Meditation is an ideal way to pray. Using God's word (Lectio Divina) allows me to hear, listen and reflect on what the Lord wants to say to me - to one of his disciples - just like He did two thousand years ago.
The best time to reflect is at the beginning of the day and for at least 15 to 30 minutes.
Prior to going to sleep, read the Mass readings for the next day and then, in the morning, reflect on the Meditation offered on this website.
I hope these daily meditations allow you to know, love and imitate the Lord in a more meaningful way.
God bless you!


Saturday, August 3, 2013

Luke 12:13-21 The Prometheans


Sunday of the Eighteenth Week In Ordinary Time
(Click here for readings)

Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me.”  He replied to him, “Friend, who appointed me as your judge and arbitrator?”  Then he said to the crowd, “Take care to guard against all greed, for though one may be rich, one’s life does not consist of possessions.”

In 1814, the atheist Percy Shelley was twenty-two years old and married.  He had met his wife, Harriett Westbrook, when she was only sixteen-years-old.  The two were expecting their second child when he met another sixteen-years-old, Mary Godwin.  He immediately seduced her and swept her off her feet and the two of them eloped to Europe.   Eventually, Percy married Mary, but only after his wife, Harriett, committed suicide. 

How nice of him to wait.

The following year, Mary Godwin Shelley gave birth to the couple’s first child, a baby girl.  Two months later, the child died.  It is at this moment she began to work on her famous novel, “Frankenstein,” or “The Modern Promethean.”

The death of Mary’s child, and the suicide of her husband’s ex-wife, must have weighed heavily on her conscience, for Mary never embraced her husband’s rabid hatred for Christianity.  After studying her novel, I believe that Mary pictured her husband as a sort of “Frankenstein,” and that in her heart of hearts, she may have felt like she was the victim of her husband’s horrifying experiments. 

Is there an alternative to God?  There is, and it is of man’s doing.  But it isn’t the master’s creation that is the monster.  It is the creator himself:  Frankenstein, or the modern Promethean.

Who is the modern Promethean?  The man who believes that his power is limitless and should never submit to the orders which the notion of God demands. 

Now some atheists love to point out the ridiculous statements made by obscure and not-so-bright believers.  But what they really like to do is brush under the rug the most horrifying statements that well known and intelligent non-believers have made in the past. 

In his book, “The Quest for God,” the historian Paul Johnson, brilliantly lists just a few of the most noteworthy statements made throughout the centuries by well-known atheists or Prometheans: 

Voltaire once wrote:  “Theological religion is the enemy of mankind.”  Note:  not ‘an’ enemy, but ‘the’ enemy...  Or Winwood Reade, whose powerful tract ‘The Martyrdom of Man’ was a ‘bible’ of many atheists in the late nineteenth century:  “The destruction of Christianity is essential to the interests of civilization.”  Note again, the tone of extremism:  not ‘desirable,’ but ‘essential.’

…Ernst Renan, the French popular historian…was foolish enough to write:  ‘History proves beyond possibility of contradiction that Christianity is not a supernatural fact.’  Poor Renan!  So plausible and sure of himself in his day…

The German follower of Darwin, Ernst Haeckel, wrote:  “We now know that…the soul [is] a sum of plasma-movements in the ganglion cells.”

Late nineteenth century atheists were a bit more positive.  Karl Vogt said:  “Thoughts come out of the brains as gall falls from the liver or urine from the kidneys.”  Jacob Moleshott was even more certain:  “No thought [can emerge] without phosphorus.” 

The atheist H.G. Wells was world famous in his day, but it is now almost impossible to point to a single pronouncement of his own society in his own day which carries the ring of truth or even mere plausibility.  He ended his life (in 1945) in despair, having painted a strange mural on the walls of his London house, of horned devils and an image of Man, accompanied by the slogan:  “Time to Go.”

