Freethought & Rationalism Archive

RJS · 05-16-2002, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Another response would be to point out that maintaining these simplistic dualisms allows you to avoid seeing the real shades of gray between these extremes, or the real conflicts between incompatible goods (e.g. mercy can only be achieved by foregoing justice, since it is, by definition, an undeserved reprieve from a deserved punishment) or an unavoidable choice between evils (e.g. hurting your child by injecting a vaccine to minimize the possibility of more harm from a disease), all of which should mitigate against your faith in Jesus were you to allow yourself to look at them clearly and honestly.

I see no gray in the difference between Love and Hate. I believe in absolutes. Do you?

Wizardry · 05-16-2002, 06:10 PM

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RJS: To the extent such suffering makes you realize your own limitations and causes you to humble yourself before the Lord, I would strongly disagree.

So the whole point of pain is to get us to grovel and stroke God�s ego by telling him how great he is?

You might want to rethink the sadistic bastard angle.

Peace out.

Hobbs · 05-16-2002, 06:11 PM

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Originally posted by RJS:
Just ask the 2 billion followers of Christ.

That's precisely what we've been trying to do! Why can't you guys come up with a decent answer?

Dr Rick · 05-16-2002, 06:11 PM

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Originally posted by RJS:
As many of the Christian posters are called predictable too, I'll take that as a compliment

That is not a logical conclusion.

RJS · 05-16-2002, 06:13 PM

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Could you please explain the connection here? I don't see it.

My point was that the closer I grow to the Lord, the clearer are the differences between Good and Evil, and the circumstances that cause me to be close to pure Evil draw me closer to the Lord.

Hobbs · 05-16-2002, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RJS:
I see no gray in the difference between Love and Hate. I believe in absolutes. Do you?

Yes. But unlike you, I can also see all the shades in between the absolutes at the extremes. And I can see the problems those shades cause for traditional theistic beliefs.

Wizardry · 05-16-2002, 06:14 PM

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Wizardry: Might not Jesus, as a sadistic bastard, also be a liar? How do you know?

RJS: Just ask the 2 billion followers of Christ.

That doesn�t answer the question.

[ May 16, 2002: Message edited by: Wizardry ]

David Gould · 05-16-2002, 06:15 PM

The closer you are to pure evil, the closer you are to God? Doesn't this sort of indicate that God might be pure evil?

David Gould · 05-16-2002, 06:16 PM

Anyway, what is the answer to my predictable question?

Do you have one or know of someone who might?

(note: it is perfectly acceptable to say 'I do not know.')

RJS · 05-16-2002, 06:17 PM

Quote:

So the whole point of pain is to get us to grovel and stroke God�s ego by telling him how great he is?

I am not sure of the whole point of pain, but I have seen it bring someone to humble themselves before the Lord. Letting down one's pride and realizing your own insufficiencies is a critical component in knowing and loving God.

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05-16-2002, 06:15 PM	#188
David Gould Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Australia Posts: 759	The closer you are to pure evil, the closer you are to God? Doesn't this sort of indicate that God might be pure evil?

05-16-2002, 06:16 PM	#189
David Gould Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Australia Posts: 759	Anyway, what is the answer to my predictable question? Do you have one or know of someone who might? (note: it is perfectly acceptable to say 'I do not know.')

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