X-Message-Number: 26431
References: <>
From: David Stodolsky <>
Subject: Re: More Straw Men
Date: Wed, 29 Jun 2005 17:56:15 +0200

On Jun 28, 2005, at 11:04 PM, David Pizer wrote:

> I just want them to be honest and not say they can speak for God and 
> guarantee eternal life in Heaven.

Freedom of Religion clause says they can.


> What counts to me is which side holds the more truthful position, 
> which side is making guarantees which they are not authorized to do.

They are authorized to do so: It's called Freedom of Speech.


This is really beside the point, however. Religious groups often claim 
the end of the world is coming on day X. When day X comes and nothing 
happens, does the group dissolve because the prediction was obviously 
was wrong? NO (See the book When Prophesy Fails). According to 
existential psychology every cultural framework is based upon certain 
myths or a "vital lie". When you can offer people, not only the truth, 
but a truthful way of life, then you have some chance of success. If 
not, you just get a defensive reaction, and most likely an angry one.


This discussion is going nowhere, because it is missing a key concept. 
We have individuals and the opponents "religion" and "medicine." 
Religion and medicine are words that do not correspond to any real 
world entities. A meaningful discussion would include the concept of a 
group or organization.


dss


David S. Stodolsky    SpamTo: 

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