While listening to part one of Kate's talk (http://www.ethicalstl.org/platforms/ESSTLPlatform2008-03-09.mp3) I was struck with the statement that perhaps what we need was less justice and more mercy. This would go a long way toward ending a lot of the back-and-forth in today's conflicts. You shoot a mortar into my village and I will drop bunch of bombs onto yours. It is a never ending tit-for-tat. Something in which we would not allow our children to engage.
I'll try to remember that for my life as well - less justice, more mercy.
Just listened to the podcast. Eerie how closely some of Lovelady's points parallel my thinking. I once described my position in a nutshell as:
* A god (or gods) that demands worship, allows evil, & punishes non-believers is evil
* A god (or gods) that cares but is powerless isn't worth worshiping.
Of course, Kate managed to say it much more nicely than I did! Very good address, covers the main philosophical points, worth listening to.
Jim Mason
For myself one great idea Kate gave me in her platform (http://www.ethicalstl.org/platforms/ESSTLPlatform2008-02-17.mp3) was about "thanks." The only time I miss believing in a god is when I want to be thankful about something. Now, when I have those feelings, I will try and see how I can pass that thanks to others.
From vengeance to mercy
Athiesm Anonymous
Athiesm Anonymous
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