One of the debates in interfaith is the legitimacy or lack thereof of proselytism or evangelism. Here's food for thought in the perspective of atheist Penn Jillette:
“I’ve always said that I don’t respect people who don’t proselytize. I don’t respect that at all. If you believe that there’s a heaven and a hell, and people could be going to hell or not getting eternal life, and you think that it’s not really worth telling them this because it would make it socially awkward—and atheists who think people shouldn’t proselytize and who say just leave me along and keep your religion to yourself—how much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize? How much do you have to hate somebody to believe everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?
“I mean, if I believed, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that a truck was coming at you, and you didn’t believe that truck was bearing down on you, there is a certain point where I tackle you. And this is more important than that.”
3 comments:
I find this sort of reasoning to fall within the no true scotsman fallacy. Basically Pen is saying that unless you are a specific type of Christian then you are not a true Christian. Of course he has worked out a method to dismiss the specific type of Christians he respects so this method is just a way to dismiss the other types which don't fall within his parameters of being Christians.
I find this type of logic to fall within the no true scotsman fallacy. Basically what Pen is saying that unless you fit an specific criteria then you are not a true christian. Of course he has worked out a method to dismiss the ones that fit his criteria, and this is the method to dismiss those that don't fall in that criteria.
Thank you for your comment, but I obviously disagree or I wouldn't have posted Penn's clip. Much of Christendom understands proselytizing as essential to Christian discipleship. Thus, his comments resonate with vast swaths of the religion, and he makes a good point across the religious divide as well. If you are part of a religious tradition that believes in persuasion, then holding back on that for whatever reasons is a compromise to your tradition, even if it upsets many in the pluralistic West. Penn isn't being dismissive, he's making a point about understanding mutual persuasion in the marketplace of ideas.
Post a Comment