"No it is arbitrary because too often it isn't limited by the constitution. Its not 100% arbitrary because sometimes the constitution or other limiting factors have an effect"
Then by your manner of arguing it is NOT arbitrary--only its not 100% NOT arbitrary because sometimes it is arbitrary. As though a person who sometimes does a stupid act is both a stupid person and a smart person because he is not 100% of the time either...
"Its not a matter of power. I don't impose my definition on anyone"
If it is merely your own definition and not the definition of the group, then you are talking about a different matter than I am. I am talking about any one individual part of the group defining the values for the group as a whole. If you thought we were discussing whether or not you had a separate mind than other individuals...well, that is not something over which I would have any interest to dispute or debate.
"people don't face hell for refusing to give away every last possestion."
It is certainly implied that ones chances improve imensely as one sheds material values...
There is no doubt that rich people will not get to heaven (not unless you can get a camel through the eye of a needle)! Jesus also exhorts repeatedly to give up all earthly possessions, to give away your cloak and coat, etc. One does not need a direct quote to comprehend the intent or the gist of his teaschings.
LUKE
6:24
But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation.
6:25
Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep.
6:26
Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well of you! for so did their fathers to the false prophets.
6:27
But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
6:28
Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you.
6:29
And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also.
6:30
Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again.
6:31
And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
6:32
For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.
6:33
And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same.
6:34
And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.
6:35
But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
MARK
10:25
It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. |
