Doggedly searching for the crux of the biscuit.
I've been accused in the past of being anti-religion which, despite the recent spate of messiah-mockery 'round here, I maintain is not actually true.
People absolutely have the right to believe whatever crazy-ass thing they'd like, so long as they don't scare the horses. However, I can't name one single instance of religious zealots seizing the reins of political power where the outcome wasn't tragic. It's a civic duty to keep those people out of power. I'm not hostile to their religion, I'm hostile to it getting anywhere near the seat of government, in the same way I'm hostile to drunks flying planes.
Watch the events unfolding the Middle East right now for a prime example. Want one closer to home? Check out this discussion board thread populated mostly by folks right here in the US, where the prospect of a regional war in the Middle East has everybody so excited they can barely contain themselves because, hey, this could be the beginning of the Rapture! Hooray! You and him kill each other some more! Bring on the end times! Just a closer walk with thee! Happy days are here again!
I'm not totally convinced these people should have the right to use pointy forks, much less get their hands on any tiny bit of government. (via)
Update: Hmm, now that thread has disappeared. Maybe the Rapture happened after all.
TrackBackBut apo, don't you understand? All of us are created in the image of God, and God loves us all equally, but God wants some of us to kill others of us so he can come back to save the lucky ones of us from . . . um . . .
What was the question, again?
Posted by: My Alter Ego at July 14, 2006 03:58 PMI should note that I'm not hostile to religion either. In fact, I'm quite religious. I am hostile to any religion or religious group that claims it's a good idea for people of group X to kill people of group Y.
Posted by: My Alter Ego at July 14, 2006 04:03 PMI really do feel like we can ditch making sure to point out we don't hate religion, just nutjobs. They are nutjobs. They want a war because they think it will make Jesus ride back down on a gold-plated cloud. Subsitute 'Elvis' for Jesus and they'd be candidates for custom-fitted jackets.
Posted by: Robust McManlyPants at July 14, 2006 04:20 PMI especially enjoyed this comment... I haven't been watching the news lately, especially today, since my little ones hug the TV most of the time...
We worship television at my house too, but I draw the line at it having physical contact with the children.
Posted by: double-plus-ungood at July 14, 2006 04:41 PMso you're saying to kill for lawyers, guns and money is permissable, however, to kill for god, that's just flat crazy.
Posted by: at July 14, 2006 05:37 PMThose people are the something-for-nothing crowd. They sit and wait to be released from responsibility.
Posted by: Ru at July 14, 2006 05:56 PMoh Good Lord, if they get their rapturous panties in a wad every time Israel bombs someone they must suffer a lot of disappointment.
Posted by: owlmother at July 14, 2006 07:22 PMso you're saying to kill for lawyers, guns and money is permissable
I don't regularly read that blog, so can't really say.
however, to kill for god, that's just flat crazy.
Bingo!
Posted by: Robust McManlyPants at July 14, 2006 07:58 PMSeems like the thread is still around at http://www.rr-bb.com/showthread.php?p=3378448
Posted by: KJ at July 15, 2006 12:24 PMOh and also this: If He tarries, I will just have time to get my hair and nails done (you know let all I come into contact with know of my Bridegroom and what He has/will do). So i am all spiffied up for Him when He does arrive to take me home. No disappointment, just a few last minute details to take care of to be more pleasing to look at.
At least you will be something to look at, honey, cos you sure as shit won't be understandable.
I don't have much to add to that, except for what the next poster said: I doubt there will be morning breath in Heaven..
Posted by: KJ at July 15, 2006 12:27 PMOn destroying the nukes that Saddam has hidden in Syria:
"It takes some pretty precise timing to set off a nuclear device. The best you could hope for if you were trying to do damage like that would be to scatter the radioactive materials everywhere. I'd rather be in a room full of nuclear weapons than conventional weapons during an earthquake any day!"
My thoughts exactly...
Posted by: logjam at July 15, 2006 08:45 PMDoes Scientology count as a religion? If so, these guys definitely get the front seat on the short bus. Scary.
Posted by: Gaijin Biker at July 17, 2006 01:20 PMDude, I didn't see that comment (at Unfogged that you linked to before), and just wanted to note that your "I wouldn't live my life any differently if I knew one way or the other" is the exact same thing I tell people who ask me about my religious beliefs.
Which confirms some hypothesis or other.
Posted by: silvana at July 17, 2006 06:59 PMQuit talking about Scientology, Apostropher. Let's talk about YOUR crimes.
Posted by: Gaijin Biker at July 18, 2006 05:57 AMWhy are you so afraid of Hubbard, 'Postropher?
Posted by: Clownæsthesiologist at July 18, 2006 09:37 PM