalidate anything.

Maybe you can further elucicate this point.

I look forward to your response.

Helpmabob · 12-05-2005, 08:08 AM

Hi John -

Quote:

I guess I would definitely not agree that someone's ability to argue would invalidate anything.

It looks like we agree on something.

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