can zen:I was thinking of this exchange as sort of like a tennis match, i mean that she sent the first reply with the “thanks to God” in it TO AN ATHEIST!  So in a sense, I think she probably understands the superficiality of adding god to the conversation, especially in light of her having had a miscarriage earlier in the year. She just wanted to “play another set” so she lobbed the ball over into his court.  I think she enjoys this kind of exchange - it could be intelletually stimulating for her?

I didn’t think of that.  It was an email, so the God part was not spontaneous.  I suspect you’re right cz. I didn’t really analyze the incident before I jumped in with an opinion.  One of those “I type; therefore I am” mistakes.

can zen - 11 December 2011 11:21 AM

I was thinking of this exchange as sort of like a tennis match, i mean that she sent the first reply with the “thanks to God” in it TO AN ATHEIST!  So in a sense, I think she probably understands the superficiality of adding god to the conversation, especially in light of her having had a miscarriage earlier in the year. She just wanted to “play another set” so she lobbed the ball over into his court.  I think she enjoys this kind of exchange - it could be intelletually stimulating for her?

Yes, that’s a very good observation. Although I doubt that her goal is intellectual stimulation - it’s probably more a desire to spread the good word. After all, if she truly enjoyed intellectual stimulation she probably would be an atheist by now, right? I mean, this is a person who despite being a Bible-loving, church-going theist had no idea that slavery was even mentioned anywhere in the bible! When I pointed it out to her some time ago, she became strangely silent on the issue and we just never went there again. So the impression I get is that although she has a devout belief in the invisible magic man in the sky, she doesn’t care one iota to rationalize it or support it with “evidence” in any way. It’s what she’s been brainwa… I mean, taught to believe, it’s what comforts her, and that’s all there is to it. Her best two arguments for God are that 1) science makes mistakes all the time, and 2) look at the trees and the ocean. That’s it! That’s as sophisticated as it gets with her.

Anyway, there does seem to be some sort of enjoyment that we both get from our “friendly fire.” Me interjecting a dose of science and rationality where appropriate and her occasionally pointing out the work of God.

Ron

MrRon - 11 December 2011 03:56 PM

Yes, that’s a very good observation. Although I doubt that her goal is intellectual stimulation - it’s probably more a desire to spread the good word.

I interpreted that as a friendly jibe ... ? Of course you know her and I don’t though.

When I was in the GA Guard I worked a lot with the chaplain’s assistant—very religious dude. We were constantly discussing and debating issues when we weren’t busy with company business, and that’s exactly the kind of thing we’d drop on each other, pretty much as often as possible. We both enjoyed taking pot shots like that at each other, and every indication was that we enjoyed it as much when we were receiving as when we were giving. I was only in the Guard for a year, so I only worked with Lowe once a month for that year, but I think he and I would have become good friends if we’d deployed together, or if I’d spent more time in that unit. Good, highly honorable man.

GAD - 09 December 2011 02:58 PM

Mike78 - 09 December 2011 12:50 PM

Why would anyone feel bad for the cute little christians, who basically beg to be leveled by anyone with a waking consciousness.  I guess I find myself feeling more and more support for Hitchens’ notions that this kind of ignorance deserves to be ridiculed whenever and wherever possible.

When reason fails ridicule is all that is left unless you have something better to do.

When the rationale begins with christ, reason has already left the room.

Mike78 - 12 December 2011 12:35 PM

GAD - 09 December 2011 02:58 PM

Mike78 - 09 December 2011 12:50 PM

Why would anyone feel bad for the cute little christians, who basically beg to be leveled by anyone with a waking consciousness.  I guess I find myself feeling more and more support for Hitchens’ notions that this kind of ignorance deserves to be ridiculed whenever and wherever possible.

When reason fails ridicule is all that is left unless you have something better to do.

When the rationale begins with christ, reason has already left the room.

Indeed.