ajax18 wrote:What do the answers-to/opinions-of either of those 'fundamental' Christian dogmas have to do with living a moral, socially contributing life in the 21st century?
What does life after death have to do with living a moral life? Everything for me. I find atheist reasons for acting selflessly unsatisfying. Questions of how ones self interest can work together with the common good are something that cold science still fails to adequately answer even in the 21st century. Do you think organized religion adequately answers that question? Moral questions are why I see religious belief in the supernatural and unseen as continuing to grow even if science definitively reduces all the stories to myth. Religious belief will continue to grow for several reasons: Promulgation, indoctrination, family influence, knowledge voids & psyche and social needs to site a few. However, I think, as people become better educated mythology and legend will have less influence in real life. This might take centuries. we are slow to know :-)
If the myth is not true, it's just not worth it. Not worth what? Most fiction of quality serves many purposes. I interact with society occasionally. On the other hand, I myself am with me all the time. In that you differ little from most of us. Are you closed to increasing your understanding/experience/knowledge/circle of friends??
It's interesting to see this topic still around. That we have just experienced another Christmas season that exploits and capitalizes on the the Virgin Birth myth cannot help but influence persons to choose sides on the question.
Some, caught up in the warm & fuzzies of Santa, X-mas stockings, a tree, turkey dinner and familial joy, probably feel good about the day, if not about the cost and the pre-Christmas stress and anxieties, they probably get the most out of season/celebration. Even if it is a ruse. . . Kids don't know. nor do they care. . .
Others, who might have out-lived Jingle Bells, Rudolf, etc. and now are exasperated by the hoopla and the insistent, consistent persuasion to purchase trinkets and toys at varied prices, to satisfy kiddies of all ages, attempt to hide their ire; smile, put something in the Salvation Army's Pot and wish them a Merry Christmas. . .
Of course there are 'believers' who embrace the total Christmas story on faith and hope. Many lamenting the commercializing of the season, yet taking full part in the gift exchange and familial fun because it is in the Christmas Spirit.
The 2011 question -- "the Reason For The Season" -- is not one that is black or white. I think Jesus might rather see folks attending to their families than abiding traditional ritualism built on mythology. I don't see Jesus looking for accolades and worship. Little children had his attention. So, to be Christ-like . . . ?????????????????????????? . . .
Warm regards,
Roger M.