From: utzoo!decvax!ucbvax!sjk
Newsgroups: net.philosophy
Title: Re: Immortality and fear.
Article-I.D.: ucbvax.1043
Posted: Wed Mar  9 06:18:03 1983
Received: Thu Mar 10 01:23:04 1983
References: sdccsu3.311 rabbit.1147 cbosg.2798

It's interesting to see the apparent contradictions in the religious
views of death.  For example, Hinduism accepts reincarnation, whereas
"you only go around once" in fundamental Christianity.  What meaning
do these views give to life and death?  What hopes and/or fears do
they invoke in their believers and do they give more or less purpose
to living?  I really don't think it matters as much as some people
would like us to think....  cbosg!dir's concept of an inherently
purposeless life seems like the freest route.

Here's something to try if you're ever hassled by a religious fanatic.
Allow them to get raving a bit, then pop the question "How would I know
you're a Fooist if you didn't tell me?" (this is especially effective
with Christians, as you might imagine)  I'd like to hear the results
of anyone's trying this!

scott