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Monday
May 3, 2004

God's Goofballs by Lindsay Perigo

Something I just saw on Larry King enabled me to retrieve some humour from a very black situation - a cluster of clerics from different religions assembled to answer the question, "Where was God on September 11?" The question itself, let alone the answers, sent me off into peals of laughter, & I could only regret that the estimable ecclesiastics had not chosen to appear in their fancy dress to complete the comedic appeal of this risible spectacle. (Read more...)
Discuss this Article (7 messages)

Post 0

Monday, May 3, 2004 - 4:37am

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I didn't see that program, nor do I have CNN, however....

"Why the question, "Where was God?" to begin with?"

I guess the rationale behind that one was the assumption that God has benevolent omnipresent powers over mankind. 911, a malevolent act was committed by evil men, and so the question was "where was God?"
I also guess that (for Larry King and CNN) further interest lies in a logical progression from that initial assumption to the question, "who the hells side is God on anyway?" Us, Christian USA OR them, fundamentalist Islam?

How sad it is to hear about the acts perpetrated by barbaric God-worshipping primitives being discussed on the same terms as barbaric God-worshipping primitives!

Post 1

Monday, May 3, 2004 - 6:44am

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I enjoyed this article very much.

I work with intelligent, well-educated engineers in the American space program on a daily basis. Most of them are practicing Christians. They occasionally dog me about my acceptance and practice of Objectivism. Attempting to discuss the fallacies of religion's premises -- supernaturalism, mysticism, self-sacrifice -- on a sound-bite basis has proven itself a futile effort. My response has essentially evolved to this one: "Read the books and we shall talk. If you are not willing to read the books, then I am not willing to discuss the issue. I do not need your ideas. You need mine."

Some would call my attitude arrogant. I call it good time management.

When troubleshooting space hardware, perhaps I should start writing Problem Reports with catchy descriptions like:

"Demonic Possession Suspected in Circuit Board"

That might drive my point home.

Incidentally, our government facility will be celebrating National Day of Prayer this Thursday, May 6, 2004, in the government-owned on-site auditorium thanks to our President. Those who support the alternative can visit http://www.nationaldayofreason.org to make your endorsement visible.

Post 2

Monday, May 3, 2004 - 10:37am

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Luther:

I do not need your ideas. You need mine.

This is a great point, and eloquently put.

Post 3

Monday, May 3, 2004 - 11:47am

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I read this when i got up today 7am EST. and it was a delightfuly funny way to start my day.

Thanks,

Eric.

Post 4

Friday, May 7, 2004 - 1:13pm

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This reminds me of a great book I read in junior high school (a required text at my public school): The Bridge of San Luis Rey, by Thorton Wilder. You've probably heard of it.

It takes place in a small village in Peru. There is an accident where a bridge collapses and several people die. A catholic monk in the village sets out to prove that it was divine intervention why these people were killed. His basic premise is that God only punishes those who are sinners. He attempts to use reason and logic to prove his religion! But the further he investigates the more he comes to find that, if I remember correctly, none of the people who died lived sinful lives and didnt, in his mind, deserve to die. The monk becomes confused and even questions his beliefs, or at least that is how I interpreted it at the time (13 years old). Just goes to show that you cant mix reason and religion.

Its a great book (Pulitzer Prize winning) for adults but is a really easy read for older-kids too. Having been raised atheist, it served well to solidify my beliefs. I have a feeling this isnt what the school board intended :).

An Oist friend of mine and I were joking around once about people who say to us "Oh, Ill pray for you." Our answer: "Please don't. Hasn't He done enough damage already?"

Marnee

Post 5

Sunday, September 11 - 11:36am

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The flood was a cosmic hissy fit... LOLOLOLOL....

Does that mean that this last hurricane was merely PMS?

Post 6

Wednesday, September 14 - 7:54pm

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Great article, Linz - even as a reprise.

More people need to come forth and say just how absurd notions are like where God was on 9-11.

Grown men supposedly discussing serious issues. I believe that most people find them to be goofballishness, but are afraid to even think that "just in case they are wrong."

Such fear - and such goofballs - show how much reason still needs to be endorsed and plugged as absolute. Religion wins hands down in the PR dept.

I loved the Voltaire quote at the end: "People who believe absurdities commit atrocities."

I always like to...

Wait a minute!

(looking around Solo all of a sudden, eyes getting big...)

Hmmmmmmmmmm...

Michael