X-Message-Number: 6325 From: galvagno <> Date: Fri, 7 Jun 1996 11:34:57 +0000 Subject: Re: CryoNet #6318 - #6320 >>I will make one point, which I doubt applies to Saul but may apply to >others. The notion of some time in which growth becomes extremely >rapid and everyone sees the light stinks far too much of chiliastic >ideas from Christianity. And note that many Christian sects believe >that the coming of that time is not something over which they have >control, it is controlled only by God... or to put it another more >"technological" way: we need only fold our hands and Nanotechnology >will save us. I brought up the point that cryonics cannot and should >not be expected to have its Coming just because I felt that such a >belief lay behind an absence of effort to bring it closer. Mr. Donaldson, You are using terms here that you are not entirely comfortable with. I do not agree with your fatalistic interpretation of Christianity, nor do I concur with your erroneous assumption that Christianity can be equated with what you call "Nanotechnology." What exactly do you mean by "chiliastic?" Clearly, you have misinterpreted some of the basic tenets of Christianity (which I would be glad to explain in the future) with you fallacious assumption that Christian beliefs prohibit one from considering cryogenic preservation. While Christianity (at least Catholicism) rejects any technology that brings about the premature expiration of a human being (this is usually called euthanasia or homicide), cryogenic technology isn't just that--as you seem to be acknowledging. Indeed, your own interpretation of Christianity suggests that YOU have a dismal view of the current state of cryogenic technology; likewise, your attack on Christian beliefs seems to reveal insecurity on your behalf. If this is the case, address the technological insufficiencies of cryogenics, not what you would call the shortcomings of religious beliefs that differ from your own. As Christians, we should not be inclined to reject cryogenic technology; however, rest assured that as responsible citizens, we will not support technology that is used disparingly. Christians should not be afraid to bring cryogenic technology closer, but it had better work before we allow the general population to use it. Christians, nor any other religious "sect," cannot support any technology that is used without discretion. Samuel M. Galvagno Jr. 15 S. Coalter Street (540) 886 - 8818 Staunton, VA 24401 "...They will lay hands on the sick and they will be cured." (MK 16:16) Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=6325