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Culture War Roundup for the week of March 4, 2024

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Going for herbal and dietary remedies for pancreatic cancer, especially a variant that was amenable to evidence-based medicine.

(I'm aware.)

He's referring to Job from the Bible, not Steve Jobs.

(I'm aware)

Please speak plainly and explain what you're aware of.

Of course. I am aware that the Biblical figure Job, and Steve Jobs (a messianic one, to certain tech evangelists) are different people. It was a joke.

So... uh... after that nice interlude... what sin did Job commit?

Some time-traveling Catch-22 shenanigans, apparently claiming you're not a sinner is a sin. All I know is I know nothing.

Fair enough. I would only express to you that it might be of value to understand that your opponents have done more than their fair share of wrestling with the general problem you propose. Simply asking, "What sin did a two year old child with ALL commit, such that she wasn't worthy of a miracle while your remission from UC was?" as though it were a complete, coherent argument for a specific position is sort of on the same tier as, "If humans descended from monkeys, why are there still monkeys?" Like, yes, Mr. Fundi, we have thought of that concern, but you'll need to step away from your Fundi Smugness for long enough to try to understand anything about how this tradition works.

I've heard the term "theodicy". I am aware of efforts of theologians to reconcile the irreconcilable. The poor bastards end up embroiling themselves in word games and dancing on pinheads.

I expect the typical reader of this forum to be able to understand, when presented with:

"What sin did a two year old child with ALL commit, such that she wasn't worthy of a miracle while your remission from UC was?"

That we are operating under the hypothesis that there is an All Knowing, All Powerful and All Loving Creator who loves his children equally. Or so it's claimed, I suppose. Well, if we can excuse Santa for giving richer kids more expensive presents..

I am sadly all too aware of how this rich and ancient tradition works. And the traditionalists are, I hope, also familiar with common critiques, even if the evident attempts to shore up their worldview boils down to "mysterious ways" or other forms of non-productive engagement.

Yeah, again, this is definitely why are there still monkeys territory.

I expect the typical reader of this forum to be able to understand, when presented with:

"What sin did a two year old child with ALL commit, such that she wasn't worthy of a miracle while your remission from UC was?"

That we are operating under the hypothesis that there is an All Knowing, All Powerful and All Loving Creator who loves his children equally.

Like, where exactly did this come from, and what is supposed to be the implied conclusion? Please speak plainly.