Z-Man started an excellent thread in which the perils of homosexual gatherings were actively debated. That thread soon segued into a discussion of the religious premise relating to homosexuality and thereupon JP weighed in. In his usual convincing, compelling and entertaining style, JP “went off” like a rabid badger on all who approached the subject – taking no prisoners in the process.
Along comes PB, sensing an opportunity to draw JP into a theistic debate. In case you missed it, here’s a synopsis of the play-by-play that ensued:
(1) PB snags a couple of JP’s remarks and takes them on tangents, jabbing and poking at JP. His rapier is somewhat dull and he draws no blood.
(2) JP hints at enthusiasm in his response, but by the end of it he simply deflects PB’s advances with defensive blows and parry.
(3) PB senses weakness (or a lack of interest) in JP and tries to up the ante with his next posting. Some so-so sword play, but again, any wounds are merely superficial.
(4) JP demurs, throws down his weapons in boredom or defeat. No response to PB’s advance.
(5) PB now senses the futility of the gambit, but makes a final thrust – perhaps simply out of the momentum of the moment. However, in a delightful display of footwork, he manages to nab JP’s discarded petard and to begin to hoist him over it. He does so with this gem:
Quote:
Originally posted by Overpaid Slacker
...I am more than my birthday.
...Though it would be cool if vampires existed.
JP
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Quote:
Originally posted by Purrybonker
I have acknowledged that I am intrigued that intelligent, seemingly rational individuals can allow themselves to be taken in by the chicanery of religious superstition. But I do expect that these two quotations may be somewhat instructive as indicators of the underlying drivers. Egoism and the need to find an alternative to our (reasoned) individual status as so much inconsequential, terminal lint in scale of the universe and the romantic, maudlin desire to seize upon wonder and mystery and the belief that there exists an unerring, pure truth against which all actions, deeds or thoughts will ultimately be reconciled.
There are Darwinian drivers for religious compulsion, as there are (strangely) for homosexuality. But check with the Proctor of the local Society (that you have shown yourself to be a joiner, I hope you are not denying Mensa the benefit of your association) about taking a straw (or formal if you like, it's already been done many times over) poll about the rate of religious affiliation. Not that it matters whit, few would debate that the rate of atheism grows with IQ and that the most devout are often the poorest informed or educated. But it's easy to straddle the intellectual-religious chasm by being simply chosing to be rational within one's irrational beliefs. I can interpret God's will by applying my own reason to the teachings of the church, picking and chosing those things that "work for me" and thereby maintaining my ego in both places.
Have the courage to be fish or fowl...
But deism is one thing, the selective slicing and dicing of religious writings/teachings is another, let alone the debates between the various religious factions. I was born into a religious family and went to church, sunday school and confirmation also. But it struck me as questionable at any early age that if I had been born into a Muslim family I would be Muslim rather than Lutheran. Follow that logic string with an open mind and see where it takes you.
If you were a child of Saladin you would probably have been taking off the heads of Crusaders with a scimitar, rather than metaphorically waving one around places the Pelican forum. What would you be waving if you had been a child of Einstein?
Yes, it would be cool if vampires existed.
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Brilliant.
And there JP sits. Wiggling still, I suppose.
Come on JP – don’t let it end like this, it’s just getting good. We wanna make some popcorn.