Of course there are many more Prometheans out there and plenty more of their wacky and violent ideas.  Wasn’t atheism supposed to provide better solutions than religion?  Wasn't it supposed to make our life more peaceful?  Think again.

The political theories of the atheist Jean Paul Sartre may have been responsible for some of the worst atrocities committed by North African and Southeast Asian dictators. After all, many of them were educated by the atheist French elite. 

It was the atheist Karl Marx’s theories that brought down an Iron Curtain on nearly half the world’s population for decades!

World War I was a totally useless war that was fought for no good reason at all.   It was a war that was entirely orchestrated by greedy men that sought power and money.  Coincidentally, it was also fought at a time when Church attendance (for the very first time) began to decrease across Europe.

These modern day Prometheans promised prosperity, liberty and prestige.  What they delivered instead was death and destruction.  It was the atheist Joseph Stalin that orchestrated an artificial famine throughout Russia that resulted in the deaths of millions of people and the forced displacement of millions more. 

Today, the modern Prometheans are social engineers who are constantly working on ways to manipulate children, marriages and family.  Today, we have more people working part-time jobs than ever before.  We have more divorces, more children born out of wedlock, more single women raising their children in poverty than ever before.  And yet, these engineers continue to talk to us about the need for more equality, reproductive freedom and government programs.

One’s life does not consist of possessions.  So what exactly does it consist of?  Faith.  Hope.  Love.  If we do not allow these three virtues to take over our life, then we will become monsters to our passions and to our darkest desires.

St. Paul said it best: “Put do death, then, the parts of you that are earthly:  immorality, impurity, passion, evil desires, and the greed that is idolatry.  Stop lying to one another” (Col 3:1-5, 9-11).

If we do not learn to control our appetite for power, sex, money and domination, then these great monsters will eventually destroy us. 

Is there an alternative to God?  There is…and it’s pretty scary.

34 comments:

  1. Scapegoating atheists -- I guess scapegoating Jews would be too obvious.

    ReplyDelete
  2. As Mr. Spock would say: "Highly illogical." Most scholars consider the Jewish people a race. All scholars consider atheism a choice.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Nice try Brian. Poor choice.

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  4. Father Alfonse - I must admit I always recoil when I read your atheist posts. Not a very comfortable read. Another reason to steer clear of the comments. But in this case I felt the need to post some additional ideas.

    I think of religious extremists such as Islamists as falling into the modern Promethian category. They terrorize all in the name of God. I think of Ariel Castro who went to church every Sunday, obviously a believer in God, yet abused and held captive those three women for over a decade! Alternatives to God are not necessarily of an atheist mind set.

    Do you think God intended all along for atheism and secularism to be a part of his master plan? I know this may be a strange question but could it be a cross each one of his believers must face in order to become better Christians? If we didn't have all of the modern Frankensteins the world would be quite boring.

    Blessings,

    -Jennifer

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  5. Jennifer: Unfortunately, this is where my heart is leading at this moment. I fear the rise of militant atheism.

    Modern atheists, such as Brian, do not want others to categorize them. I believe this is for convenience, for they want the world to see the good they do (because of their atheism) and yet they do not wish to accept the evil they have committed (because of their atheism).

    Maybe there are two types of atheists: the nominal (in name only) and the thinker (the one who takes his atheism seriously and brings it to its logical completion).

    I don't particularly care for the nominal. They don't interest me. I do admire (?) the courage of the thinkers (like Sartre and Nietzsche) that do take their atheism seriously and I am horrified at what they wrote.

    That Castro went to Church every Sunday is what he would tell his captives. That he truly went to Church every Sunday is yet to be known. What we can all say is that he was certainly a bad Christian.

    What is a bad atheist? What is a good atheist? Until atheists take the courage to define themselves, others will do it for them. Will they be wrong? Only time can tell. And it has already.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Modern atheists, such as Brian, do not want others to categorize them.

    I certainly don't want people like you to demonize atheists. That's how pogroms start.

