Best of the Fray

I doubt Thomas a Becket would lose his head

Isonomist — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 15:43:27 GMT

in either case.

He'd Never Do It

greeneggsnham — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 01:30:43 GMT

When the Dalai Lama dies monks will search for his reincarnation in a young boy. They will probably find two reincarnations--one under the control of Tibetan nationalists and one under the control of the Chinese government. The nationalist reincarnation might disappear if he doesn't emigrate quickly.

It's already happened with the Panchen Lama, or Panchen Lamas to be more accurate.

This Dalai Lama knows he's the last independent head of the Tibetan Church.

The Chinese government also refuses to recognize Roman Catholic bishops that are appointed by the Vatican.

People can practice their religions in China but the religions can't challenge the power of the state. Falun Dafa screwed up when they decided to do their tai chi in front of the People's Congress.

The government isn't crazy. It remembers the Boxers, the Taipings, the Dungan and Panthay, the White Lotus and Daoist rebellions--all uprisings linked to religion.

Always Comes Down to Something

Urquhart — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:13:01 GMT

Sure, there's lots of shoulder-shrugging agnostics out there. Yeah, whatever. You idiots want to believe, go ahead. Doesn't affect me. I'll sleep in.

Perfectly rational.

But the active atheists have a reason for it.

That's Not Fair

Urquhart — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:08:20 GMT

I only recently mocked the re-vamped Deadly Sins, and thus, the Holy Father.

Going to my ancestral faith, I would mock the Archbishop of Canterbury, but what would be the point?

Don't get girly on me. No flirting, or I shall have to warn you.

Re: Is Chango around?

Urquhart — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 00:03:10 GMT

Not sure. Though obviously part (the nucleus even ) of the Inner Sanctum, I was gone for almost three months. An eternity. But even then, he was spotty in attendance. Though much sought after.

Always leave em wanting more.

Re: I Understand the Irreligious

ellen__ — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 22:49:42 GMT

Your going on here about the virulently anti-religious and atheist extreme views reminded me that I met famed atheist and anthropological biologist Richard Dawkins at the Fft. Book Fair last fall.

He claimed during his self-promoting chat that an American woman wrote to him to confess that although she was seduced as a child, a friend not allowing her to go to a Catholic funeral or something equally absurd, actually caused her much more lasting emotional and mental anguish than being grievously assaulted as a child. Talk about matter over mind!

It was impossible to believe, and I told him so. People can make up anything that suits their fancy and purpose to sell a book or two I guess.. (I didn't say that!)

Oh, be a good sport

Isonomist — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 22:28:31 GMT

He doesn't make fun of your stupid religion.

Is Chango around?

gmat — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 22:04:19 GMT

I been missing him. Didn't he get a great new job or something?

Pfui! That's Sophistry

Urquhart — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 21:36:15 GMT

A rational person could well be an agnostic. Watch TV on Sundays rather than attending church.

But a dedicated atheist takes a special Fuck You vitriol. Giving the middle finger to the Heavens.

May as Well Just Giggle

Urquhart — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 21:33:00 GMT

And hop in my lap. I was hoping that as a chango get. Perhaps rundeep.

Yes! the axlotl tanks!

gmat — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 21:29:09 GMT

I wonder if the mujahadeen and their successors were inspired by the Fedaykin?

Probably vice-versa.

I love that song

gmat — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 21:16:19 GMT

I was cooking in a great old burger joint in 78 (I think it was 78) and we played "Wavelength" and "Born to Run" non-stop.

Good times.

Re: So, You're Pissed Off?

Schadenfreude — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 20:25:35 GMT

Not at all. Merely dismissive of your inability to contemplate your own nonexistence.

Jesus - nice guy, but still dead. You claim the contrary. Fine - then where is he? Post the video on YouTube.

So, You're Pissed Off?

Urquhart — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 19:51:46 GMT

At somebody. At some point.

That's the depth of my understanding, here.

There is a Big Boojum in the Sky. And He's out to getcha.

Re: I Understand the Irreligious

Schadenfreude — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 19:12:24 GMT

Urquhart:
What I don't get is the virulently anti-religious and the devout atheists. Just don't get that. At all. But that vibe is definitely out there.

Simple. There is no big boojum in the sky. Never was. Never will be.

We don't need to pretend that there is. Apparently, you still do. No doubt, you'll grow out of it.