TGIF. Not that the weekend will bring much respite from work, but hey, it's a living.
I wonder if that phrase applies to zombies? "Yeah, during the day I wander around the country side and look for helpless people to bite and suck their brains out. It's tough, but hey, it's a living."
At least Zombies can work during the day. Vampires have to do night shift. I haven't caught any of the new programs (and it seems like there are a few) featuring Vampires as a lifestyle choice but it surely reflects the ongoing downward spiral of a dying culture. Listen to what the programs are suggesting: Even death seems like a better way of living.
It's no surprise to me then that some Atheists are keen to advertise on buses sage advice to other atheists: "God probably doesn't exist, so stop worrying" they say.
That implies to me that Atheists are worried, and need reassurance. Are they worried about becoming agnostic? Are they worried about life after death? The current plan for most atheists I though was: Live. Die. Become worm food. What's the alternative? Well, obviously, there is one clear alternative emerging for the lost and worried: Becoming a member of the vast undead. Zombies for the lower class, and Vampires for the more sophisticated atheist with good dress sense, a fine bone structure and an ability to pose whilst clamping gleaming white fangs on soft nubile necks of the living.
I'm not sure if these programs are actually that bad, I'm just guessing based on Hollywood's run rate over the last few years. What do you think?
I wonder if that phrase applies to zombies? "Yeah, during the day I wander around the country side and look for helpless people to bite and suck their brains out. It's tough, but hey, it's a living."
At least Zombies can work during the day. Vampires have to do night shift. I haven't caught any of the new programs (and it seems like there are a few) featuring Vampires as a lifestyle choice but it surely reflects the ongoing downward spiral of a dying culture. Listen to what the programs are suggesting: Even death seems like a better way of living.
It's no surprise to me then that some Atheists are keen to advertise on buses sage advice to other atheists: "God probably doesn't exist, so stop worrying" they say.
That implies to me that Atheists are worried, and need reassurance. Are they worried about becoming agnostic? Are they worried about life after death? The current plan for most atheists I though was: Live. Die. Become worm food. What's the alternative? Well, obviously, there is one clear alternative emerging for the lost and worried: Becoming a member of the vast undead. Zombies for the lower class, and Vampires for the more sophisticated atheist with good dress sense, a fine bone structure and an ability to pose whilst clamping gleaming white fangs on soft nubile necks of the living.
I'm not sure if these programs are actually that bad, I'm just guessing based on Hollywood's run rate over the last few years. What do you think?
FWIW the "stop worrying" bit from the original (UK) bus ads is a response to some particularly nutty ads informing non believers they could look forward to an eternity of fire and brimestone.
ReplyDeleteI the message went memetic because it sums up most non-religious people's position; There is no certainty but no reason to believe in any of the gods people worship so you should just get on with living the only life you'll get (and avoid Humanists at all costs...)
Actually, I think the way religous people latch on to that "probably: is probably the most interesting bit of the whole affair.
Yes, I vaguely remember that and thought I did a blog post on it, but can't see it in the Archives.
ReplyDeleteThere are a few people heavily into Fire and Brimstone. Some come across as err, ardent. On the plus side, fire and brimstone can destroy Vampires too which is a good thing.
I think the latching onto "probably" is only due to the context of the message. It's a bit like you mention God to an Atheist and they start thinking Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny are second cousins. A leap of logic that never really clears the height of the shoelaces...
Good evening from the hot and sunny Far North.
ReplyDeleteI wondered today what might happen to an Iman who made similar comments about Mohammed and Aisha.
Imagine them in bed together after the business.
Would the Iman survive or would he be beheaded?
At least the debate we have had shows the freedom and strength of Christianity.
I see the story has made the UK media.
Hi FFM. Yes, the odd person responding with a bit of paint, and many people voicing strong opinions is a far different story to hundreds of thousands calling for death, as say in the case of the Danish Cartoons.
ReplyDelete@David: I don't think Humanists are scary (although definitions and therefore opinions may vary).
In general, I think it is good to see people collectively thinking about morals, ethics and the value of humans and humanity. Such people may well end up supporting some of the same moral values as Christianity, or fall apart in the process of rejecting them...who knows? It at least moves away from simply criticising religion to offering an alternative up for discussion.
Evening all
ReplyDeleteHow's the school holiday thing going for those for whom it has an impact.
Humanism of course was a philosophy that grew out of Christianity, was born from it in fact - something Humanists might like to consider - I'm sure many of them do in fact.
Evening from the south - sunny and windy in Wanaka today, now raining.
ReplyDeleteCan't understand the message St Matthews want to get across - it's not about the things I think are important about Christmas.
Hi guys.
ReplyDeleteYes, Christmas message missing from that particular billboard. I like the bus adverts more.
Andrei - my understanding with the Humanist movement (although "which one" would be a valid statement) is that they do attempt to work towards an ethical framework that values human life (although I'm thinking that this will not extend to abortion) but on a basis of reason alone. They classify the faith aspect as merely "superstition" and so to say this grew out of Christianity would also necessitate saying it was as much a rejection of it as well? Although some were "rational" enough to keep the Christian messages, if not the messenger.
Evening all. Windy, ain't it? I don't feel well enough to work tonight so it's a slothful evening then an early night here.
ReplyDeleteOf course Zen Humanism is a definitional thing but early Humanists such as Erasmus worked within the Church - its anti-clerical aspects only arose during the "Age of Reason" which as we know produced a great deal of unreasonableness such as the reign of terror
ReplyDeleteHello everyone!
ReplyDeleteSchool holidays are great, Andrei. I've experienced a serious crash and burn this year, made worse by getting a new kitten who has to wake up every morning at 5am or thereabouts. Sleep deprivation is ok for a while, but now that I'm over 40, it's making a real impact. I'm looking forward to some rejuvenation. Either that, or it just continues downhill from here. Hopefully not.