    What is a bad atheist? What is a good atheist? Until atheists take the courage to define themselves, others will do it for them.

    We do. Atheists are people who lack a belief in gods. It's people like yourself who try to dishonestly paint atheists as some sort of monolithic, destructive group.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Brian - As an atheist, how are you a "constructive" group instead of a destructive group? Can you explain in a little more detail why you don't believe in "gods?" What is your ambition in life? What good acts have you accomplished? Do you at least believe in loving others, respecting others, and caring for others? I can't see how you can be an atheist and still share characteristics of a God-fearing person. The whole of atheism is so convoluted. I'm not judging you by any means. I just don't understand why.....

      I agree with Father Alfonse. I think until you define yourselves clearly many Christians will have a negative view of the atheist. I think the fact that you post on Father's blog is a clear indication that there may be tiny, itty bitty interest in our God. Unless your motive is to debate with Father which is really a pointless act and a waste of time.

      Peace,

      -Jennifer

      Delete
    2. Brian - As an atheist, how are you a "constructive" group instead of a destructive group?

      I don't. Atheists aren't a monolithic group.

      Can you explain in a little more detail why you don't believe in "gods?"

      I see no good reason to think gods actually exist.

      What is your ambition in life?

      Generally, to enjoy my life.

      What good acts have you accomplished?

      Well, I've donated about 14 gallons of blood platelets, I help keep my paralyzed brother supported, I support my family, I make disk storage devices, etc.

      Do you at least believe in loving others, respecting others, and caring for others?

      Of course.

      I can't see how you can be an atheist and still share characteristics of a God-fearing person.

      I can't see how you can't see that. Which characteristics do you think it's impossible for an atheist to have?

      The whole of atheism is so convoluted. I'm not judging you by any means. I just don't understand why....

      Atheism isn't convoluted at all. Gods are myths.

      I think until you define yourselves clearly many Christians will have a negative view of the atheist.

      We HAVE. Here, I'll explain yet again, in two ways.

      Atheists are people who don't believe gods exist.

      OR

      Theists are people who believe one or more gods exist (Christians, Hindus, etc)
      Atheists are all the people who aren't theists.

      Now, that's a couple of definitions of an atheist. Notice it doesn't say anything about any other beliefs that an atheist may or may not hold. Atheists can have vastly different ideas of politics, morals, ethics, and even other supernatural ideas that don't require theism, such as reincarnation. There can't be a "clearer definition" because there IS no clearer definition. There's absolutely no commonality apart from not believing in gods.

      I think the fact that you post on Father's blog is a clear indication that there may be tiny, itty bitty interest in our God.

      No, it's that I saw yet another Christian defaming and scapegoating atheists. As I said earlier, that can lead to pogroms.

      Unless your motive is to debate with Father which is really a pointless act and a waste of time.

      I certainly agree that debating him would be a waste of time.

      Delete
    3. I just finished reading all the comments listed below.

      Brian: You are a liar and the worst kind of liar. You lie and then claim that others are being dishonest.

      You did not refute being a member of American Atheists the first time Harley-Davidson mentioned it. Then, a few days later, you refute being a member! What a liar you are! And then you claim it was an "unwarranted assumption??" You're pathetic!

      Fr. Alfonse: Why are you posting his comments? He's just another atheist, another religious bigot at heart, and another atheist who will do whatever it takes to try to win an argument, including lying.

      Delete
  7. And Christians only believe in a god.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You should have said, "And only religious people believe in a god."

      ;)

      Delete
  8. "Atheists are people who lack a belief in gods."

    Honesty must be for everyone Brian.

    You must be aware of the atheist monument that was recently erected, correct? Etched in it are certain beliefs, spelled out beliefs. Hence, there is more to atheism (and atheists) than just a belief that there are no gods.

    Beliefs produce certain conclusions, certain conclusions turn into certain actions.

