Reply #64: Christianity does not equal Theism

[Selwynn]

You'll have to explain the connection between one's ultimate concern and "authoritarianism" because it isn't readily apparent.

Theism, by dictionary definition is simply belief in a god or gods. No more, no less.

There is no "theist" act other than belief in the existence of a god or gods, by dictionary definition.

Fundamentalist Christianity <> theism. It may be one manifestation of theism, but it is not the exclusive definition of theism. It's root is in theism, but so are the roots of anyone who professes a belief in a god or gods. The idea of Hell <> Theism. Many theists do not believe in hell. That is the answer (see how I directly answer your question?) to why I ignore that these are linked. Authoritarianism may be linked to the idea of hell, but many theists do not subscribe to the idea of hell, therefore it is not an intrinsic component of theism.

Therefore, regardless of whether or not it is an example of an authoritarian idea (and it is) it is not a justification for the claim that theism by definition is authoritarianism. Theism means belief in the existence of a god or gods. No more, no less. Christianity is one religious tradition that has theism as its foundation. If you want to claim that orthodox institutional Christian tradition has historically been very authoritarian and continues that trend into the present day, I agree with you. But that isn't what you said.

Theism <> doctrine of creation. It only equals belief in the existence of god or gods. Theism <> believe that God gives punishments and restrictions. It only equals belief in the existence of god or gods. Someone who is a theist may in addition, or from that foundation, ascribe to other authoritarian beliefs. But they also might not. So far you have not named one authoritarian belief that I subscribe to.

Sel