From: Michael S. Lorrey (mike@datamann.com)
Date: Mon Mar 06 2000 - 05:53:25 MST
inniss@sprynet.com wrote:
> I'm afraid I can't completely share your optimism, at least initially. Many
> things on the Extropian agenda could potentially come under legal purview.
> Christian groups have been shown to be highly effective lobbyists, and have
> not been hesitant to block the approval of medical innovations which
> challenged "traditional values." Good examples of this would be RU486, late
> term abortions, and assisted suicide. And the problems won't be just with
> evangelists. The bozos that were sounding the alarms about the UPC code
> (and remember Ronald Wilson Reagan = 666?) weren't the same heavy hitters
> (e.g. bishops and leaders of major denominations) that would get into the
> fray when you start talking about totally redefining basic terms such as
> "life" or "intelligence" and even assigning god-like attributes to
> machines. Various legitimate ethical questions will undoubtedly be
> approached from biblical perspectives, as absurd as such a juxtaposition
> may seem, which could well have at least a da!
> !
> mpening effect. Like it or not, the religious types are very effective
> organizers, and can do much to influence our freedoms. I think we'd better
> get really used to hearing the accusation "playing God."
The reason why this sort of thing happens is that rational people are loathe to
delve into theology, which is the memespace that these arguments originate from,
and so the reactionaries are conceded the originating territory from which they
can assail progressive concepts. Activist extropians must first wash out their
distaste and take an active part in the theological debate, do no concede that
territory from the start. With such predecessors as Teilhard des Chardins who
originated their Omega Point theories completely within the context of theology,
our concepts are not strangers to religion. 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:
opressive luddites.
Mike Lorrey
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