Religion, An Exact Science

[DemBones DemBones]

There is no room for broadmindedness in the chemical laboratory. Drinking water is composed of two parts hydrogen and one part oxygen. The slighest deviation from that formula is impossible.

There is no room for broadmindedness in the mathematics classroom. Neither geometry, calculus, nor trigonometry allows any variation from exact accuracy. The solution of the problem is either right or wrong - no tolerance here.

There is no room for broadmindedness in the garage. The piston rings must fit the cylinder walls within one-thousandth of an inch. There cannot be any variation if the motor is to run smoothly.

How, then, should we expect broadmindedness to rule in the realm of morals and the science of religion? Perhaps we ought to listen to the "narrow-minded" preacher, true to the teachings of Jesus Christ!


Author Unknown

[theredpen]

1. This reminds me of how to confound fundies by agreeing with them

Typically, when I encounter people who denounce "interpretations" of Christ's teachings, they invariably seem to possess the "one true meaning" of some Scripture snippet and — surprise, surprise — this meaning supports their fundamentalist religious view.

I never argue with these people. After all, I agree that if Jesus' words can be taken to mean anything, then they ultimately mean nothing. Instead, I quote Luke 6:27, "But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you." Then I ask them if they support the war in Iraq and torture in secret prisons. I have yet to meet a fundie who isn't a huge fan of Bush's war on terror.

They see where I'm going, and try to counter with "There aren't people who hate us, but people who are trying to destroy us!" Again, I could argue with this, but I don't. I just say, "Yes, but the Scripture says, 'enemies.' Aren't these people our enemies? And if we abandon the Commandments of Jesus, haven't they succeeded in destroying us?"

[DemBones DemBones]

2. I've used that general concept a bit myself, really should

memorize more quotes to add to my repertoire. But if you know the basics of the Gospels and Salvation History, you can debate fundamentalists and let them cite the chapter and verse for you! Or get out a Bible and find the quote. Genesis is important, too, when dealing with Creationists. Why are there two different Creation stories in Genesis? Why can't God create through evolution, since he is omnipotent? Who says He can't? Where did Cain and Abel's wives come from?

In a group I belong to, a member (Baptist) asked one day if we didn't think the Signs Now Pointed To The End Times. I immediately said I didn't because Jesus said we would not know the hour or the day but should be ready at any time. Another Baptist chimed in on my side with an exact quote, citing book and verse. The first Baptist spluttered a bit and I said that Jesus said that only the Father knew and that Jesus said to be prepared as "I shall come like a thief in the night."

More spluttering and then I said that yes, there are signs that could indicate the End Is Near, but there have always been such signs. I told her I could show her my husband's grandparents' Bible that has margin notes all through Revelation that show they thought they were living in The End Times during WW II, and that we know that people believed the first millenium and a number of other events in history would bring the Apocalypse.

A couple of others spoke up and agreed with my position of "Be prepared but don't be sure it's coming yet" so the woman gave up. An astounding victory over someone who has read the Bible straight through eighteen times. (I'd love to know if she really read Leviticus and Deuteronomy every time! The Lord knows I couldn't!)