Q. Could we now get back to the contradiction we were trying to sort out?
A. Sure.
Q. So on the one hand it seems clear that because friendship is a gift and gifts are never taken back, then in theory real friendships should not end. On the other hand, in practice it seems inevitable that prudence sometimes requires us to end some friendships.
A. Correct. Then we had explored a bit of why in theory a friendship that can end never really begun, that is, why a friendship that ends could not have been a real friendship.
Q. Exactly what I wanted to cross-examine you on. There's one assumption you've been making all along with this argument and I'm not too sure how warranted it is.
A. Ehe...
Q. This giving story. Where does it come from? I would have thought our purpose on earth is to complete ourselves. And completing anything like even a simple crossword always involves filling in the blanks, adding stuff, receiving stuff not giving out, taking away. Like in the same marriage you exalt as the highest form of human friendship, many would unhesitatingly acclaim "She completes me!"
A. It comes from the assumption that all creations have characteristics of their creators. All Nike boots have some certain style and calibre of stitching for example; all Mercs have some certain engine performance and vehicle handling that is signature of Daimler; your own handwriting has certain qualities you have; kids have certain physical or temperamental qualities of their parents and so on.
Q. So?
A. So if we are created by God we will have certain godly characteristics or tendencies.
Think about it this way: first, "God is love".
Second, love is a gift. This is why we often express our love by giving gifts.
If these two are true, then we can conclude God is a gift.
But if God is a gift and He made us and all things made have some characteristics of their maker then we too will have some characteristics of being a gift or of giving.
Q. You are very quick to use "gift" and "giving" interchangeably.
A. Yes because a gift by definition is to be given. If it is not given then it is not a gift. If you buy your fiancé a bag of cement for valentines but leave it in your garage or store, it cannot be called a valentines gift.
Q. Lol! Even if you did give it, dude! Bag of cement for vals is not a gift.
A. Haha! True!
Happy weekend!
27thAugust 2016