[extropy-chat] Euphamism and Reality - a polite response to Mr. Paatsch. The Problem of Pain.

[Dirk Bruere]

Damien Broderick wrote:

> At 11:54 AM 6/22/2005 -0500, John Wright wrote:
>
>> A: One of the more dubious pleasures of talking to Extropians is 
>> that, with one
>> or two shining exceptions, none of you think it odd or rude to halt 
>> in the
>> middle of a philosophical discussion on some topic utterly unrelated to
>> Christianity, to express your contempt for me, and hatred and malice 
>> for my
>> Church and my faith. It is done all the time, unconsciously, as 
>> automatically as
>> blessing someone when he sneezes.
>>
>> The phenomena is a peculiar one and merits study. Myself, I suspect 
>> the cause is
>> supernatural rather than psychological or philosophical.
>
>
> This is an interesting perspective. Would you say a little more on 
> this matter? Do you suspect that those posters on this list who 
> express contempt, hatred and malice for you and Christianity are 
> directly possessed by the devil when they do so? Or are they simply 
> wicked fallen humans acting in accord with satanic principles? Or is 
> there some other supernatural agency involved?
>
Depends on a number of factors I expect.
For my part, I dislike Xianity, Judaism and Islam and generally take 
every opportunity to say so within contexts. Even so, I suspect that 
John Wright probably does not include me in the above description, 
although I may be mistaken.
However, if a Moslem, Jew or Xian is willing to discuss the issues I 
will generally treat them with respect because of who they are, not what 
they profess to believe.

I too have noticed here a kneejerk reaction against all kinds of 
religious and spiritual beliefs, ranging in tone from the incredibly 
naive to the casually vicious. We would do well to separate the 
personalities from the arguments, steer clear of ad hominem and snide 
remarks, and post only thoughtout responses to serious issues.

-- 
Dirk

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



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