From: Michael S. Lorrey (mike@datamann.com)
Date: Tue Mar 07 2000 - 08:23:12 MST
john grigg wrote:
> Mike Lorrey wrote:
> We need people who have theological training to develop a whole theological
> basis (in several religions) for extropic concepts, and get them promoted in
> both the religious and mainstream press. Once this is in place, the
> reactionaries cannot lay sole claim to the theological 'high ground', and
> they will be seen for what they truly are: oppressive luddites.
> (end)
>
> This is an interesting thought. It's good to understand where the other
> person's perspective on things so you can better communicate with at least
> the possibility of making a positive connection.
>
> By having knowledgeable and compassionate individuals trained for what you
> desire, it would be possible to gain positive impressions from their
> memberships. This way, especially in a roundtable discussion, you will
> develop goodwill rather then animosity.
>
> But you may be going to far in saying that the theological "highground" will
> be at least partially taken to the point where religious leaders will be
> seen as oppressive luddites! If they are really against a certain thing
> they will demand membership to "close ranks" and rally round interpretations
> of core doctrines. They are the religious leader in touch with God
> according to their group and not you, and so they can do this.
The point is though that if it is seen that there are two alternate and opposing
ethical arguments, then we don't automatically secede the ethical authority to
them, and rational people will feel that its ok to choose between the two
alternatives.
> I would rather not have this happen because of a "us vrs. them" mentality
> where people are labeled and then treated in a certain way. This has
> already been discussed extensively on the list. We may not be able to
> control their actions but we can control our reactions. Being understanding
> and level-headed in public forums will take transhumanist views much
> farther. I think Max and Natasha are good examples of trying to do this in
> the mass media. And for now, they along with Robert Bradbury, Nick Bostrom
> and a few others, are the one's who are dealing head-on with these issues
> and doing the best they can.
When the luddites have already started the us vs. them argument, its noble, but
not very effective, to pull the 'turn the other cheek' strategy.
--
TANSTAAFL!!!
Michael S. Lorrey
Director, Grafton County Fish & Game Assoc.
http://www.lorrey.com/gcfga/
Member, Extropy Institute
http://www.extropy.org
Member, National Rifle Association
http://www.nra.org
"Live Free or Die, Death is not the Worst of Evils."
- General John Stark
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