lew@ihuxr.UUCP (Lew Mammel, Jr.) (03/19/84)
The atheist is restrained from following the siren call of immortality by the bonds of rationalism. Or perhaps we could say that the atheist stands his ground against the spectre of death, rather than leaping into the abyss of the irrational. Leaping into the abyss of metaphor ... Lew Mammel, Jr. ihnp4!ihuxr!lew
aeq@pucc-h (Jeff Sargent) (03/21/84)
I recognize that Lew Mammel, Jr.'s article under this name was submitted with tongue at least probing the teeth, but I still feel I should respond. > The atheist is restrained from following the siren call of immortality > by the bonds of rationalism. "Bonds" is the correct word. One is indeed bound if one restrains himself to rationalism only. And "rationalism" (as distinct from "rationality"), meaning a deification of the mind (particularly one's own), is certainly going to oppose something which considers the mind important but not primary. > Or perhaps we could say that the atheist stands his ground against > the spectre of death, rather than leaping into the abyss of the irrational. I think it's almost the other way around. The Christian is the one who knows that he need not fear mere physical death, and thus has a supply of courage and strength (which the atheist denies himself) wherewith to face death. And I repeat what I've said before: Christianity is not irrational--the correct word(s) might be supra-rational or trans-rational. A relationship with Christ is an excellent way to cure actual irrationality. > Leaping into the abyss of metaphor ... I do appreciate your giving the article the light touch. Sorry I wasn't able to reciprocate extemporaneously. -- -- Jeff Sargent {allegra|ihnp4|decvax|harpo|seismo|ucbvax}!pur-ee!pucc-h:aeq Have you hugged your junk mail today?