[MD] Metaphysics

[ARLO J BENSINGER JR]

[Mark]
My dogma is simply saying don't accept your dogma like a religious drone.

[Arlo]
This nonsense is tiring. Mark, if it somehow makes you feel better about your
theism to go to all sorts of idiotic ends to paint me as being the same, knock
yourself out. This is a common tactic, one theists have been using since
failing to elevate religion to science. Now, as you evidence so loudly, its the
opposite, reduce everything to religion. 

[Mark]
Your aggressive note is typical of those trying to push a religion. 

[Arlo]
No, Mark, my "aggressive note" is typical of someone tired of dealing with the
same sophomoric accusations by theists for years. My "aggressive note" is
frustration and exhaustion at seeing idiotic rhetoric like "typical of those
trying to push a religion". You want to drag the whole world down to your
level, so knock yourself out.

[Mark]
I'm sure you can pull together the military might to do so. Just ask people to
sign up to save people from their own ignorance.  You can rule the world with
your perception.

[Arlo]
Yeah, this is that moronic rhetoric that frustrates me. Thanks.

[Mark]
Oh, yes, plate tectonics, now doesn't that make you seem right.  It is such a
big word.  This is no different from explaining how Noah existed.  He must
have, he is in a book.

[Arlo]
You have crossed so far into delusion, I don't even know what's left to say. If
you honestly think the science of plate tectonics is a "faith-based" system no
better and no worse that "angry interventionist god punishing voodoo
workshippers"... yowza.

[Mark]
OMG have I blasphemed?  What shall I do for penance, read Lila?

[Arlo]
If you want to understand what Pirsig wrote, that may be a good start. Better
late than never. But I get it, Pirisg's anti-theistic philosophy pisses on your
theism, and that makes you a sad panda. This pops up every now and again as
people try to protect their investment in religion by either trying to make
their religion "intellectual" or trying to reduce everything to their religion.
You've opted for door number two. Kudos.

[Mark]
Rather than be against something, be for something.

[Arlo]
Oh but I am. I want to be just like you. I figure all I need is a lobotomy and
some tights.

I am "for something", but its not reducing everything to theism, that's for
sure.

[Mark]
There is nothing to fight against except your illusion.

[Arlo]
Yes there is, yours.

[Mark]
Oh, if I hold my breath I pass out.  But what is this stuff about oxygen?
Where did you get that information?  From another one of your holy books?

[Arlo]
Wow. Sounds like you've been holding your breath more often than I suspected. 

[Mark]
All I am asking is how do you know?

[Arlo]
I suggest your read Peirce's insightful essay "The Fixation of Belief", it
might get you started thinking about this.

But if you want to beat the "all is theism" drum, I'm done. Please, though,
continue to knock yourself out.