Posted by Dr. Bob on February 14, 2003, at 13:23:33
[Posted by Eddie Sylvano on February 14, 2003, at 9:32:11
In reply to http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030208/msgs/200218.html]
> > TRUST ME, like many of you, if it wasn't for JESUS CHRIST, I (PERSONALLY!!!) would have ALREADY COMMITTED SUICIDE by now!!! (I'm NOT going to go into the "gory details" about my own personal struggles but, rest assured, you're NOT THE ONLY ONE with a "heavy burden"!!!)
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> Your argument that faith can help people overcome problems in their lives is perfectly valid. It's been the basis for Alcoholics Anonymous, among other things. Your presentation of this argument isn't very effective, however. In being Christian, one should seek to emulate Christ, who wasn't known for angry, judgemental outbursts (well, ok, there were the money changers). He was primarily a figure of humility, compassion, love, and forgiveness. He didn't shout at the wayward, he embraced them. He didn't throw stones at the sinner, he protected them.
> Your argument also assumes that those of us taking drugs for our problems aren't really in need of help. How bad off should one be before seeking medical help? If I had diabetes, should I not take insulin? If I had Parkinson's, should I not take L-dopa? You implicitly draw a distinction between disorders of the mind and body, without consideration of the fact that the mind is part of the body. Disorders of the mind are no less debilitating than disorders of the rest of the body.
> As a final consideration, what constitutes a drug? A drug is any substance that affects the functioning of the body. Jesus drank wine. You probably drink coffee. Plenty of people take aspirin. There is no inherent moral seperation of molecular structures.
> The force and malice of your tone would suggest that you're not a person at peace, but rather an angry person, and this is hindering your cause.
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poster:Dr. Bob
thread:200423
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faith/20021227/msgs/200423.html