Blue-grass blade., 1908-05-31
Further Discussion Of the Recent Attempted
conversion OF Silas Rockwell. Letter
Sent to the Aged Freethinker.
(By James s. Scott.)

There is no darkness but Ignorance"
IL seems that your friend the Bible
teacher is somewhat disturbed by the
presentation of Paul's character that 7 ont.
lined in previous letter, but that her faith
is nowise shaken. Do not expect too much
superstition Is inherited; it is locked up in
organic structure and has an ancient pedi-
gree. r'
III is Tor this reason that numerous indi-
vlduals after forsaking the current myth
ology sink into the dismal swami of
Theosophy, Christian Science, Spiritualism
ana kindred cults. Coming back to the ques-
tlon OF st. Paul it would be worth while
Tor the young woman to read the 18th chan
ter OF list Corinthians and view it. not
shrough the lens of degrading creed but
. from the standpoint of reason. Paul glori-
hes celbacy but is of the opinion that men
OF strong passion ought to marry If his
advice had been strictly followed. il would
nave resulted in the perpetuation of an in
ierlor race and the extinction of the normal
type. Here is an advocacy of race suicide
tnat president Roosevelt never dreamed Of
It is interesting to follow the workings of
the religious mind. When the young woman
ADVISES you to study the life of Paul she
assumes that you know nothing of the
Christian mythology and her request that
you read the other side is not carried out
IN her case. She tells you that while she
respects you personally she feels hurt at
the attack that you make on her religion.
You have merely called her attention to a
rev plain facts and referred her to the au-
thorlty that she accepts. Is she really hurt
by the truth? Jesus said You shall know
the truth, and the truth will make YOU
free Does she fear freedom?
IL Is strange thing, this belief that re-
1glon, an abstract theory of the universe
can become property and be privately
owned. This belief is greater absurdity than
the dogma itself. Suppose that one man
would say to another, How dare you attack
my multiplication table? And upon being
defeated in debate, would retreat into a
corner and set up that good old Pagan cry
OF Dlasphemy. | am afraid that many things
you say VIII crate on her feelings. She is
well meaning but is handicapped by bad ad-
Visers. The Christian Church is not teach
ing the religion of Christ, but the theology
OF raul. This is natural. Paul was mar
row minded bigot and moral snob and the
average theologian who is the same ilk is
attracted TO him through the natural law of
annity. Given the religious tendency and
theological environment and it follows as
matter OF course that the young woman is
out or place In world of knowledge and
reason Her mental state becomes apparent
when she says to you IL do not approve of
your Delief or disbelief, whichever you
choose to call It," You Mr.. Rockwell do
not hold beliefs or disbeliefs. That is the
baggage OF the mystical mind. You are
citizen of the Goth century and governed
oy demonstration You might point out to
her that the old testament contains no doc
trne of future life, that the only punish
nent was death, a fact so well known that
you will find it stated in the 'Ency.