Begging the question?
Jul. 28th, 2011 07:34 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
So there's this piece of the WTC framework that "looks like a cross", and it is right now part of the government-paid memorial as part of the site, intentionally because it looks like a cross and thus has God's Blessings over the site. An atheist group has filed suit claiming establishment. I think they have a case, only because (just like creationists on school boards) the words of those who put it there show that it clearly was put up BECAUSE it was a cross, with all the religious implications.
In a comment on FB, I didn't explicitly support the atheists but at least defended James Madison and tried to get the pro-cross type to reconsider why she felt it was necessary for government (or "majority") endorsement of Christianity. That, of course, got ignored.
What she said that pissed me off?
My answer that I didn't write, but was fucking obvious to me:
"The towers still standing."
In a comment on FB, I didn't explicitly support the atheists but at least defended James Madison and tried to get the pro-cross type to reconsider why she felt it was necessary for government (or "majority") endorsement of Christianity. That, of course, got ignored.
What she said that pissed me off?
"this is about putting a part of the building that remained standing back in its original location and it happens to be in the shape of a cross. If that does not tell you that God was looking over them, then what would?"
My answer that I didn't write, but was fucking obvious to me:
"The towers still standing."
no subject
Date: 2011-07-29 12:21 am (UTC)The towers standing, yes. Failing that, the shape of a cross miraculously appearing *out of a structure that was not basically a bunch of steel girders bolted at right angles to each other.*
Finding "a cross" in the ripped-off struts around a single x-joint is like seeing Jesus on a grilled cheese sandwich.
no subject
Date: 2011-07-29 03:03 am (UTC)Such a God would not be one I would worship or think others should. It would make the God of the book of Job real, and I do not believe in such a God.
no subject
Date: 2011-07-29 01:46 pm (UTC)I'm with you on both points... but from what I can tell from the religious talking heads, that is precisely the God that the public phara... I mean Christian leaders worship. The one that Falwell and Robertson et al said WAS judging us on 9/11, and that we as a nation deserved such judgement.
I have yet to understand why Falwell, Robertson, etc. are famous and Westboro "Baptist" Phelps and family are considered pustules. The only real difference is that one group actually shows up at funerals to upset the relatives, while the others victim-blame on national TV instead.
no subject
Date: 2011-07-29 12:24 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2011-07-29 02:47 am (UTC)And I say this as... (three minute pause) Damn. Here, I'm conflicted. I was going to say As A Christian, but of late that's become something less than desirable, by those of us who aren't Right Wing Nut Jobs.
Screw that. I know my Faith. I inflict it upon no one. I stand behind my statements. I treat my Religion like my genitals: I love them both dearly, but neither should be shoved down anyone elses' throat without permission.
no subject
Date: 2011-07-29 01:47 pm (UTC)I'm so stealing that, it's brilliant!