[MD] Pragmatically useful Religion

[david buchanan]

dmb said to Ron:
.., there are lots of philosophical reasons for rejecting theism and it's not just a coincidence that they overlap with the reasons for rejecting SOM. But apparently there are people who think theism is somehow a better option than scientific materialism and because Pirsig rejects scientific materialism, they imagine they'll find some comfort in the MOQ, some sympathy for their theism. The philosophical mysticism might make it look even more tempting to a theist, but those sections of Lila are actually where we find the MOQ's most elaborate anti-theistic arguments. I really don't think it can be done. Given all that, it seems to me that trying to squeeze an endorsement of theism out of Pirsig's isn't just incorrect, it's also kinda sleazy.


John said:

You know what's sleazy Dave?  That thing you talked about in a previous post - that "projection" thing that you alluded to.  Demonizing, is another good term.  Construing demons in your own head to have an external reality in others that you then fight like hell (!) against. ...I personally have no idea if God really exists apart from my own ideas, but I do know my own ideas exist. ...Somehow your reassurance that you know everything there is to be known on the subject and thus can reject my ideas,  rings hollow to me.  If you came across as a little more intelligent, a little more thoughtful, I'd be inclined to pay attention, ..But this continual flailing against the windmills of your own mind would be just boring if it wasn't so antagonistic. Since it is antagonistic, and directed against your own self, it's kind of interesting but also a little pathetic.



dmb says:

Why sir, I do believe that is the e-mail equivalent of a temper tantrum. It's a wonder that you could operate a keyboard, what with all the kicking and screaming and spitting and flailing your arms about. Jeez.

I wasn't even talking to you, man. You probably figured I was talking about you and that's fair enough. I guess you'd probably count as one who has tried to "squeeze an endorsement of theism out of Pirsig" but my comments were directed to Ron and they referred to just about every theist that ever showed up here.

I'll take your ranting, raving denial as an admission of guilt. Obviously, a nerve has been struck by complaints about theists with an agenda and so I figure you must be one of them.











 		 	   		  
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