speaking of the pope - Page 3 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

kerry · #31 12-03-2006, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aklim

I think part of it is that you can rest assured that it will all be settled in the next life. Kinda like an investment plan. We do stuff when we are young to assure our retirement.

I agree that belief in personal immortality is not just succor for loss of one's existence but when combined with heaven/hell or karma, it also assures that another thing which we value greatly, right/wrong and morality, is a basic component of the functioning processes of the universe. If this is the only life, morality seems fairly irrelevant to the universe as a whole.
I think this is the social function of belief in immortality. It adds a bigger hammer to social punishments and rewards.

aklim · #32 12-03-2006, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry edwards

I agree that belief in personal immortality is not just succor for loss of one's existence but when combined with heaven/hell or karma, it also assures that another thing which we value greatly, right/wrong and morality, is a basic component of the functioning processes of the universe. If this is the only life, morality seems fairly irrelevant to the universe as a whole.
I think this is the social function of belief in immortality. It adds a bigger hammer to social punishments and rewards.

Exactly. That way, if you are wronged in this life, you don't go out and seek revenge knowing that this other guy will pay for it in the next life if he escapes punishment and you will get rewarded in the next for your patience. Kinda like dangling a carrot and stick to frighten you into compliance.

kerry · #33 12-03-2006, 11:13 AM

That's why I think traditional theistic religions are medieval. For medieval's there's not much incentive to obey the laws in this life because the hierarchy of the social system is rooted in birth and justice seems arbitrary. But once we invented democracy and social contract theories of government, there's no need for the hammer in the next life anymore. The benefits for obeying the law should accrue equally to everyone in this life so we all can see the utility of being good citizens. Cionversely, medieval forms of religion still appeal to the most class divided societies.
I think Cobb's kind of religion is the adaptation of religion to modern democracy.

t walgamuth · #34 12-03-2006, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aklim

I don't follow. Are you saying that by allowing priests to marry they won't be attracted to kids? How did you come on that logic?

the ones that are attracted to kids wont change, but they could start hiring normal men for the future.

tom w

#35 12-03-2006, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

the ones that are attracted to kids wont change, but they could start hiring normal men for the future.

tom w

It's impossible to determine if a man (or woman) is a pedophile unless they make a mistake and someone discovers them or they admit it in public.

t walgamuth · #36 12-03-2006, 05:59 PM

you are of course correct. a few pedophiles will still slip through. don't you agree though that if married men are allowed the odds will be a lot better?

tom w

#37 12-03-2006, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

don't you agree though that if married men are allowed the odds will be a lot better?

Yes, but it's still possible. A man may be attracted to little girls and still marry a mature woman.

Jim B. · #38 12-03-2006, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

really?

i dont feel like a minister would embrace my beliefs.

no havent read him.

is he an agnostic methodist too?

i just wikipediaed him. i guess he is. amazing to me.

my mom thinks i am an atheist.

tom w

I'm an agnostic dyslexic insomniac.

I stay awake all night wondering if there is a dog.

t walgamuth · #39 12-03-2006, 06:18 PM

i say amen to that! (pun intended).

i have never thought it was a good thing that priests couldn't marry. how are they supposed to advise their flock if they have no practical experience with women?

this is aside from the pedophile thing.

tom w

aklim · #40 12-03-2006, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

how are they supposed to advise their flock if they have no practical experience with women?

Very simple. The book in chapter 4, verse 3, line 2 says this. Go do it.

Jim B. · #41 12-03-2006, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt SD300

CLUELESS...Yes you are....Christians..Jews...Muslim's ...DO NOT BELIEVE IN THE SAME GOD!...PLEASE do some research before "YOU" make such a claim.

Uh oh. Here we go again. You GOTTA see prior thread and Matt's comments on OT "If you died today would god let you into heaven" (can someone post the link?)

The Koran says, "When a man and a woman are together, the third person present is the Devil"

:fork_off:

In'shallah

aklim · #42 12-03-2006, 06:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim B.

Uh oh. Here we go again. You GOTTA see prior thread and Matt's comments on OT "If you died today would god let you into heaven" (can someone post the link?)

The Koran says, "When a man and a woman are together, the third person present is the Devil"

:fork_off:

In'shallah

That depends. If the third person is Jenna Jameson or Briana Banks or better yet both, it could be one hell of a night.

Botnst · #43 12-03-2006, 06:55 PM

If one can use a pair of twisted coat hangers or a forked stick to find underground water or pipes or wires, why not detect a pedophile or terrorist?

B

LaRondo · #44 12-03-2006, 08:29 PM

It just apeared to me ... a world of peace and unity must be a world without religion ...

Facinating ...

Argueing, disputing, analyzing, assuming, worshipping, preaching, indoctrinating, punishing, killing ... over a variety of "Believe Structures" ...

...I wonder ... does anybody really "Know" something ...?

t walgamuth · #45 12-03-2006, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Botnst

If one can use a pair of twisted coat hangers or a forked stick to find underground water or pipes or wires, why not detect a pedophile or terrorist?

B

hey now....dowsing works....at least some of the time.

if the other two were only so easy!

tom w