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From: aeq@pucc-h (Jeff Sargent)
Newsgroups: net.religion
Subject: Re: Atheos non saltum
Message-ID: <605@pucc-h>
Date: Tue, 20-Mar-84 20:06:42 EST
Article-I.D.: pucc-h.605
Posted: Tue Mar 20 20:06:42 1984
Date-Received: Thu, 22-Mar-84 00:53:54 EST
References: <991@ihuxr.UUCP>
Organization: Purdue University Computing Center
Lines: 31

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
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