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From: mrh@cybvax0.UUCP (Mike Huybensz)
Newsgroups: net.religion
Subject: Re: the Temptations (not a singing group)
Message-ID: <461@cybvax0.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 11-Apr-85 14:21:14 EST
Article-I.D.: cybvax0.461
Posted: Thu Apr 11 14:21:14 1985
Date-Received: Sun, 14-Apr-85 03:20:54 EST
References: <450@cybvax0.UUCP> <4644@umcp-cs.UUCP> <456@cybvax0.UUCP> <4681@umcp-cs.UUCP>
Reply-To: mrh@cybvax0.UUCP (Mike Huybensz)
Distribution: net
Organization: Cybermation, Inc., Cambridge, MA
Lines: 33
Summary: 

In article <4681@umcp-cs.UUCP> mangoe@umcp-cs.UUCP (Charley Wingate) writes:
> In the traditional intepretation, the meaning of the incident is that Jesus
> turns away from the temptation to use his powers to rule the world.  This is
> cetainly a very real option, for Jesus, being Godhead, could simply override
> anything with his power.  He has to choose not to.

The fraudulent Godhead, who hasn't any powers to use to rule the world,
must construct an excuse for why he doesn't do so.  The best explanation
is one that embarasses the questioners, and puts them on the defensive by
comparing them to Satan.

> Well, Jesus certainly is within his rights not to work miracles simply
> because people demand them.  He has every right not to be treated as a
> laboratory specimen.

Any fraud is within his rights not to work miracles simply because people
demand them.  But people will get suspicious unless you concoct plausible
sounding excuses, and learn how to quiet hecklers.  A real god might use
these devices, but wouldn't need them.

> I personally do not rely on the miracles to support my faith (except the
> important two: the incarnation and the resurrection).  It's the testimony of
> one generation to the next that is ultimately the principle reason for
> belief, just as it is for any other historical notion.

It's too late to shut the barn door once the cow's loose.  It is skepticism
that is responsible for clearing away the worthless testimony of previous
generations to allow new knowledge to emerge.  (Mind you I'm not saying
that all testimony is worthless.  Some can be confirmed by first skeptically
rejecting it and then arriving at the same conclusions.)
-- 

Mike Huybensz		...decvax!genrad!mit-eddie!cybvax0!mrh