[MD] Dawkins a Materialist (is watching?)

[Arlo Bensinger]

[Arlo previously]
In what Book does "God" give us "Freedom of the Press"? Where does he 
give us "Freedom of Assembly"? Where "The Right to Bear Arms"?

[Platt]
These are intellectual rights derived from Christian ethics and 
enlightenment philosophy as interpreted by the Founding Fathers. I 
think their interpretation is right on.

[Arlo]
Give me a biblical quote or passage to show me where these "derive" 
from Christian ethics. Give me any biblical support that these 
"rights" come from Christian ethics and not exclusively from 
enlightenment reason.

[Arlo previously]
Where does "God", in the Bible, bestow "individual rights" on people? 
What about non-believers? Certainly he does not give them "individual 
rights" in the Old Testement. Does Jesus give pagans the "right 
to  assembly" in the New somewhere that I missed?

[Platt]
"Belief" is not a prerequisite for an individual to have the rights 
to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

[Arlo]
Can you give me _ANY_ Biblical quote or passage to support this? Why, 
if this is a "Christian ethic", did the Founders permit slavery?

[Platt]
Do you believe such basic individuals rights are granted by men and 
thus can be justifiably taken away by men? If so, that's scary. 
Gulags cannot be far behind.

[Arlo]
The fact that Gulags existed proves they can indeed be taken away by 
men. The better question is "should they"? The answer is "no". A 
society that grants these rights is more moral, because it maximizes 
Dynamic Quality. By allowing your freedom, I support my own. Humanist 
reason. Not Divine Mandate. By proposing that rights come from God, 
and not men, can Witch Hunts, beheadings and the wholesale slaughter 
of non-believers be far behind?

And let's talk some more about "Christian ethics". What about the 
primary message of Christ (other than accepting Him as Savior)? This 
could easily be restated "Feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, heal 
the sick". Would you suggest our laws be based on these? Or, again, 
do you pick and choose "Christian ethics" as it gives you power over 
others, dismissing those ethics that would cause you to sacrifice?