From: Samantha Atkins (samantha@objectent.com)
Date: Sat Feb 22 2003 - 01:18:29 MST
Jef Allbright wrote:
> Brett Paatsch wrote:
>
>>Could there be a link between theism and pacifism and atheism
>>and the willingness to take arms against the sea of troubles?
>>Clearly some theists believe in just wars but are there atheist
>>pacifists that are willing to be killed by predators rather than
>>fight back in self defence?
>>
>
> The only link I see in this regard is that many theists may tend to be less
> deeply analytical and therefore put the emphasis on their immediate feelings
> (limbic brain) when making and defending moral judgements.
The argument is put in terms that make all against war simply
look foolish. It is rigged from the beginning. Predator and
prey are NOT the only choices we have or can give ourselves.
If anything non-atheists seem to have an easier time believing
there are possibilities beyond what seems to be immediately
obvious and inescapable.
>
> Thus in the absence of a direct and personal attack, war feels bad and is
> thus immoral (slightly over-generalizing.) Conversely, the perception of a
> personal attack, even an insubstantial one, will often provoke a rapid and
> strident defense.
>
War does not just feel bad. It is hideously bad and quite
deadly to our fondest dreams. We must generate more choices
than simplistic predator/prey reductionism if we are to have a
future, much less one worth living.
- samantha
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