    The advantage to not having a "creed" is that it allows nothing to stick; that is, no responsibility to be taken.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You must be aware of the atheist monument that was recently erected, correct? Etched in it are certain beliefs, spelled out beliefs. Hence, there is more to atheism (and atheists) than just a belief that there are no gods.

      Wrong. A group of atheists did that. They do not speak for all atheists. I wouldn't consider any act a random group of Christians does to represent all Christians, because that's a fallacy of composition.

      Beliefs produce certain conclusions, certain conclusions turn into certain actions.

      And that includes your defamation of atheists.

      The advantage to not having a "creed" is that it allows nothing to stick; that is, no responsibility to be taken.

      I suggest you address individuals instead of judging entire groups of people based on their religious views. That's the very definition of prejudice.

      And I don't take responsibility for other people's actions, only my own.

      Delete
    2. Now that's very insincere of you Brian.

      You are a member of an organization known as American Atheists, Inc. This organization applauds and sponsored the first ever atheist monument on government property, the one Fr. Alfonze is talking about.

      You're right...It's not worth arguing with Fr. Alfonze. He will win the argument.

      Here is your facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brian.westley

      Below states your affiliations.

      Here is a page on American Atheists, Inc website.
      http://news.atheists.org/

      This is what it says:
      Join us on Saturday, June 29 for the unveiling of America’s first-ever atheist-sponsored monument on government property

      June 25, 2013

      On Saturday, June 29, American Atheists will unveil America’s first-ever atheist-sponsored monument to be placed on government property. The unveiling will take place in Starke, Florida in the Free Speech Forum in front of the Bradford County Courthouse. The unveiling is open to the public and we would love to see you there. We’ll have [...]

      Delete
  9. You are a member of an organization known as American Atheists, Inc. This organization applauds and sponsored the first ever atheist monument on government property, the one Fr. Alfonze is talking about.

    So what? That doesn't mean atheists are a monolithic group. It's a group of atheists. There are other groups of atheists. Atheists often don't agree on quite a few things.

    Can I assume you're pro-choice because Catholics for Choice exists? Of course not. Same idea for atheists.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Spare us please Brian! Spare us! You've just disqualified yourself! You're acting and sounding like a politician, like Weiner.

      Delete
    2. Brian Westley: "You can't group atheists together."

      Brian Westley: "It was a group of atheists that did it."

      ????

      Delete
    3. It's dishonest to put quotes around statements that aren't direct quotes.

      Delete
  10. "Atheists are not some sort of monolithic group."

    So, Brian, which atheist organization did not approve of this monument?

    Tell me, please. And give me a website.

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  11. So, Brian, which atheist organization did not approve of this monument?

    I didn't say I knew of an atheist group that did not approve of this monument; what I've been saying is that atheists aren't a monolithic group.

    If you'll bother to look, it's easy to find atheists disagreeing with each other, and disagreeing with actions of groups like American Atheists. Educate yourself.

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    1. Brian, you have been insisting that atheists only agree that there is no god. But since you do not know of a single group of atheists that oppose the "creed" listed on the monument, then it appears as though atheists agree in more than just one thing, which would make them a little more monolithic than you think.

      I suggest you educate yourself.

      Delete
    2. Sorry, you can't assume all atheists agree with that. Feel free to try and show evidence that every single atheist agrees.

      Delete
    3. Good morning Brian.

      Aren't we being a little inconsistent this morning. Doesn't a lack of evidence suggest that something does not exist?

      You are the one that made this claim: "A group of atheists did that. They do not speak for all atheists."

      Prove it. Who knows, you may find some whacky atheist group out there that represents 1% of all atheists, but go ahead and try.

      I think they are all very proud of their little monument. After all, it is constantly being referred to (by the media and without any protest) as the "First Atheist Monument" - not first American Atheist monument.

      The creed begins in the following way: "An atheist believes..." - not "An American Atheist" believes or "Some atheists" believe or "Most atheists" believe or even "I believe" (that is, the author of the creed).

