https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/sci.physics.relativity/lubpFbqJNSA
Within the course of this argument, I try to make my case against JJJJR. (John 1John, 2John, 3John, Revelations).
- On September 25, I say that we SHOULD look at "holy books" when trying to determine the validity of a religion. I bring up what I think is a central question--whether Jesus should be worshiped because of his identity, or if he should be "followed" because of his teaching. Do morals come from identity, or from behavior?
- On September 30, I transform HGWilson's list of accusations into a list of "secular values" which I think are generally shared with religious poeple. (1) Protecting personal values (2) Comfort and safety (3) Unity (4) Conserve the world's dwindling resources (5) Distinction of truth vs. fiction (6) being in touch with nature.
- On October 1, I question whether proving that Jesus actually a true human being walking around is really the point of the Bible... (2 John 1:7)
- I point out that it is lying to claim you KNOW anything you don't know.
- and I question the meaning of the word "antichrist" (synonymous with antilabel, or anti-mislabeling)
- I question the meaning of the phrase "coming in the flesh", (I avoid going into specific detail)
- and as always, I question the reliability of John as a witness... (I call him a lunatic)
- On October 2, I argue that "Property Protection" should not be put on a level equal to the six secular values listed on Sept. 30.
- On October 2, I introduce the idea that Matthew, Mark, and Luke describe "Gallant" whereas John's gospel describe "Goofus"
- Goofus worships the God of Pascal's Wager; or as HGWilson says "groveling before an infinitely sadistic god thing."
- Goofus offers a description of God that is an impossible to love, let alone with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength.
- My effort to describe an absolute "good" is based on the
- Love God (that which frees us from the land of slavery. Deuteronomy 13:1-5)
- with all your heart (commitment to life - love),
- all your mind (truth and scientific method - spirit of truth),
- all your strength (confidence in what you hope for - faith), and
- all your soul (identity- holy spirit).
- Second, treat others as you would have them treat you--because if you are NOT committed to life, don't believe in truth, don't have any hope, and/or don't respect individual identity, it hardly matters if you treat others as you would have them treat you.
- I mention the ideas of faith as the opposite of reason, vs. faith as the opposite of cynicism.
- On October 4, I suggest that ideas which might enslave people... (I mentioned the Principle of Evolution (e.g. survival of the fittest), but I might have mentioned gravity as well) and entities which might enslave people (such as aliens) might be considered "Lords" but not "God..
- The Principle of Evolution seems to have shown signs and wonders--in other words it is fact... But that does not mean that belief in evolution can, in itself, be expected to free us from slavery.
- Perhaps we may achieve communication or contact with aliens one day. They may well be much more advanced than us... But we have science fiction filled with ideas of aliens that could be technologically advanced, yet morally evil.
- In Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Gallant Jesus is morally good... Everything he does is to teach people to do right, and to do miracles for others. In John's gospel, Goofus Jesus is morally neutral, at best. Everything he does is to prove that he can do miracles, and divide believers from nonbelievers.