stanwyck@ihuxr.UUCP (11/11/83)
Jose remarked thst he feels that the more educated are less likely to be
true believers. While I think he has a point, I also think he has overlooked
a few facets of the discussion.
1. I have also noted the appearence of "more education = less religion",
but on looking at it closer it appears that what really occurs is
"more education = more critical thought about one's religion". This
takes many of those who would otherwise be religious about some
belief and turns them away from that belief. It makes others turn
even deeper, if they find that after close examination their beliefs
are still apparently valid. (See C. S. Lewis, Francis Schaeffer,
others)
2. I also believe that more education brings on an awareness of the futility
of attempting to cram religion or any other belief system down some one's
throat. Thus among the better educated you see less of the threatening
such as some of the recent postings to the net. The better educated
is usually aware that a man converted against his will is not converted
at all. (Something that the Iranian government seems to still not have
learned.) Thus education usually takes a religious person and shows
them the value of living their life religiously, but not vocally.
(I personally believe that my "witness" is most effective if I first
attempt to live Christlike, and only verbalize when asked. I have found
that those are ask are usually ready to at least give me the chance to
explain my beliefs, whereas those that some others I know approach with
intent to convert end up instead with bad feelings and antaganism toward
something they didn't ever get a chance to understand.)
I do feel that some of the best thinkers of all time have been devoutly
religious people. It is unfortunate that there are so many today that
expound a belief system without thinking it through or even attempting
to live it themselves.
Finally, as an aside to those who have been flaming net.motss and related
places, it was pointed out that he who breaks one point of the law is guilty
of the whole law. He who has hatred toward anyone; He who defames anyone;
He who has any sin in himself is just as guilty before God as anyone else
who commits a sin. And (just as in our legal system) fighting crime does
not justify breaking the law. Consider for yourself a moment if you are as
antagonistic about hetero's sleeping together outside of marriage as you
are about homo's do likewise. You should have the same feelings for both,
as God equally condemns both. However, the best thing to do is to follow
His example, and love (as well as act lovingly) toward ALL, while hating
what ever sin is in their life. And examine your own life. Is it free
from "sin"? (Mine isn't.) If not, you best work first on yourself, then
worry about the others - or just let God work on the others.
--
________
( ) Don Stanwyck
@( o o )@ 312-979-6667
( || ) Cornet-367-6667
( \__/ ) ihnp4!ihuxr!stanwyck
(______) Bell Labs @ Naperville, IL