Do you agree with Nietzsche?

**~~Joe McCarthy~~** · 05-04-2011, 08:00 PM

http://www.amnation.com/vfr/archives/001940.html

“The falseness of an opinion,” said Nietzsche, “is not for us any objection to it.... The question is, how far an opinion is life-furthering, life-preserving ...”

**Hess** · 05-04-2011, 08:04 PM

I would have no problem with Christians if they just admit that the bible is a philosophical work and that the supernatural events in it were either extremely exagerrated or did not happen at all.

**~~Joe McCarthy~~** · 05-04-2011, 08:08 PM

Originally Posted by Hess

I would have no problem with Christians if they just admit that the bible is a philosophical work and that the supernatural events in it were either extremely exagerrated or did not happen at all.

Imagine the Pope calling the faithful to arms in the First Crusade and then ending it with: "Oh, by the way, this whole Christ stuff? It's all bullshit. Now go conquer for the Lord!'

**Hess** · 05-04-2011, 08:11 PM

Originally Posted by Joe McCarthy

Imagine the Pope calling the faithful to arms in the First Crusade and then ending it with: "Oh, by the way, this whole Christ stuff? It's all bullshit. Now go conquer for the Lord!'

I understand, and I concede that Christianity has played an integral role in the identity of Europe.

As much as it pains me, I must agree with Nietzsche. A belief or claim does not necessarily have to be true to be positive and helpful

**Hess** · 05-04-2011, 08:13 PM

By the way, Joe, have you ever read the Jefferson Bible? I think it is something you would appreciate. http://www.angelfire.com/co/JeffersonBible/

**~~Joe McCarthy~~** · 05-04-2011, 08:14 PM

Originally Posted by Hess

By the way, Joe, have you ever read the Jefferson Bible? I think it is something you would appreciate. http://www.angelfire.com/co/JeffersonBible/

Bits and pieces. Jefferson regarded himself as a Christian but didn't believe the miracles.

**~~Joe McCarthy~~** · 05-04-2011, 08:31 PM

Originally Posted by Hess

I understand, and I concede that Christianity has played an integral role in the identity of Europe.

The question is what role it plays today. Niall Ferguson suggested Europe and America may be becoming two different civilizations due to European secularization. This may even translate politically, as culture plays a role in such things. There is talk of Germany and France moving closer toward Russia and away from the US and NATO, and obviously Russia is highly atheistic.

**~~Cato~~** · 05-04-2011, 09:07 PM

Not really; I think that he's overrated. Confucius is a more influential philosopher in my mind.

**Hess** · 05-04-2011, 09:14 PM

Originally Posted by Joe McCarthy

The question is what role it plays today. Niall Ferguson suggested Europe and America may be becoming two different civilizations due to European secularization. This may even translate politically, as culture plays a role in such things. There is talk of Germany and France moving closer toward Russia and away from the US and NATO, and obviously Russia is highly atheistic.

Actually, no. I don't have any numbers, but I am fairly certain that most Russians believe in god. The orthodox church is still very strong there. Even during communist times, many people still secretly believed in god.

**~~Joe McCarthy~~** · 05-04-2011, 09:19 PM

Originally Posted by Hess

Actually, no. I don't have any numbers, but I am fairly certain that most Russians believe in god. The orthodox church is still very strong there. Even during communist times, many people still secretly believed in god.

I've seen numbers though I don't have them right in front of me. Let's just say that on a religion spectrum, France and Germany are closer to Russia than they are the US, even though there are Christians in all three countries.