Officially OT -> Re:My fiscal responcibility...

[Chris F.A. Johnson]

On Sun, 23 May 2004, Madison Kelly wrote:

> Chris F.A. Johnson wrote:
>>>  Being Buddhist means I too don't believe in god but I do believe in 
>>> Khamma and Dhamma (the former being analogous to the laws of physics 
>>> that define our physical world except it governs the spiritual world and 
>>> the later being the teachings of Buddhism).
>>> 
>>>  That said, I totally understand and respect other people's beliefs in 
>>> god. My mom, for example, is devoutly catholic and even presents surmons 
>>> at her church every other Sunday). For her (and others who believe in 
>>> god) He/She/It/They is/are a manifestation of the start of creation as 
>>> we know and a point to focus on when trying to decide the meaning of 
>>> their life and existance. If for no other reason than as a psychological 
>>> tool god is both real and important.
>>>
>>>  For you and other agnostics you have decided that you don't need to 
>>> believe in god or any other higher being and that life simply is. The 
>>> trade off is that you need to realize the need, benefit and reality of 
>>> god to others as much as they need to understand your lack of need.
>>> 
>>>  Each group has simply chosen how they will face life and neither is 
>>> mopre wrong or right.
>> 
>> 
>>     Why god, and not the tooth fairy, or Santa Claus?
>
>  The tooth fairy and Santa Clause are not, and were never meant to be, 
> sources of enlightenment or purpose. They are both childhood distractions 
> only and thus serve only an entertainment value.
>
>  You are looking for something akin to scientific proof on a subject that 
> scientific observation doesn't apply. It is a psycological tool and, 
> arguably, a construct,

     In other words, a fiction.

> that helps people move through life. That very purpose 
> gives it legitamecy and value. The trick is (tangent ->), like any "tool", it 
> can (and often is) abused and used outside of it's intended purpose. Much 
> like a hammer can be abused to destroy a window, religion and god can be used 
> to destroy life and peace when used for the wrong means.

-- 
 	Chris F.A. Johnson                      http://cfaj.freeshell.org
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                 Everything in moderation -- including moderation
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