All Comments (9)

Is it scientifically possible that a thing can build something more intelligent than itself? The answer is a big NO. The only reason why human DNA can transform into a more intelligent human BRAIN is because the transfomation is guided by someone more intelligent. Nothing can create something more intelligent than itself and that's a fact.

There MUST be a MAKER in between. That is science and most of all, that is COMMON SENSE.

Those who say there is no Creator are fools and devoid of common sense.

UpX7iD U cool ))

UpX7iD U cool ))

UpX7iD U cool ))

I asked my son three questions, below. He is an Investment Banker, well read and traveled
Dad,
Before the time of Jesus, the Romans put a tithe on the entire community rather than on individuals. The taxes were wealth taxes, a tax on assets. Private tax collectors were used to collect these taxes from the provincials ("tax farming"). Rome would put the collection of taxes up for auction. The tax collectors would bid for the right to collect in particular regions, and pay the Romans in advance. The tax collectors were also money lenders or the bankers, and would lend cash to hard-pressed provincials at high rates.

In the late 1st century BC, Augustus ended this process due to complaints from provincials for excessive assessments and large, un-payable debts. The tax collectors continued to exist as money lenders and entrepreneurs, but access to wealth through taxes was gone. Tax farming was replaced by direct taxation and each province was required to pay a wealth tax of about 1% and a flat poll tax on each adult. This new procedure required regular census taking to evaluate the taxable number of people and their wealth. Taxation switched from owned property and wealth to an income tax. As a result, the tax revenue varied greatly based on economic conditions, but theoretically, the process was fairer and less open to corruption.

Jesus had "country views" of economics, rather than "city views". Non-urban groups, particularly agrarian populations did, and still do, have a physical asset view of economics, rather than a monetary system and specialization of labor view of economics. It is naive and incorrect, but strongly held, much like belief in shamans, witch doctors, and home remedies versus scientific medicine. Jesus's views were typical - a man who worked with his hands was "good", a man who worked with his brain was "bad". Badness could be quantified by wealth, because in his day farmers could not get wealthy, so if you were wealthy, you were bad.

In the cities, non-retail commerce was conducted in the outer courtyard of the temple as opposed to the market - lending, currency exchange, etc. The functions were necessary, but they frequently pitted smart, sophisticated professionals against naive country folk. Jesus sided with the country folk. He was a populist and would likely have been a democrat if he lived today. Probably would vote for Edwards, rather than Clinton or Obama.

Chod

How did the Romans Tax the Jews?.
How did the Jews tax the Jews?
What financial actions upset Jesus?

An excelent, insightful and first class interview with Dr Norris. Thank you so much for this.

Richard Gibbons
Greenville
Sotuh Carolina

I couldn't find a way to send feedback directly to Mrs. Quinn so I'll post my question here. I was wondering why on the main page in the description of the Hicthens interview he is called "infamous"? Infamous has a very specific meaning of "well known for some bad quality or deed" or "wicked; abominable" according to the dictionary. As a reporter I'm sure you know this so I don't need to rattle of definitions, but by what criteria is the label "infamous" being used when applied to Mr. Hitchens? Is it your intention that readers of On Faith view Mr. Hitchens (or atheist) as "wicked"? Wouldn't "famous atheist" be a more journalistically accurate and neutral phrase to use here?

Re: Sally Quinn & Christopher Hitchens

Kudos!

From an occasional reader of the "On Faith".

Ask George Weigle why he stopped participating in your blog and more then likely you'll be told why it should stop. People will say anything to your misplaced intelligence (actually,what real credential of learned religious intelligence do you own that is above that of anyone). Stop embarrassing yourself...and the Post, quit would you.