LGP Philosophy Discussion Thread

[Guinness]

[youtube][/youtube]

[redwill]

There is a video (mentioned in the PDT) of a Syrian rebel eating the heart of recently-killed enemy. It's all the rage.

I don't get the outrage over cannibalism. What's the argument against it that puts it so high on the taboo list?

Meat is meat, yes?

[PensFanInDC]

I think its all about how you view humans? To me, whether is be by evolution or creation, humans are a species that are above eating our own kind in a violent and homicidal manner as is shown in the video. And if we are so advanced than the act of doing so is much more heinous imo.

[Rylan]

Once a body is dead it means nothing anymore though. It is nothing but meat. Besides old traditions of many warriors viewed eating the heart of a fallen foe to be an important part of the warriors life. He inherits the essence of his fallen foe. Others saw it as an insult because it would turn to poop. Interesting history really.

[redwill]

I think its all about how you view humans? To me, whether is be by evolution or creation, humans are a species that are above eating our own kind in a violent and homicidal manner as is shown in the video. And if we are so advanced than the act of doing so is much more heinous imo.

"violent and homicidal manner" ...

Am I wrong that there is little outrage in the violent homicide of other humans which takes place every single day in the world?

But God forgive us if we don't let that flesh rot and be useless. We must waste it, else we become somehow less than human.

[redwill]

Once a body is dead it means nothing anymore though. It is nothing but meat. Besides old traditions of many warriors viewed eating the heart of a fallen foe to be an important part of the warriors life. He inherits the essence of his fallen foe. Others saw it as an insult because it would turn to poop. Interesting history really.

So you're not opposed to cannibalism?

[PensFanInDC]

I think its all about how you view humans? To me, whether is be by evolution or creation, humans are a species that are above eating our own kind in a violent and homicidal manner as is shown in the video. And if we are so advanced than the act of doing so is much more heinous imo.

"violent and homicidal manner" ... :shock:

Am I wrong that there is little outrage in the violent homicide of other humans which takes place every single day in the world?

But God forgive us if we don't let that flesh rot and be useless. We must waste it, else we become somehow less than human.

You're not wrong at all. Personally it all affects me the same. Its abhorrent.

[redwill]

What if it was done respectfully, with all reverence and honor given to the dead?

[Sarcastic]

What if it was done respectfully, with all reverence and honor given to the dead?

So doing a little prayer before cutting off a chunk and throwing it on the grill? (of course, the dude would have to have no family making a claim on the body)

[PensFanInDC]

What if it was done respectfully, with all reverence and honor given to the dead?

IMO, no. That doesn't make it ok. There is a difference between eating out of necessity and out of violence and hate.

[ExPatriatePen]

Often times truth *is* stranger than fiction:

http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/18/world/tha ... nkcharge2a" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Kaizer]

I would kill them with violence and hate, but i'd eat them with garlic and butter.

[shmenguin]

I would kill them with violence and hate, but i'd eat them with garlic and butter.

Or fava beans and a nice chianti

[redwill]

An interesting question: Must "comfort" given by military chaplains be exclusively spiritual?

http://www.npr.org/2013/07/31/207320123 ... eve-in-god

Enter Jason Heap, a 38-year-old graduate of the University of Oxford, and of Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University. Heap was born in Houston and raised in Philadelphia as a devout Christian; he was licensed as a Christian minister in Texas, and, ultimately, lost his faith.
...
For the past 12 years, Heap has been living in the United Kingdom — mainly teaching in public schools — where he has become a prominent humanist. A humanist — often used interchangeably with nontheist — does not recognize a supernatural God; they believe in the human ability to lead an ethical life and aspire to good without relying on religious belief.

Heap is applying to become the first humanist chaplain with the U.S. Navy. These chaplains are also assigned to the pastoral care of Marines..

According to current Pentagon records, about 1 percent of active duty military in all four services checked boxes for "agnostic" and "atheist" as their religious status. That's more than 13,000 soldiers, airmen, Marines and sailors. This is, incidentally, more than all the Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims combined — and they each have their own chaplains.

The House of Representative weighs in in predictable fashion:

http://www.christianpost.com/news/house ... ns-100870/

[PensFanInDC]

Considering the definition of chaplain and clergy, yes I do. A chaplains duties are not confined to giving comfort. Maybe create a new position. Comfort giver.

[PensFanInDC]

However I do not think there should be a ban on athiests giving comfort to soldiers. They don't need to be chaplains to do so.

[redwill]

Maybe create a new position. Comfort giver.

That position already exists.

[redwill]

However I do not think there should be a ban on athiests giving comfort to soldiers. They don't need to be chaplains to do so.

Is there a parallel with the "marriage" vs. "civil union" argument?

[PensFanInDC]

However I do not think there should be a ban on athiests giving comfort to soldiers. They don't need to be chaplains to do so.

Is there a parallel with the "marriage" vs. "civil union" argument?

Don't understand what you're asking. Pardon my ignorance lol.

[redwill]

Is there a parallel with the "marriage" vs. "civil union" argument?

Don't understand what you're asking. Pardon my ignorance lol.

Labels.

Why is the label "marriage" more important to some than "civil union," if the end result is the same?

[PensFanInDC]

I'm not sure the comparison is apt. I'm not up to date on law but is there a difference in benefits, rights, etc., when it comes to civil unions and marriage? If so, then I would assume that is the difference between the 2 labels and one reason why it is important to some people.

The definition of Chaplain is: A member of the clergy attached to a private chapel, institution, ship, branch of the armed forces, etc.

Ok, so let's look at the definition of clergy: The body of all people ordained for religious duties, esp. in the Christian Church.

I think my real question is, why would an athiest want to become a Chaplain if it's definition includes the belief in a higher diety (not solely that of God and Christ)?

According to http://atheism.about.com/library/FAQs/a ... ligion.htm:

Many people operate under the mistaken idea that atheism is itself a religion, but they are very wrong.

Also, atheists at http://www.asktheatheists.com/questions ... -religion/ also do not consider atheism a religion.

I think that disqualifies them from becoming clergy, and by association, Chaplains.

....Then again scientists now say dolphins are people so what do I know? lol http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/ ... 16960.html

[columbia]

....Then again scientists now say dolphins are people so what do I know? lol http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/ ... 16960.html

I'm on board with that idea.

[PensFanInDC]

....Then again scientists now say dolphins are people so what do I know? lol http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/ ... 16960.html

I'm on board with that idea.

You want to marry a dolphin...don't you?

[columbia]

....Then again scientists now say dolphins are people so what do I know? lol http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/ ... 16960.html

I'm on board with that idea.

You want to marry a dolphin...don't you?

Just one?

[GSdrums87]

I concur this.