Well, it's not as if that entire thread had anything to do specifically with whether or not stupid people actually exist; no, the nexus of that discussion had to do with your assertion that Christians should go the 100th mile, financially and evangelically speaking. To your credit, but to some limited extent, you did have a point in that old thread,
Well maybe I just don't understand why your commitment to Christ should be so limited. In my mind, "good enough" is the starting point, not the finish line.
but then things got derailed along the way with red-herrings about 'simple bibles' and the existence of stupid people.
Right. Threads naturally evolve. We've certainly hijacked this one here. And even this thread is not proposing an argument for against the existence of God, which, last I checked, makes it off topic. But hey, who's counting?
... I went back and began to peruse the flow of the thread. But sure, I could have missed some outstanding detail from that old thread that you're free to bring to my attention if you like.
The point was that a plain reading of the gospels strongly suggests that Christians ought to sell all that they have, give to the poor, and wander the world doing good works and preaching the gospel.
Christians are quick to point out that doing this is not necessary for salvation. They ignore the fact that Christ promised the rich young ruler "riches in heaven" for doing it.
I mean, if I came to your house and told you I'd give you ten billion dollars in exchange for everything you own, I think you'd do it. Irreplaceable family photos and all.
Apparently Christians value "riches in heaven" at well below ten billion dollars.
Now, you've pointed out that God "isn't fair in the sense that we mean" and I think you're right. The parable of the workers in the field all getting paid the same for different hours comes to mind. But the kingdom of heaven, by that analogy, either rewards or over-rewards, and doesn't under-reward.
But still, do you really need to be rewarded before you consider doing the right thing? Even tax collectors will do good deeds if it means they'll get a reward. Being a good person often times means doing the hard thing. Like taking up your cross.
And if my little sales pitch leaves you concerned about being broke and homeless, recall that Christ had little use for money. He told you not to worry about what you will eat or wear, because the Lord will provide.
I was referring to the overall flow of the old thread, not to any one single argument within that thread. (Context, buddy, context!)
"General flow" isn't a type of context.
On which point, because there was more than one all wrapped up in a wad in that old thread of yours?
I was responding to your post, #75, here on this thread.
As for your contention about there 'being stupid people' in the world, I don't remember specifically saying, without qualification, that there weren't any stupid people in the world.
Post #76 in that other thread.
However, shall we go back to how Sam Harris is incorrect to compare (without really contrasting) the old discipline of Alchemy with the Christian Faith, or do we instead just want to spar over how many stupid people may or may not actually inhabit our planet?
Sure, of course, let's go back to that.
