Show host, Dr. Barry Creamer, Associate Professor of Humanities at Criswell College, welcomed me on 90.9 KCBI's "Live from Criswell," as we took up the final segments of both Christian-based shows.
While he never confirmed nor denied Pat Robertson's comments, Dr. Creamer and his listeners all affirmed that this tragedy was basically allowed by the Christian god because good things can come from what appear to be bad things. The silver lining in the cloud for them, was that this would provide the perfect opportunity for many Haitians to turn to Christ.
Being an Atheist, of course, I thought that was ridiculous, and sounded quite devious of any higher power. But surprisingly, according to a CNN report on Monday, that's exactly what's happening.
"It seems Tuesday's quake has only strengthened the religious fervor many Haitians carry in their souls," said a CNN source. "A lot of people who never prayed or believed -- now they believe," said Cristina Bailey, a 24-year-old clerk. "People don't blame Jesus for all these things," she said. "They have faith. They believe that Jesus saved them and are thankful for that."
11-year-old Anaika Saint Louis, who was pulled from the rubble Thursday night, expressed her profound faith. Her leg had been crushed, and doctors thought they might have to amputate her feet. She said she didn't care, and told reporters: "Thank you, God, because he saved my life..." Sadly, she died from complications shortly thereafter. However, no one is addressing this part of the story.
In the midst of this tragedy, I'm sure that many on the outside look on and wonder how it's possible for a loving, all-powerful god to exist, while children are lying under blocks of concrete, starving to death. I know I can't make sense of it. What's he waiting for? Is this all really for self-glorification and to convert more people to Christianity? I sure hope not. And if it were, why would you toe the line?
These are the questions I asked Dr. Creamer on the show, which is a conversation we will continue in the studio shortly, as I've been invited to rejoin him as a guest in the near future.
It was stated best by Agnes Pierre-Louis, "Because in all poor countries, you have to believe in something," she said, "If they don't have that, they don't have anything." She later added: "They leave everything in the hands of God. When you have so little, what else can you turn to?"
I suppose in this viewpoint, I can understand the hope, or the faith to gain strength, but it still doesn't explain the end result and the utter lack of responsibility Christians are taking for why their god would allow such a thing. Forget blaming the Haitians for a sinful life, or highlighting their voodoo practices, we need to take this back to who's really in control.
The only way this makes any sense at all, is if nothing is in control.
The following links are for podcasts of me and Dr. Creamer on the radio:
Thursday 1/14/10 (Our discussion starts 37 mins in)
Friday 1/15/10 (Our discussion starts 41 mins in)
6 comments:
David,
I like the new blue header. It's very soothing.
I have not researched this but I am just curious how much your beloved humanist charities have donated to the Haiti earthquake victims, especially in comparison to how much has been given by the "Christian" community at large.
Mike
Atheists don't broadcast their generosity for glorification, so I couldn't possibly guess the amount given by unbelievers. I thought the purpose was to help, not to keep score.
Not to drag this on, but I just noticed the link to humanist charities where they, in fact, do list their total contributions to previous global efforts.
http://www.humanistcharities.org/pastprojects.php
I would be surprised if they do not do the same when their donations are collected for the work to help those who are in Haiti.
Mike
I was speaking of Atheists as individuals. I assume that nonprofit companies like that are required to post profit/loss/donation information in order to keep their status.
I still don't understand the reason for the comparison. According to your judgment of non-Christians, how could anyone possibly care enough to give anything, without some book of morals telling them what's right or wrong?
David,
That was my whole point. Who would care to give anything of great value for another human being without a divine standard of authority that dictates such? Obviously very few and much less in comparison. Of course, we disagree but look at Christian charities and compare them with Atheist charities.
Mike
Mike,
I care to give things of great value to another human without a divine standard of authority to dictate it. You need an authority to tell you to give? You need a book to tell you to care? You need orders to love mankind? I don't.
Post a Comment