MDMD(3)--Just a thought

[Steven Maas (CUTR)]

Paul Mackin wrote:
> The predestination associated with
> the Synod of Dort (Reformed Church of the Netherlands) is
> called DOUBLE predestination. God has determined from all
> eternity whom He will save and whom He will damn, regardless
> of their faith, love, or merit, or lack thereof. (extreme form)

I responded:
> Are you saying that adherents of this sect believe that no matter what
> they do in their lives it is predetermined whether they will go to
> heaven or hell?  What incentive does this give them to behave any way
> other than on their whims? 

Now I say:
I'm still curious about this.  It seems that generally a major purpose of
religion is to encourage the behavior thought proper by the group in
question.  How does this "double predestination" accomplish this? 

Paul wrote in a different post:
> This is obviously a gross over-simplification, but worth
> saying nevertheless. I do think religion sometimes gets
> blamed for bad conditions when really it is only following
> along rather than fomenting or condoning. Of course it
> should be doing more than simply not condoning but often
> there is little choice given the powers-that-be.

But obviously "religion" isn't a living thing that gets blamed--rather
many of those who claim to be religious are often blamed for bad
conditions, rightly so in my opinion.  Again in my opinion, a religious
person worthy of the name and what it implies should indeed do more than
not condone bad conditions, despite the powers-that-be.

Sorry to get preachy.

Steve Maas, unbeliever 
(Blame that RC upbringing--and I don't mean the kind that goes good with a
Moon Pie.)