X-Message-Number: 17773
From: "Dani Kollin" <>
Subject: On Tim McVeigh and Skepticism
Date: Mon, 15 Oct 2001 10:27:24 -0700

Charles:
I suggest that McVeigh drew his outrage from perceived constitutional
violations, and supported the ethical validity of his retaliation by
reading that well-known guide to the Christian faith.

Me:

You forgot to mention Charles that he may also have been watching a violent show
on tv the night before he committed his atrocity. My point was that ANY 
treatise can be read wrong by a warped mind. Be it the constitution or the 
bible.

That Tim McVeigh allegedly had a bible with certain passages hilighted (never 
reported only heard by you apparently) is beside the point.

Charles:
As for Christianity having done more good than bad, I certainly disagree,
because I think that any group which believes in a bunch of myths about
the afterlife is liable to make dangerously irrational decisions.

Me:

I disagree I reiterate that more harm than good has resulted out of people 
making decisions based on pure rationale than those made by people who feel that
they must anser ultimately to a higher authority. It is the very definition of 
ethical monotheism.



Charles:
Secular dictators have of course been responsible for a huge number of
deaths, but the real problem is that they, in turn, were pushing their own
version of myths (such as collectivism), perhaps even more dangerous than
religious myths.

Me:

Not "perhaps" Charles. For sure. The numbers in terms of outright death and 
destruction don't lie.

Charles:

Perhaps we could agree that the real problem lies in uncritical
willingness to believe almost anything that a trusted leader says.

Me:
Agreed.

Skepticism is the antidote to religion _and_ totalitarianism.


Me: I consider myself religious and do not feel any need for an antidote thank 
you.

Dani


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