At 02:24 PM 12/29/00 -0600, you wrote:
>"Br. Alexis Bugnolo" wrote:
>
>> As for the statement, there is a body of evidence and practical wisdom. .
>> .What more can I say. The matter is the remark is true; but the evidentiary
>> basis is clinical not forensic nor empirical.
>
>Your use of "true" continues to be quite creative, but that's beside the
>point. Even dressed up in cumbersome language in an attempt to make a
>dismissive generalization look "clinical," this is still way off list. The
>address I'm looking at says, "Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and
>culture." It does not say, "possible nosological explanations for why others
>do not share my faith."
>
>
Dear Mr. St. Lawrence,
You attempt to characterize my perfecly appropriate remark is unfounded.
If you think the statement false; then bring forth evidence to support it.
This is supposed to be a scholarly discussion. That evidence for a remark
is clinical is not disqualifiable. Ask any medical researcher. Nor are
psychological remarks; since humans are motivated by their experiences;
then and now. And the context of my remark was about pastoral approaches to
atheism, so don't pretend it was something else, and so fault me for it.
The brass tacks of it is, that you just don't like like the statement. O.K.
let's recognize that there are just as wildly different senses of etiquette
as there are ideological viewpoints and approaches on the list.
But don't expect me to conform my correspondence to sentiment or etiquette
that has no basis in reason, let alone which is based on ideological
positions which I do not hold. You may not believe there is something that
is Truth, o.k. but don't demand that I conform myself to your sensibilities
thus derived. A little professionalism please.
How can anyone of us learn anything about the Medieval period is there is
such a hrumpha over beliefs which are certainly part and parcel of the period.
As for being medieval; perhaps some of the list members think it is
impossible to have or hold a medieval ideal. They're entitled to have and
form an opinion. But I am not required to conduct myself according to their
opinion. I think you can, even in the present, hold and live by a medieval
ideal. Simply because I hold the philosophical position, like St. Thomas,
or Scotus, that ideas transcend time and participate in eternity.
If you find that offensive, I suggest you stop studing Medieval Religion
and move on to a period where you can find ideas that are more in
conformity with your sensiblities.
I for one do not cease to be amazed how many members of this list, even
members of respectible faculties, can have such a gregarious distain for
views that characterized the period and for ideals which certainly where
held by some in the period.
It is not I who am not being objective and impartial.
So let's leave it be; if you don't like my posts, read others. And if you
want the last word, please write me directly and I'll let you have it. That
will at least spare the listmembers.
Sincerley in Christ,
Br. Alexis Bugnolo
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