There is no need for an infinite regression. Have an eternal multiverse which causes local universes, one of which we live in. No infinite regression. The multiverse performs the same logical function as God, but without the theological properties.
It was in Christian countries that slavery was eventually abolished. In North America a war was fought between ostensible Christians to abolish it. Read some history and find out why today only in dominantly non-Christians countries do you find sex slave traffic going on.
And the dominant strain of atheism among Buddhist helps to explain that!Show me where in the Bible Jesus explicitly forbids the slave trade. The Buddha explicitly forbade the slave trade. Yes, some Buddhists are not good. Is every Christian a saint?
Jesus does not get too specific about slavery because he doesn’t have to. His focus is on virtue. That’s why at the center of his preaching is:
I clearly specified that true Christians observe the precept “love your neighbour as yourself”. That fact refutes your assertion that the expression “true Christian” is meaningless. You also need to substantiate your allegation that the pro-slavery faction has the greater weight of Christian history on its side. Which saints and popes have endorsed slavery? Please cite just one instance of Christian teaching that slavery is permissible.
It all seems so hopeless…The story about the arrow is superficial with limited applicability as a symbol for the human condition.
If one is engaged in warfare, it is best to know everything one can about the enemy.
A projectile piercing the skin may be best treated by cutting it out or by running it through.
Pulling it out may be what causes most of the damage.
Obviously one should have an idea as to the poison which it may carry, the mechanism by which it causes harm and its treatment.
At least the healer should be aware of all this, if the patient relies merely on faith.
It is also a fact that some substances may be actually beneficial,
insulin in the case of the diabetic and
the suffering described in the Beatitudes for the human spirit.
If you contemplate the parable of the foolish virgins, you might find in it something applicable to yourself.
That’s what you say.
Yet,
you
are
here.
Scientists would be wasting their time, presumably dying over and over and over again, as they shun enlightenment in their vain search.
Maybe there is something more to the gaining of knowledge,
a pursuit of the truth that does not conflict with the quest for enlightenment,
that perhaps is one and the same thing
- a journey towards ultimate reality,
that will be found to be love.
Chattel slavery is different than serving the master you are indebted too until paid.
No first universe exists? We just keep claiming there was one before the one before? Universes making universes? Why?
The multiverse cannot be observed. Besides all possible universes exist including one with God. Fake universes exist too. One exists without fake news.
And we do see Popes speaking out against slavery. Why? Because Catholic teaching is the dignity of all humans.
So, most Christians up to about 1700 were fools? You might want to rephrase there.
Just as many Christians do not follow Christ. There is sex-trafficking in Christian countries as well as in Christian countries.
All “true Buddhists” observe the Buddhist precepts, so that gets you nowhere.
An eternal God is also a scientifically unsubstantiated hypothesis.
Pope Nicholas II 1452 Dum Diversas.
:clapping: An excellent article. Jesus didn’t denounce slavery explicitly because He knew it was a Roman institution and would give the Sanhedrin an excuse to have Him arrested before He had completed His mission but it violates His teaching that we all have the same Father in heaven and should love everyone - and if necessary die for them.
