Re: virus: God's Invisible Hand

Sodom (sodom@ma.ultranet.com)
Sat, 18 Oct 1997 17:37:32 -0400


Richard Brodie wrote:
>
> On Saturday, October 18, 1997 12:12 PM, Sodom [SMTP:sodom@ma.ultranet.com]
> wrote:
> > I would probably make a good
> > Christian because I do think many of the things Christ is supposed to
> > have said are good. Love, compassion, affection, forgiveness - all of
> > these are values I hold dear. But I like them because I see the benefits
> > they bring and the emotional response my mind rewards me with, not
> > because someone told me to. If it weren't for the divine part, if Jesus
> > were just a philosopher like Socrates, then I would probably convert.
>
> But Bill, what about all the people who aren't intelligent, wise, or
> disciplined enough to live life that way because they see the benefits they
> bring? Would you rather have them behaving like Level-1 animals, raping and
> pillaging, cowering in fear? Or would you rather have them, like Cathy,
> live by your same dear values because someone told them to?
>
> Richard Brodie RBrodie@brodietech.com http://www.brodietech.com/rbrodie
> Author, VIRUS OF THE MIND: The New Science of the Meme
> http://www.brodietech.com/rbrodie/votm.htm
> Visit Meme Central: http://www.brodietech.com/rbrodie/meme.htm

In my scope, most religious people do behave like level 1 animals. Thats
the cause of most unpleasantries I see in the world. I prefer them
behaving like Cathy here, who, and I am guessing, would argue til she
was blue in the face, then hug you when the discussion was over. (This
sentence may be the end of my credibility but) I am a trekkie, and very
much believe in not interfering with the beliefs of others unless
attacked first. I do think that eventually, when all material needs can
be met, that our society will finally make the next leap to peace. I
hope so anyways, as without the possibilities of power, or greed, or
fear, religion will be more benevolent. just hoping.

Sodom
Bill Roh