Guest post: Precious little actual action
Originally a comment by Seanna Watson on Then whydja do it?
I find the amount of deference granted to Franky (often even by avowed atheists) to be somewhere between inexplicable and infuriating. Despite all the pomp and ceremony of the apologetic visit (costing Canadian taxpayers ~$35 million), there has been precious little actual action taken by the church – in fact there is continuing resistance by the church to pay any sort of compensation.
Case in point: Parishioners in a Catholic church in Ottawa that is being sold had requested to have the proceeds directed toward reconciliation and residential school survivors. This seemed like a just and reasonable request, especially in view of the fact that the construction of the church was originally funded by donations from grass-roots parishioners, and also is standing on unceded Algonquin Anishinābeg territory. However, the request was refused by the archdiocese, who apparently had their own plans for the money.
Oh, Seanna, they think he’s okay because he said nice things about atheists going to heaven if they live by their beliefs and are good to their moms, or something. And also that gays aren’t so evil, after all. I also think that people like him because he isn’t Ratzo.
Mike, that’s one reason (only one) I don’t like him. What makes him think atheists want to go to heaven? The whole idea of eternal life sounds like hell to me, and I would prefer he not consign me to suffer a heaven full of Catholics and evangelicals…not to mention my family.
I can’t tell which would be worse: Heaven with its eternal state of bliss, or Hell? Eternal bliss sounds like agony.
And the people. Oy.
As was (probably not) said by Mark Twain: Heaven for the climate, Hell for the company.
BTW, thanks for the GP – I’m honoured.
Thank you.
Mike, as Mark Twain said, Heaven for the climate, hell for the company.
I think we all know the music is better down there.