      Does your disdain for generalizing atheists only apply to non-atheists?

      Delete
  12. Like some Catholics (Catholics for Choice) who know it.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Doesn't a lack of evidence suggest that something does not exist?

    Only suggests; however, you haven't looked for evidence against. I keep telling you to, but you keep demanding I do your work for you.

    "A group of atheists did that. They do not speak for all atheists."

    They don't. It doesn't even matter if they say they do.

    Prove it.

    Proofs are only in formal systems like mathematics.

    Who knows, you may find some whacky atheist group out there that represents 1% of all atheists, but go ahead and try.

    What would that show? Nothing. I'd be hard pressed to find an atheist who disagrees with "The earth is spherical", but that doesn't mean it's a tenet of atheism.

    Does your disdain for generalizing atheists only apply to non-atheists?

    No.

    ReplyDelete
  14. No? No????

    Now that's a very interesting response given the fact that you are a member and supporter of an organization (American Atheists) that took it upon themselves to build a monument to "atheism" and gave a creed in the name of all atheists ("An atheist believes...") that went beyond the only thing you say unites all atheists; that is, that there are no gods.

    Hence, the answer you give means that you disdain yourself, which to me is a good start for any atheist.

    BRAVO!

    I'm done here... Time to move on and debate worthier opponents.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "No? No????"

      No.

      "Now that's a very interesting response given the fact that you are a member"

      Now, that's very interesting in that I am NOT a member of American Atheists.

      "and supporter of an organization (American Atheists) that took it upon themselves to build a monument to "atheism" and gave a creed in the name of all atheists ("An atheist believes...") that went beyond the only thing you say unites all atheists; that is, that there are no gods."

      Why is that "very interesting"? Oh, right, you haven't done anything to educate yourself, or you might have noticed how plenty of atheists have criticized American Atheists for lots of things over the years.

      "Hence, the answer you give means that you disdain yourself"

      No, that's due to your bizarre, unwarranted assumptions that 1) I'm a member of AA, and 2) I agree with everything AA does.

      Delete

    2. We can't keep up with your dishonesty, Brian.

      Harley-Davidson: "You are a member of an organization known as American Atheists, Inc. This organization applauds and sponsored the first ever atheist monument on government property, the one Fr. Alfonze is talking about."

      Brian Westley August 4, 2013 at 9:17 PM]: "So what?"

      Harley Davidson August 6, 2013 at 3:30 PM: "Now that's a very interesting response given the fact that you are a member"

      [Brian Westley August 7, 2013 at 12:10 PM] "Now, that's very interesting in that I am NOT a member of American Atheists."

      And then you have the audacity to say they are unwarranted assumptions?

      Delete
  15. This pile up on Brian is unfair, and accomplishes little. Playing gotcha' games with misplacing quotes and adding ironic little one liners becomes rather immature.

    I agree with Brian that atheists should not be generalized. A shared non-belief does not equate to a community. Atheists can join other atheists in some club or group, but as atheists, they are actually a non-community. They make their own set of values and leave others to do the same: they agree to disagree. One can live a charitable conscientious life like Brian, or or one can pursue more selfish goals. If there's some standard judge an atheist by, it isn't their creed--they don't have one--but some other standard that its basis on an earthly community rather than a heavenly one.

    I'd disagree with Brian to say that Christians cannot be generalized. They can, and should, be judged as a community. I am my brother's keeper, and I have to do my best to correct his behavior if does not follow Christian teaching. If a self-proclaimed Christian calls for a pogrom against atheists, it is the duty of other Christians to condemn him and stop him. Christ does not want genocide, but love. He is the standard, and His Spirit fosters a community where we are called to strive for peace, freedom, and forgiveness.

