A Christian endorsement of Ayn Rand?
The author is a lawyer and legal professor who maintains his own blog on legal issues. I find his reasoning to be pretty solid in most cases and was gratified to find that while theologically he didn't see eye to eye with Ayn Rand, he could and did appreciate her economic philosophies and endorsed Rand's books as insights into economic matters.
Previous comments... You are currently on page 8.
However, my concern re the late night "guilt sales," is that the ROI is negligible and questionable as to efficacy.
As to humans, some have been taught that the "social safety net" is a good place to live. But, that's another discussion.
And I concede. Churches (religions) are not moochers. They simply commit fraud (IMO, selling a perceived value for my "contribution") What they are selling, i.e., salvation, 72 virgins, everlasting life, forgiveness of sins, etc., is not, IMO, worth suspending rational thought. Except for the periods in history when they initiated physical force and, thus, were "looters," the place of a church (religion) in my life is not worth the return on investment. Those who wish to participate in religion do so, IMO, because they are lacking in internal validation and, thus, as Eric Hoffer says, looking outside themselves for substance, a cause greater than themselves. The "You are a sinner and not worthy and must come to Jesus, Mohammed, et al." is a great scam. Watch Jimmy Swaggert (who, I see, is back on TV). So be it. Again, re Jefferson, if they do not initiate force to take my treasure, okay by me.
One of the tenets of Objectivism of which Ms. Rand based the actions of her characters, is atheism. Thus, this aspect of the movies - and characters, and just life in general, is that premise that one must ascribe to atheism to ascribe to the other tenets of AS. I, for one, and seemingly several others, reject that proposition. We only look to present a different viewpoint on why that philosophical standpoint is invalid, from our perspective.
You're free not to read those posts if it offends you so much.
And as for "selling guilt" - you are still free to choose to give or not to give. You've been "sold" nothing unless you choose to complete the transaction.
And don't go extrapolating that to taking care of my fellow man, they can take care of themselves. Animals are different.
The fact that you derive no value does not mean that there is no value.
Irrational, illogical.... never said 'stupid'.
This is a site for objectivist... I don't visit religious forums and try to cram objectivism down their throats..why do YOU come in HERE do that? It just seems odd to me and I can't get anybody to answer the question... I keep getting slammed for not having an open mind (um..I opened my mind and starting asking myself hard question about my religious beliefs and THIS is where it took me..) Or I get told how we're all welcome here. I think some are confused by the whole point of the gulch... there was no church and no mention of bible studies going on. It's a good question, I wish someone would answer it rationally.
Then why do you do the same with the Church?
I might note that my daughter is a pastor in a church in Oregon; I am an atheist. Neither of us tries to sell anything to the other. No force, no fraud. Perfect relationship.
Last time I checked, the Christian church was teaching "Thou Shalt Not Steal."
Load more comments...