On Tue, 9 Oct 2001, Al Shealy went: > I thought someone else might jump on this, but I'm guessing most people > already know to ignore Rick's despicable characterization
The word "despicable" is so strong that, even applied to the noun "characterization," it is the rhetorical equivalent of an ad hominem attack. I just thought I'd point that out. > of missionary and evangelical activity. [...] > Suppose I was walking down the street and saw smoke coming from a house. > Acting on my belief that the house was on fire I would knock on the door > and advise the residents to get out. If they didn't believe me, I would > try anything to persuade them. I would argue that there is an ethical > obligation for anyone who believes that the house is on fire Tnanks for illustrating my point about the kind of moral decision- making that occurs when untestable ideas are confused with testable ones. An example of a testable idea is "Your house is on fire." It can be quickly investigated to the satisfaction of all concerned. Others can come along and replicate the investigation. > Christians simply believe that your house is on fire. See preceding paragraph. --David Epstein [EMAIL PROTECTED] --- You are currently subscribed to tips as: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe send a blank email to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