    Not all atheists are dictators, nor are they extremists against religion. Most of them seek to enjoy life honorably and peacefully. For those who seek to impose their values through force, censorship, or deception, I only wonder by what standard can we judge them. For now, the law seems to prevent such abuses, but an atheist does have recourse to state-imposed law. He can challenge the basis of law, through revolution, change the law, through litigation, or assume no law altogether. All three of these things happen as the world become more secular. Self-interest checks most immoral behavior, but what happens when living comfortably with different people becomes intolerable? Christ tells me to bear my cross and love my enemy. Many prominent atheists, and some Muslims, from all periods seem say to throw off my cross and leave it for someone else, and to hate my enemies in the name of tolerance. It's not guaranteed to happen, but it has often happened before in history and continues to happen in parts of the world today.

    Is our only hope is that life will be so good and technology so efficient that these kinds of ambitions will never happen? That people will be so enlightened that they will curb this kind of prejudice? They may know better, but who are they to do anything about it? And why should they if they're comfortable? It's just one preference over another, and power, not truth, will determine the victor. Would an atheist speak up on behalf of a Christian's persecution? They seem more likely to speak on a gay man's right to marry and a woman's right to kill her unborn child, while millions of Christians suffer persecution and death abroad. Certain founding documents may assure equal rights, but those of only pieces of paper easily challenged and overruled. Christians cannot be complacent in today's world. Modern culture forces them into an unloved minority; the cross will never disappear.

    Fr. Alfonse quotes famous atheists to show the potential pitfalls that could arise if we lose our faith. If we do, anything can be justified. It's only best to be on guard until it's too late.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. "Would an atheist speak up on behalf of a Christian's persecution?"

      I certainly would, and the International Humanist and Ethical Union regularly does.

      In 2008, King Abdullah hosted an interfaith conference, which had Christian and Jewish representatives, where one of the stated goals was fighting against atheism. Abdullah rules over Saudi Arabia, where atheism carries the death penalty.

      "Fr. Alfonse quotes famous atheists to show the potential pitfalls that could arise if we lose our faith."

      I'd say he cherry-picks "bad" atheists to deliberately misrepresent atheists as generally bad people. I could easily do the same with "bad" Christians or any other large religious group.

      Delete
  16. Christ tells me to bear my cross and love my enemy. Many prominent atheists, and some Muslims, from all periods seem say to throw off my cross and leave it for someone else, and to hate my enemies in the name of tolerance. It's not guaranteed to happen, but it has often happened before in history and continues to happen in parts of the world today.
    A sincere thank you Scott for your comment! Your words shine a bright light for me!

    Fr. Alfonse quotes famous atheists to show the potential pitfalls that could arise if we lose our faith. If we do, anything can be justified. It's only best to be on guard until it's too late.
    I couldn’t agree more with you Scott, so help me see through your eyes: what do you mean by “be on guard”? I get the part about it being too late and how that is Father’s concern. But what do you DO to be on guard? What concrete ways of living are you speaking about? Be up to date on such events? Pray? Keep the faith? Don’t you think these pitfalls could arise even if we have our faith?
    I would really appreciate a response.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Christians must strive for holiness. Our faith must radiate from within, not merely adopted from without. An atheist adopts arguments that meet whatever standard he might have and suits whatever purpose he wants to assign to his life. This standard and purpose varies from skeptic to skeptic, sometimes in scary ways as has been mentioned. A Christian sets aside arguments, and first looks to THE standard and THE purpose that illuminate his soul. Christ does not reach us through the intellect, at least not at first, but through the heart. We must open our hearts, through prayer, through discipline, through humility.

      Once we develop a truly Catholic perspective and way of life, we must speak out against the powers that pose as threats. We must speak out against injustice, oppression, persecution, infanticide, and immorality. Moreover, we should couple our words with actions: serving the weak, instructing the ignorant, helping families, cultivating and sharing our joys, and giving what we can, etc.--in other words, performing the corporal and spiritual acts of mercy on a daily basis. Most importantly, a Christian must pray constantly and fervently for the virtues to carry on as well as take the Eucharist regularly. Prayer and the Eucharist will have more power over us than even the best written argument because they penetrate the surface of our life, their roots go much deeper.

