[MD] Tit's

[David M]

Hi DMB

See comments below.

David M

> [dmb]
I'm a big fan of philosophical
> mysticism, but this represents a non-theistic, completely natural sort
> of spirituality. 

DM: Some people would suggest that theology is nothing other
than an attempt to mix mysticism and philosophy. What makes
your particular perennial mix more natural, does natural here
mean it's very old? But what makes old culture more natural
than new culture? And who is too say what is perennial, does
the sort of thing you are talking about really look like it is on the
rise or the way out? You might be right, but what is your case
I can't follow this reasoning about natural philosophical mysticism?

And yet there
> have been a few believers who find Pirsig comforting, I suppose, for
> his attack on scientific objectivity. I guess this comfort is based on
> the idea that the enemy of my enemy is my friend. You know, because
> science is seen as religion's chief rival. My point? Please don't take
> my irreligious position personally.

DM: More like I can't take your position seriously given the way you 
justify it. Could be there is something in this idea that Pirsig's ideas,
other than his explicit statements about theism, do support certain
religious positions. Wouldn't that drive poor old DMB mad! Why is that
I wonder? Not into religion myself, but I do see, like many others,
that Pirsig has much in common with post-modernism, and the debate
between religious and post-modern thinking is emerging in bucket
loads of publications as I type. I'd even suggest that post-modern 
style religious thinking sounds just like the sort of mysticism without
essences and foundations and SOM philosophy that DMB supports.
Pretty ironic given your rather rapidly outdated views about religious
thinking (cutting edge that is Dave not on the TV fundi progs Dave).
Might just be that what your promoting is also being promoted
in the more cutting edge departments of theology in the academy.
Go on Dave get yourself down to your local theology dept, I think
it's where you really belong, they'll love you and Pirsig, you'd
be the prodigal son! Given that I pointed you in Heidegger's
direction I might be right again! Does that make me perennial?
But I expect you to kick off just because I am suggesting you
might like to consider alternatives to your rather static position.
You know DQ is the quality option don't you?