X-Message-Number: 4082
Date: Fri, 24 Mar 1995 21:39:53 -0500 (EST)
From: Robin Helweg-Larsen <>
Subject: Religion

I can't resist it!  

"A 'religion' seems to be characterized mainly by _dedication_ and 
_fellowship_, with a divinity and formal worship not essential." - Also 
Spracht Ettinger, in 'Man Into Superman', page 164 in my edition.

Therefore the dedication of cryonicists, so long as not countered by a 
lack of fellowship, :-) , makes a religion of our intellectual interest 
and emotional orientation.

Less noble (i.e. less crazy) than Communists or humanists, because we 
hope for personal reward from our sacrifices - which in that sense are 
investments, not sacrifices.

But if the concept of personal sacrifice is not necessary (and most 
people were not sacrificing for religion, they were investing in 
immortality too), then perhaps cryonics counts as a secular religion?

(Don't take this seriously, I'm just feeling sociable and mischievous.)

Always optimistically,

Robin HL


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