Re: Chris, Chris and Chris

On Tue, 18 Dec 2001, Boudewijn Rempt wrote:

> -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
> Hash: SHA1
>
> On Tuesday 18 December 2001 20:18, Patrick Dunn wrote:
> > On Mon, 17 Dec 2001, Christopher B Wright wrote:
> > > Then why did His followers die for their beliefs? (Puzzled frown.) People
> > > don't die for what they know to be a lie. (It was documented by the
> > > Romans that eleven of the twelve apostles were brutally martyred.)
> >
> > Christians are always saying this.  I wonder if they believe it.
> >
>
> I wouldn't want to swear to the exact number -- my knowledge of the history
> of the early church isn't encyclopedic. But I hate it if someone entirely
> outside the tradition questions my belief. Look, Patrick, I won't question
> your beliefs -- please refrain from wondering whether people believe what
> they say they believe. It's discourteous, because it implies they are liars.
I'm afraid that doesn't work.  When one makes an absurd claim, one invites
criticism of it.  If you don't wish criticism of your religion, do not
bring it up in a confrontational (I.e., it's more logical, it's obviously
true, Jesus was either a madman or a liar or the son of God and you have
to choose) way.

You'll notice I haven't mentioned my beliefs or my religion.  I haven't
even said what I think about Christianity in toto.  I have only expressed
my opinion of this argument, which is, prima facie, exceedingly weak.

-0-Patrick

Reply