Grammatron
Philosopher
- Joined
- Jul 16, 2003
- Messages
- 5,444
It's one of the aspects, yes.
What are the other aspects?
It's one of the aspects, yes.
What are the other aspects?
Of religion? Moral rules, usually combined with a post-mortem reward/punishment. Far too often, "This is The Truth (and all other religions are just fake, bad and should be suppressed)"
I think I see where the confusion is now.
When the word "creator" was used in DoI you automatically viewed that to be "religious" since you think "creation" is an aspect of "religion."
Correct?
Not just that. You also (always!) have to consider the historical context. At the time, not that many people were non-religious (the US being a haven for the religiously not-so-desirable, remember?). "Creator" was even more so an aspect of religion then.
You don't think that "creation" (the word, not in the DoI) is an aspect of "religion"?
Then we go back to the point of DoI being meaningless in terms of laws and how people are governed. It's an inspiring read and an amazing peace of history. That is it.
Do you understand that?
I disagree. It's not just an inspiring read and an amazing piece of history.
You're going to have to elaborate on this one as it goes against everything I have learned on American History.I disagree. It's not just an inspiring read and an amazing piece of history.
Sure, but that doesn't mean it would be in this case. Perhaps if the phrasing was "by The Creator" instead of "their Creator" you would have a point.You don't think that "creation" is an aspect of "religion"?
You're going to have to elaborate on this one as it goes against everything I have learned on American History.
Sure, but that doesn't mean it would be in this case. Perhaps if the phrasing was "by The Creator" instead of "their Creator" you would have a point.
Every historical evidence you think you presented was shot down bu Upchurch. Unless you have some new evidence you are very much wrong to think you have proven this.I have, right here in this thread.
Up to the individual.Why? What's the difference?
When does "Creator" have a religious meaning, and when does it not?
Every historical evidence you think you presented was shot down bu Upchurch. Unless you have some new evidence you are very much wrong to think you have proven this.
Up to the individual.
Whoever said that it was like a mathematical proof? There is more than one use of the word "prove".We are talking about history. History isn't proven, like a mathematical equation.
And why are you not convinced by the interpretations presented to you?If you are not convinced, then you are not convinced.
Whoever said that it was like a mathematical proof? There is more than one use of the word "prove".
However, it seems to me that you previously indicated that your interpretation of American history was based soley on facts. Is that correct?
And why are you not convinced by the interpretations presented to you?
Ah. So, you're saying that subjective interpretation is required to understand history, is that correct?No, not correct. History is never just about facts. It is also about interpreting those facts.
So, given the known history, would say that the US Founding Fathers intended the US government to be a religious government or a secular government?Do we know for a fact that Emperor Claudius invaded Britain? Yes. Do we know why? We can base our explanation on the documents, artifacts etc. That doesn't mean that every explanation is equally valid. If you were to claim that he did it because aliens told him to, you would have to work hard to convince us.
What about them do you not find compelling?I don't find them compelling.
No, I believe any word must be taken with in the context that it is presented. I've given you a rather thurough analysis of what that context was. I assume you still find it not compelling? If so, what about it is not compelling?Do you think that "Creator" in the DoI can mean whatever people believe it to be?
You mean there can be more than one right answer? I don't understand.We are talking about history. History isn't proven, like a mathematical equation.
If you are not convinced, then you are not convinced.
Rubbish. If that was true, we would all need our own dictionary. We would not have any laws at all, since we could just interpret anything the way we wanted.
But, let's say that you are right: It is up to the individual to decide. That means you have no problems with Intelligent Design? "Special creation" is a concept that should be taught in schools?
Ah. So, you're saying that subjective interpretation is required to understand history, is that correct?
So, given the known history, would say that the US Founding Fathers intended the US government to be a religious government or a secular government?
What about them do you not find compelling?
No, I believe any word must be taken with in the context that it is presented. I've given you a rather thurough analysis of what that context was.
You mean there can be more than one right answer? I don't understand.
How the heck did you get from what I said to ID taught in schools? Talk about derailing a derail.
Anyway, how were you created?
Oh, yes. I just wanted to make sure you understood it.Of course. That's the nature of history. But I want to stress that it doesn't mean that all interpretations are equally valid.
Do you understand this point?
er... just so I'm clear, worded what exactly? In what document do you think that the FFs set up the US Government?I would say that they worded it in such a way that, regardless of those FFs that were non-religious, the larger population would accept that they had their god on their side, e.g., to sever the ties to the British King whose rights were believed to be God-given.
Why?That "Creator" and "Nature's God" aren't religious references.
It is, unfortunately, a somewhat subjective thing. In the case of the DoI, I think the context should include not only the words surrounding the words in question, but also the authors and the intended recipient.Who decides what that context is?
Nope. Are you?Or are you the sole arbiter of when "Creator" and "Creation" means God?
You're all over the map here.The right answer in history depends on what historical facts we find. E.g., it was once believed that the Nazis made soap out of Jews. We now know this is not true.
Not in a science class, though.No, it's not a derail. It follows logically: If "creation" can mean what people say it means, then you cannot possibly have anything against Intelligent Design being taught in schools. Those who want it taught argues that it doesn't mean God.
In what way?Do you have anything against "special creation" being taught in schools?
In how you came into existance.In what way?