(October 17, 2017 at 1:12 am)Whateverist Wrote: ...Even if we set aside the issue of created with a purpose vs evolved for a number of purposes, I can appreciate that you are communicating something subtle and elusive. [1] For we secular oriented types, we can still ask are there activities/mindsets/ways of being which accentuate the best in us. I think we should be able to give that question serious consideration, and I'm inclined to say there probably are. We may not agree on what those are, but I'm happy to have the conversation. [2]
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I notice that you haven't anywhere here implied that what is best for humans is to be an obedient lackey of the divine. I appreciate that. [3] What is good or best is what it is and whether we're created or evolved, we certainly are "agents who must participate in our own development and fulfillment". [4]
Do you think this question deserves it's own thread? [5]
I enjoy your posts so approach them in whatever way works for you in a manner that allows you to still pursue an excellent RL. [6]
1) Thank you for saying this!
2) YES! It is a challenging conversation worth having, and I am glad that we agree on these basic even if abstract ideas. We need not begin with whether or not human life is created by god. We can just begin with the fact of human life.
3) Lol. I'm sorry that such an image of living out religion has been so reinforced by us. It is my hope that one day you may come to understand that such an image falls far short of the experience of religion, especially my own.
4) Preach it!
5) Well of course! Like I mentioned, my own involvement will be limited, and possibly spotty, but I would enjoy reading what others have to say about it.
6) Thanks!... but what is an RL?