Tony\'s God (Introduction)

by Balance_Maintained , U.S.A., Saturday, November 19, 2011, 20:16 (4731 days ago) @ DragonsHeart

Casey

As far as Abraham and Isaac, Tony, it wasn't so much that God wanted to know that they were WILLING to sacrifice, rather, it was a test of Abraham's faith. It was after this incident that Abraham was blessed and told that God would multiply his seed like the stars in the sky and the grains of sand on the seashore, and his seed would take possession of the gates of his enemies.

After talking this point over with you, I realized something else about this scenario that is particularly relevant to the discussion with DHW. The comment had been made and fairly well agreed upon that predatory self-interest was a perversion of Rational Self-Interest.

In a way, it seems like this story is setting those two ideas at counterpoint. let me explain:

Predatory Self-Interest would demand that Abraham keep Isaac alive(reproductive instincts) and that he continue his line through Isaac.

However, he was presented with another option. The Grand Designer told him that he needed to kill his first born. Something that is in direct contradiction to predatory self-interest in this case. Now, on the faith side of things, this meant that he had to believe there was a good reason. As you mentioned, he didn't receive that promise until later, so that wasn't a factor in the decision.

That only leaves trusting the Designer to know what is required in order for the grand design to work, and putting that design over the predatory self-interest of propagating his blood line.

Later, after it was all said in done, it can be said that, at least according to the story, he did what was in his own best Rational Self-Interest.

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What is the purpose of living? How about, 'to reduce needless suffering. It seems to me to be a worthy purpose.