      I could go on, but so many speak on this much better and at more length, like Fr. Alfonse. I think it's important that Catholics avoid hypocrisy. Atheism thrives on this and capitalizes on it every time. Hypocrisy has justified and continues to justify so many atrocities against the church. This is probably why Christ rails against it constantly in the gospels. We need to strive for holiness and be saints; otherwise, we'll become complacent hypocrites who simply disagree with the status quo for reasons beyond our understanding. Holiness will also be our only way to withstand the injustice, even when it has no justification.

      Former writer for the National Catholic Register speaks well on this issue: http://www.ncregister.com/blog/matthew-warner/why-the-world-doesnt-take-catholicism-seriously.

      Delete
    2. "I think it's important that Catholics avoid hypocrisy. Atheism thrives on this and capitalizes on it every time."

      Do you have any specific examples?

      Delete
  17. Oh Brian, the word “member” was not meant to be a technical term. How would I know if you hold a card or you pay dues? I know a lot but I’m not the NSA. Stop distracting everyone, please. You are the one that lists them on your facebook page. I’m still waiting for you to show me your hand – your evidence – proof – of at least one atheist organization that objected to the monument (generalizing of atheists beyond the creed of disbelief in gods).

    It would be so much easier to debate you if you were not so interested in looking good but rather being good. Unfortunately, this is the way you argue, and for obvious reasons.

    That’s why you consider it “cherry-picking” when someone quotes historical figures – important, significant and widely respected historical figures in atheism. You might not consider them as such, but who are you to qualify these individuals? You know the answer: one voice. And I would add: a hypocritical voice.
    And what a voice you have.

    Here’s a recent comment that Brian left on a Christian website: “Atheists, as a group, aren't amoral...”

    As a group? What group? The entire group? You obviously weren’t talking about the etymology of the word, you would have made that clear. So did you just arrogantly group all atheists together? Well, who are you to do such a thing? Who are you to say that the only thing that unites all atheists is their disbelief in gods? You know the answer: one voice. And I would like to add: a hypocritical voice.

    Do you use universals only when they are convenient to you?

    SCOTT: “Would an atheist speak up on behalf of a Christian's persecution?"
    BRIAN WESTLEY: “I certainly would…”

    Here’s a comment Brian left, but this time on an atheist site in which atheists celebrated something like “stone an atheist day:” “Because Christians own the idea of stoning, just like crosses represent Christianity, unless they don't want it to represent Christianity and instead just have a cross represent "dead person underground here", or when it represents some other pretzel of a concept to make an illegal religious symbol legal in some context. As St. Dylan said, "Everybody must get stoned."”

    Christians? Aren’t we being a little general here? What about the Jews “owning stoning”? Scott WALKER: Do you notice the respect he has for the faith of over 2 billion people? “Pretzels”? The Communists weren’t that rude! Do you think that others agreed with his comment? You bet! He’s not alone…By far, not alone.

    Finally, the best for last.

    BRIAN WESTLEY: I'd say he cherry-picks "bad" atheists to deliberately misrepresent atheists as generally bad people.
    Really? I know what a bad Christian means. But a “bad” atheist? Your guess is as good as mine, right? Again, this is his way of avoiding all responsibility for the horrors atheists have imposed on millions and millions of people.

    But then again Brian, who are you to say that the names mentioned above were “bad” atheists (love the quotes…don’t want to tie your hands around anything, right?) Well, you know the answer: one voice. And I would like to add: a hypocritical voice.

    BRIAN WESTLEY: “I could easily do the same with "bad" Christians or any other large religious group.”

    You already do that, Brian. Do you want more proof? Why not try something new. Maybe it’s time you start leaving some comments on atheist sites that are more critical. Can you send me some links where you have done that? Since you don’t always agree? Maybe this homework is worth doing.

    ReplyDelete

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