Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Locrian and people's motives

Continuing my previous ruminations...

To say that these people (those who ask that one avoid swearing with God's name) must just be trying to get points from the big guy is simply obnoxious. Even if we grant that they're trying to save you from hell (which is surely not their motivation, at least not in this case), isn't it possible that this is simply out of genuine concern? Heck, if a Moslem were to try to evangelize me, I wouldn't assume that he's just sucking up to Allah. I'd assume that he's acting out of genuine concern, even if I disagree with his beliefs.

The thing is, it's not enough for some people to simply disagree with one's polite request. No, they have to ascribe the vilest of motives to that person first, even in the absence of any evidence for such motives. It's simply reprehensible. Even if you disagree with that person, why not give the benefit of the doubt?