John Heath may not have noticed but the ethics of Homer have made quite a comeback during the last 60 years. Has he not heard of the sexual revolution? So we are in quite a good position to judge the “benefits” of the philosophy he advocates. Are people now happier and more fulfilled with their sexual freedom? The freedom to have sex with whomever one pleases is rather like the freedom to take hard drugs. It may provide a transitory thrill, but those who so indulge are likely to find the long-term effects less appealing. In addition to the cost borne by those who indulge in sexual promiscuity, there is the damage suffered by the children who may result from these fleeting sexual liaisons.
So it is debatable to say the least whether the Christian revolution has really deprived humankind of anything genuinely worth having. In fact, a strong case can be made for the benefits of Christianity in this area. As Larry Hurtado has shown in Destroyer of the Gods, one notable achievement of Christianity was to strongly discourage the sexual abuse of children, something that was considered normal at the time when Christianity began.
Perhaps John Heath should read the above-mentioned book. I notice that in his references he cites a number of writers who are best known as internet atheists. Larry Hurtado would certainly make a refreshing change from them.
John Heath may not have noticed but the ethics of Homer have made quite a comeback during the last 60 years. Has he not heard of the sexual revolution? So we are in quite a good position to judge the “benefits” of the philosophy he advocates. Are people now happier and more fulfilled with their sexual freedom? The freedom to have sex with whomever one pleases is rather like the freedom to take hard drugs. It may provide a transitory thrill, but those who so indulge are likely to find the long-term effects less appealing. In addition to the cost borne by those who indulge in sexual promiscuity, there is the damage suffered by the children who may result from these fleeting sexual liaisons.
So it is debatable to say the least whether the Christian revolution has really deprived humankind of anything genuinely worth having. In fact, a strong case can be made for the benefits of Christianity in this area. As Larry Hurtado has shown in Destroyer of the Gods, one notable achievement of Christianity was to strongly discourage the sexual abuse of children, something that was considered normal at the time when Christianity began.
Perhaps John Heath should read the above-mentioned book. I notice that in his references he cites a number of writers who are best known as internet atheists. Larry Hurtado would certainly make a refreshing change from them.