To: TimF who wrote (3701 ) 11/19/2002 9:56:33 AM From: Solon Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 7689 "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.