Philosophy Now Forum

Well, this Bishop seems to see mileage in the idea.

Thundril wrote:Well, this Bishop seems to see mileage in the idea.

Christianity, according to the New Testament, was a doomsday cult. Like any cult, the details aren't paramount, what matters is that the results meet the aim, and the aim is recruiting. Christianity doesn't need gods, a doomsday or any other trimmings, it just needs members.

Thundril wrote:Well, this Bishop seems to see mileage in the idea.

Not exactly an original idea.

But what sort of god does he advocate that we invent?
Not the one of the Old Testament I hope?

He's been an atheist since about five years after being ordained priest. He seems to have been slowly emerging out of the closet for decades. Favours women priests, gay marriage, all that. Brave cotroversialist in the Grim Scottish Church, or opportunist having a 50 year sinecure in a cushy job, dressing up as Santa all year round?
Personally, I have been asking theists for years whether their faith is anything more than a chronic form of 'suspension of disbelief'. Some few have, in private, almost admitted as much. Most Xians and Muslims continue to profess complete belief in their Scriptures, come hell or high water, so to speak.
Clerics or preachers of most other faiths will gradually admit that they don't believe, or even preach, an existent, personal god. Reform rabbis, for example, are often wonderfully frank. Solid Jewish education and a culture of passionate debate don't tend to leave too much room for superstition and dogmatism, ISTM.
This Scottish Bishop, and some others in the UK Anglican church, make me wonder, Chaz, about something you wrote in another thread, about an Established church being less oppressive. You may have a point, mate!