Quote:
Originally Posted by Jennifer
How do you deal, then, when one of your children is being horribly taken advantage of by another one who has no desire or inclination to change? What's your mechanism for justice and protecting the weaker from abuse?
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I don't think taking the measures necessary to fix this problem require any trade-off when it comes to love.
Quote:
Originally Posted by lowtech redneck
I agree, and that's why I base the utility of theism (and all things associated with it) on the basis of how it impacts life on earth. However, I think people who are able to believe in "God" usually derive more utility out of life than those who do not. I think most people have certain metaphysical wants that need to be satified in order to fully enjoy the present, so theists (generally speaking) gain much more than they lose through their beliefs.
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I think this has to do with one's opinion on what constitutes a good life. When considering the ability to live a "normal" life, there is no question that theists tend to have the utilitarian advantage on the whole. However, when I study the lives of those I personally consider to be truly great, the proportional amount of theists dwindles significantly.