PIRIE, MADSEN (2006)(2015) How To Win Every Argument, Bloomsbury, London.
The end of this text review.
Why wasn't it done already?
There has to be a first time for everything. It is a fallacy to claim that anything worthwhile has already been done. (214). It should not should be assumed that new ideas are always wacky (214) or just always wrong.
My example:
Person X: One day medical science will be able to repair amputated limbs.
Person Y: I am against it. It is a bad idea, let God's will stand!
It could also be God's will for a certain person to have a repaired amputated limb (s).
This is when premises are accepted because one would like them to be true, rather than because reasonable premises and arguments have been presented in support of premises. (215). This fallacy is not concerned with whether premises and conclusions are true or false. (215).
Pirie mentions philosopher David Hume and his views on the subject of the afterlife. It is opined that it is wishful thinking to believe in the afterlife for deceased relatives and friends. (216). Pirie mentions that some philosophers, such as Hume view (viewed) the afterlife as an absurd notion. (216).
Connected to wishful thinking, I view sentimental theology as often absurd in regard to death and the afterlife. (See sentimental theology in archives).
The biblical, historically revealed, Christian theology in support of the afterlife idea is based on the promise of everlasting life in Jesus Christ. This through his atoning and resurrection work applied to believers via the triune God.
This everlasting life as in heaven, takes place in two stages. For those in Jesus Christ and the Hebrew Bible covenant, prior to the atonement and resurrection work of Jesus Christ.
Paradise (2 Corinthians 12, Philippians 1) for disembodied spirits. Then upon the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15) within the culminated of Kingdom of God, the new heaven and new earth (Revelation 20-22).
This same biblical revelation reveals two stages of hell, also in an everlasting context. For those outside of Jesus Christ and the Hebrew Bible covenant, prior to the atoning and resurrection work of Jesus Christ.
Hades for disembodied spirits (Luke 16) and then ultimately the lake of fire (Revelation 20) for those outside of Jesus Christ. Those in the lake of fire are presumed to be resurrected by many within scholarship.
As secondary support, within philosophy of religion, it can be reasoned there exists the necessary. Within theism, the necessary equates to first cause, which parallels the biblical and theological concept of God, that existed prior to any matter, or anything else for that matter (Genesis and Revelation). The first cause and as well the infinite, eternal author of the initial earthly life can offer everlasting life, if God so chooses and to whom he chooses.
This is not an absurd notion, when not left to wishful thinking and speculation alone.
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It looks like my face is further thinning out with my fruit, vegetable, fish and natural peanut butter diet. If you do not mind me stating, my friends Darren and Kelly are correct, my arms do look muscular (Those 30 and 50 pound dumbbell curls and lifts.).
