Hi Ray You wrote "So by our own attitudes and actions, we learn what is wrong and what is right, rather than cheating by picking the Forbidden Fruit, which is a bit like looking into the back of the book for the answers, instead of figuring them out for ourselves. If we were merely programed with such knowledge, we would be little more than robots. Cheaters have nothing to contribute."

Will you agree the foregoing paragraph is inadequate justification for denying anyone the rights and privileges in our U.S. Constitution (are you in Canada? In that case, the Canadian Constitution?)

Ray wrote:
"As Mohammed said, he had great respect for Jesus, but he had no respect for "those who claim Jesus, but fail to follow Him". (Sorry for the differential capitalizations. I don't know the Muslim practice there.)"

1) The opinion of someone who lived before modern science will impress me more if it is not a presumption to sit in judgement of me. We have considered the religions to be commentary, not law. If Mohammed respects or does not respect, does he have any rights or privileges in our country. a) he is a departed mortal... b) some of his statements run counter to the establishment of individual rights under our Constitution and Amendments.

2) What does it mean to "claim Jesus?" May one have an opinion that Jesus is God on Earth but still fail, by Mohammed's appraisal, to "follow Him?" May one have an opinion that Jesus was a great Teacher of permanent value and yet, by someone's appraisal, fail to "follow Him?"

One place where we see Jesus' teaching is preserved is in evangelical Christians. I do not
know whether His message would reach anyone without them. In some ways I am annoyed with their approach. But as long as anyone "fails" to see the merit in his teaching, we must support evangelism. The merit is there. It is a basic departure from other religion and from our natural past...and is ambiguous enough to allow freedom to flourish. imho

• I wrote some answering stuff... - rayredbourne - November 19, 2002 - 00:38 UTC
  • Want me to beg? - quiet - November 19, 2002 - 04:42 UTC