On Dec 21, 2007 11:54 PM, Doug <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > On Fri, 21 Dec 2007 13:46:04 -0800, Dave Land <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > The opposite of the religious fanatic is not the fanatical atheist but > > the gentle cynic who cares not whether there is a god or not. > > Hmmm. This is close to how I would describe myself with the distinction > that I don't consider my indifference cynicism. In fact, I would contend > that humanism _requires_ selflessness and a positive attitude whereas > belief in a higher power and an afterlife allows one to pawn-off > responsibility and to live with negative results. >
Howzzat? I mean, I know that anything can be twisted to its opposite, but self-sacrifice and selflessness are central to major religions. Passive "it must be God's will" attitudes are not what the great teachers taught. Nick -- Nick Arnett [EMAIL PROTECTED] Messages: 408-904-7198 _______________________________________________ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
