Posted on 12/20/2011 9:15:48 AM PST by Paladins Prayer
In writing this piece, Im reminded of a little exchange between the late William F. Buckley and friend and fellow National Review writer Florence King. Buckley had just penned some less-than-flattering words about a recently deceased person of prominence whose name escapes me, and King chided him, saying something to the effect that he had broken ground in journalism: the attack-obit. Buckleys response was, Wait till you see the obituary I have planned for you!
And in writing this critical article about bon vivant Christopher Hitchens in the wake of his death this past Thursday, I expect some ridicule as well. Yet I dont think Hitchens would demand to be spared the acidic ink he used to eviscerate others or that he would have any credibility doing so. Remember that this was the man who, before the gentle Jerry Falwells body was even cold, said things such as If he [Falwell] had been given an enema, he could have been buried in a matchbox and I wish there was a Hell for Falwell.
For my part, I wouldnt wish eternal damnation on Hitchens; I truly hope he rests in peace. But I cant say the same for his legacy. And when I see the obligatory exaltation of his lifes work with secular icons, the deader they get, the better they were I think that legacy needs a little damnation.
(Excerpt) Read more at thenewamerican.com ...
I know, I know. I have a bad case of Last Wordism, but I’m trying to get over it.
Well I still mostly enjoyed our conversations A_Perfect_Lady.
Wouldn’t it be nice, if in the future, all us FReepers [only ‘preaching’ what I attempt to do myself too]
could be more vigilant trying to avoid 2 main things:
1 [above] No attacking the messenger(s), and
2 Labeling people according to their responses or beliefs.
Labeling / blaming Atheists, Christians, Fundamentalists, etc. leads to attacking the messenger - we need to just stop and realize we are all unique individuals and then refocus on the message.
I love finding the explanations for historical events and defending my faith and beliefs by continually looking to see how and where it fits in with my worldview.
I think most freepers no matter what their beliefs look to accomplish the same, I think it’s why at the end of the day we are all kfs: kindred ‘freeper’ spirits.
Peace to all kfs!
I agree with you there, Notary Sojac. Maybe we can flesh that out, after Christmas....
I hope and pray you and all your loved ones will have a merry, blessed Christmas!
I didn’t try to bully you. Neither can I imagine anything that I would write would change your opinion. You asked me a couple questions and I did my best to respond to them.
Dismiss me and those who believe as I do if you like. But you can’t dismiss the truth and you do so at your own peril.
I hope you have a safe, healthy, and happy life. Merry Christmas.
And there it is. The eternal underlying message of all religions. It's not about love. It's not about compassion. It's about threats.
A natural consequence is not a threat.
If individuals and families live the Ten Commandments and apply the principles of the Gospel to their lives, they will be happier and far fewer self-created problems.
In this life behavior has consequences for the individual, the family, the community, and the nation. In the next life, if a person chooses to separate himself from God, then there will be consequences.
You are a “believer” too. Why?
Answer: You can not prove whether a God(s) exist or not.
A religiously neutral vacuum is impossible in any sentient being. Your atheistic worldview is built upon belief just as much as those who believe in God build their worldview on belief.
Oh...And I was right. You are a teacher in one of our nation's socialist-entitlement and godless worldview schools.
If I am trying to persuade you to reconsider your atheism in order for you to avoid an unpleasant afterlife I think I am trying to show love and compassion.
In the words of Penn Jillette:
“How much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize? How much do you have to hate someone to believe that everlasting life is possible and not tell them that?”
The threat is in the religion. It’s embedded. You’re just the mouthpiece.
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