It will be seen in caves for many years to come. As for the language of morality, there is no harm in continuing to employ the language of Christian morality, as long as we refrain from justifying its use by reference to religious dogma or divine command. Instead, our moral discourse must focus on social, political and individual imperatives to replace the worn-out platitudes of the preachers. I'm a humanist.
You're perfectly free to be a humanist, Neil, and I'd like to feel I'm perfectly free to believe what I want to and make whatever references I choose whether you or anyone else likes or agrees with them or not.
And of course, I respect your right to do that, Frank. It's just that I firmly believe we need a common language to discuss moral questions. Dialogue breaks down when religious beliefs clash.
It will be seen in caves for many years to come. As for the language of morality, there is no harm in continuing to employ the language of Christian morality, as long as we refrain from justifying its use by reference to religious dogma or divine command. Instead, our moral discourse must focus on social, political and individual imperatives to replace the worn-out platitudes of the preachers. I'm a humanist.
ReplyDeleteYou're perfectly free to be a humanist, Neil, and I'd like to feel I'm perfectly free to believe what I want to and make whatever references I choose whether you or anyone else likes or agrees with them or not.
ReplyDeleteAnd of course, I respect your right to do that, Frank. It's just that I firmly believe we need a common language to discuss moral questions. Dialogue breaks down when religious beliefs clash.
ReplyDelete