Slowly Going Bald

One of my roommates is an Objectivist. The philosophy, set forth by Ayn Rand, states that man's highest goal is rational self-interest; sacrificing yourself for someone else or letting them sacrifice their selves for you is horribly wrong. Possessions go to those who have worked for them, who deserve them. By this reasoning Robin Hood was doubly evil because he (1) stole from the rich who had earned their wealth and (2) redistributed it to the poor who had not.

Why, yes, my roommate is a registered Republican. Why do you ask?

But here's the rub: my roommate is also a Christian. Granted, a kind of snooty one with a penchant for wine and sushi, but a self-professed Christian nonetheless. He claims to be a member of a denomination based on service to the poor, charity for the needy and a desire to unite all classes.

However, from the way he usually speaks and acts, I'd guess my roommate has a fundamental problem with the last being made first and the first being made last. How can he subscribe to a philosophy that encourages accumulation of material wealth and a religion that encourages you to give it all away? How can he sing these hymns on Sunday and on Monday express disdain for giving out money to a homeless beggar?

If anybody knows how I can get this little pissant to stop living such a gleefully hypocritical life, I'm open to suggestions. And don't say, "Set his bedroom on fire," because that didn't work.

--------