MadPanda, FCD
Posts: 267
Joined: Nov. 2010
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| Quote (dheddle @ Jan. 25 2011,14:25) | Ok, I don't get this. I didn't get when Lenny did it either. I mean, what is the pleasure derived from asking questions about one's religion--only to add "why should I believe you rather than [insert some other Christian, preferably as unattractive one as is possible] or my pizza man?"
In the abstract it is a fair question--but what's the fun in the exercise? Especially when the person keeps saying I'm not asking you to believe me. I'm just answering your question.
Either you ask because you are intellectually curious about what the person's answer will be or you don't ask. But asking and then following up with "why should I believe you and not, say, Fred Phelps?" seems a bit tiresome.
I mean, really, does this:
Q: will I go to hell if I have an abortion?
A: no you don't go to hell for having an abortion.
Q: why should I believe your answer instead of Jerry Falwell's answer?
actually seem productive? Or demonstrative? Or in lieu of anything substantive does is it at least have the virtue of being clever and funny?
Personally I think not. |
Given the number of varying opinions on certain supposedly absolute truths, each of which claims to be exclusive, and for rejecting which one is often threatened with eternal unpleasantness, it would be intellectually dishonest not to hold each of them to the same standard. Where that standard is not satisfied, further examination is required.
Is it tedious? Yes, as is listening to sermons and lectures from people who are absolutely sure that their beliefs are the only correct ones, and everybody else is going to suffer for eternity.
But until your ilk stop preachifying at me and quoting your magic book with magic words as if it means something, and demanding respect for your imaginary friend upon threat of eternal suffering, I'm going to be playing the gadfly.
Don't like? Don't read...and don't preach unless you want to have those questions thrown at you.
"I don't see the fun in it."
There is no fun at all in being badgered about eternal suffering because one cannot with intellectual honesty and integrity accept a ridiculous little fairy tale with a healthy side order of 'blame the victim' as a positive world view.
The MadPanda, FCD
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"No matter how ridiculous the internet tough guy, a thorough mocking is more effective than a swift kick to the gentleman vegetables with a hobnailed boot" --Louis
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