Bottom line is: the notion of "sacredness of life" stemmed from simple self-interest.
Just look how very selective we are with this whole "life is sacred" business. One just needs to look in his salad bowl and his hamburger. Your very body is evolved to kill life (bacteria) with each breath you take.
While i don't believe in any objective value of life, i do realize that we all have certain common interests, namely to survive and be happy. I try to respect these interests.
However, when i have reason to believe that a sacrifice can bring much more overall happiness, I would carry through with it.
PS: not saying we should invade Ugada or anything - I think there are better ways to bring change about.
Just look how very selective we are with this whole "life is sacred" business. One just needs to look in his salad bowl and his hamburger. Your very body is evolved to kill life (bacteria) with each breath you take.
While i don't believe in any objective value of life, i do realize that we all have certain common interests, namely to survive and be happy. I try to respect these interests.
However, when i have reason to believe that a sacrifice can bring much more overall happiness, I would carry through with it.
PS: not saying we should invade Ugada or anything - I think there are better ways to bring change about.
Originally Posted by Onamist
People who judge these people fail to realise that in their culture it is perfectly acceptable to do these things. I'm sure that if people from these supposedly 'savage' countries saw some the things that happen in our 'civilized' society, they too would be shocked and outraged.
Originally Posted by Stickicide
MY POINT EXACTLY
Firstly, it's not "perfectly acceptable" in their culture, which you would have known had you read the article.
Secondly, you would rather have innocent people slaughtered than disturb someone's precious 'culture'? Some priorities you got.
England: hey USA, Nazi Germany is like....killing all their Jews. Messed up, man.
USA: and?? Leave them alone - it's their culture! You bigots.
Last edited by Odlov; Apr 7, 2010 at 05:13 PM.
Originally Posted by CyberVirus
Sometimes I don't understand some religions.
So, you're a better men for killing someone? Is that what sacrifice means?
No one has the right to take someone's life, sacrifice isn't a reason.
What's not to understand?
Human and animal sacrifice is an ancient practice. People believed that when they destroyed something valuable, their gods would take it and in turn protect them or grant them their wishes.
To understand the motive isn't hard.
Originally Posted by CyberVirus
I just don't understand where they pulled that from.
"If I sacrifice someone, the gods will protect me"
I mean, sacrificing animals makes a bit more sense but still...
Seriously, so they believe their "gods" will grant them something if they take someone's life in stupid rituals?
What type of gods would they be...
Same place all such convictions are pulled from.
Many people in developed countries also believe that if you recite certain passage in your head, you will get help from some "god". Those same people also believe that if you don't believe their god exists, he will burn you forever. Is that so different?
The only difference is in the action that must be performed to get the favor of said "god".
