Friday, October 24, 2008

Is Heinlein the atheist's philosopher?

Is Heinlein the atheist's philosopher? - Beliefnet Forums:

"I have been reading Heinlein most of my life, and have always appreciated how he manages to create interesting, meaningful, purposeful and moral societies in his stories without God. I don't necessarily agree with all of the details in all of them, but in general I can say that Heinlein speaks for me as an atheist exposing the lie that meaning, purpose and morality come only from God.

I appreciate the fact that Heinlein preferred the liveliness of the market place rather than the halls of academia for his philosophical musings. Maybe all the best philosophers are good story tellers.

He was, and is, an influential social arbitrator, in spite of all the efforts to ban his books from our libraries and schools. The God Squad recognizes the danger. But the books still sell and are discussed in intelligent circles."

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

No he's not, you stupid ass. Heilein wasn't a philosopher.

Anonymous said...

You obviously haven't read much philosophy.

J'Carlin said...

Ah, Steven still hiding behind the anonymous ID to disguise your inability to make a rational comment.

My philosophy credentials while substantial are not relevant here as you understand neither philosophy or fiction. If you wish to discuss either please eschew bald assertions which as you know can be dismissed without consideration.