[extropy-chat] Engineered Religion (was Atheism in decline)

[Dirk Bruere]

john-c-wright at sff.net wrote:

>Joseph writes: 
>
>  
>
>>The theme of the engineered religion is actually approached in several 
>>places in the Dune series. I note specifically the idea that the Bene 
>>Gesserit seeded various worlds with messianic faiths that were 
>>specifically tied to the appearance of Bene Gesserit Mothers (the 
>>"Missionaria Protectiva"). ... The Bene Gesserit use the Missionaria Protectiva
>>to spread contrived legends and prophecies to developing worlds. Bene Gesserit
>>can exploit these legends to earn the respect of the native inhabitants, who
>>believe in the contrived legends." 
>>    
>>
>
>My apologies for being unclear, but the point I found fascinating is that Mr.
>Herbert does not optimistically assume that the engineered religion would stay
>under the control of the engineers. The events in DUNE overwhelm the Bene
>Gesserit order, especially the Jihad that installs the God-Emperor. Their
>Missionaria Protectiva does not save them, it sows the seed from which the
>unexpected Messiah grows, the one man in the universe the sisterhood finds it
>cannot control. 
>
>The nanotechnology and superintelligent Jupiter-brains might also escape the
>control of their creators. Indeed, the whole transhumanist effort seems to be
>based on the idea that, as the Singularity approaches, it will slip from human
>control into the hands of a child-race of ours, astrononmically smarter than man. 
>
>Like all good parents, we must instruct our children in the basic rules of
>morality, lest they become monsters and turn on us. My question then becomes:
>what religion do we teach the intelligent machines in the early days, before
>they are independent? Do we want them all to be athiests, impatient and
>uncomprehending of the spiritual life of man? 
>
>We could make them open-minded agnostics, not believing in anything in
>particular, but this might make them prey to fads and lunacies. (No offense
>meant to respected agnostic brethren, but it is state of mind where the
>wondering of man finds no rest. Athiests, at least, are certain.)
>
>My suggestion, of course, is to school them in a religion that preaches and
>practices charity to the poor, the kindness to the infirm and chivalry to the
>weak. That way, once they become our superiors, they will have a better nature
>to which to appeal.  
>  
>
You're correct - Asatru.
Plus respect for family and elders.

However, I think that a distinction should be made between being weak and being powerless. Weakness is reprehensible and is a selfmade quality.

-- 
Dirk

The Consensus:-
The political party for the new millenium
http://www.theconsensus.org



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