Gilberto Simpson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Really? So if they are both valid and from God, what is the difference
between Pauline Christianity and the religion of Jesus?
Peace
Gilberto
Dear Gilberto,
In this sense validity means verity, not exclusive truth (I have highlighted in reddish the most applicable definition):
Main Entry: val·id
Pronunciation: 'va-l&d
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French valide, from Medieval Latin validus, from Latin, strong, from valEre
1 : having legal efficacy or force; especially : executed with the proper legal authority and formalities <a valid contract>
2 a : well-grounded or justifiable : being at once relevant and meaningful <a valid theory> b : logically correct <a valid argument> <valid inference>
3 : appropriate to the end in view : EFFECTIVE <every craft has its own valid methods>
4 of a taxon : conforming to accepted principles of sound biological classification
- va·lid·i·ty/v&-'li-d&-tE, va-/ noun
- val·id·ly/'va-l&d-lE/ adverb
synonyms VALID, SOUND, COGENT, CONVINCING, TELLING mean having such force as to compel serious attention and usually acceptance. VALID implies being supported by objective truth or generally accepted authority <a valid reason for being absent> <a valid marriage>. SOUND implies a basis of flawless reasoning or of solid grounds <a sound proposal for reviving the economy>. COGENT may stress either weight of sound argument and evidence or lucidity of presentation <the prosecutor's cogent summation won over the jury>. CONVINCING suggests a power to overcome doubt, opposition, or reluctance to accept <a convincing argument for welfare reform>. TELLING stresses an immediate and crucial effect striking at the heart of a matter <a telling example of bureaucratic waste>.===========
So as far as "valid" religions, both Pauline and Jamesian Christianity must be equally "sound" at least internally. As to whether sophonts wish to to define one as more "genuine" than the other, I will leave it to them.
(Genuine:Main Entry: gen·u·ine
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Pronunciation: 'jen-y&-w&n, -(")win, ÷-"wIn
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin genuinus innate, genuine; akin to Latin gignere to beget -- more at KIN
1 a : actually having the reputed or apparent qualities or character <genuine vintage wines> b : actually produced by or proceeding from the alleged source or author <the signature is genuine> c : sincerely and honestly felt or experienced <a deep and genuine love> d : ACTUAL, TRUE <a genuine improvement>
2 : free from hypocrisy or pretense : SINCERE)
Regards,
Scott
Arnold J. Toynbee
