fjg@ihuxj.UUCP (Frank Greco) (04/06/84)
I have been monitoring the exchanges between the theists
and non-religious (e.g. Jeff, Rich, et al).
I find Rich plays a rather devout devil's advocate, and
Jeff offers more reasonable responses.
I suggest this apparent role reversal for the following
reasons:
Jeff has done well to avoid circular arguments such as
...I believe in God because the Bible tells me so, and
I believe the Bible because God tells me so, ad infinitum...
Jeff has shown resolve and conviction, but not flagrant
dogmatism.
Unfortunately, Rich has not shown savvy in recognizing
the limitations of logic and reason.
It is a proven fact of mathematical logic that a system
of logic cannot prove itself correct.
Science cannot observe itself to be the true way of understanding
the universe. Reason does not justify reason.
The astute literary critic can read Plato's Phaedrus (sp)
to gain insight into how Man can have an irrational basis
for being rational.
(I realized this in a class taught at the University of Chicago.)
Just as the casual observer can read the net to see that Rich has
a strong dogmatic faith in reason.
Perhaps Jeff should have a Jesuit priest at his disposal, but
I think the ball is Rich's court.
Frank Greco
ihuxj!fjg