Former Prime Minister Tony Blair used a speech at Georgetown University to warn of the threat against the West that is growing at alarming rate. No, he wasn’t talking about terrorism, the recession, or even Swine Flu. He was talking about atheists and the menace they present to the world. Not since leaders tackled the dangers of witches in our midst has a politician sounded such an alarm. This politician happens to be the leading contender for the first “president of Europe.”
Blair sounded the alarm for all God-fearing citizens to be on the look out for atheists who he seems to portray as an equal threat as terrorists. He warned that “[w]e face an aggressive secular attack from without. We face the threat of extremism from within.” He called on religious people to unite against atheists who offer “no hope” and threaten the demise of the West. How dangerous? Just read this incredible line: “Those who scorn God and those who do violence in God’s name, both represent views of religion. But both offer no hope for faith in the twenty first century.”
“[A]n aggressive secular attack from without”? I do not recall many atheists or agnostics driving car bombs into markets or invading nations to fight for the “one and true [lack of] faith.”
Could you imagine if Blair singled out a faith for such analogies to terrorism? There are millions of atheists around the world who simply do not believe in God. Yet you have one of the world’s leaders calling for a united campaign against them and calling their beliefs a danger to mankind.
The only question is whether Blair will be stopping in Albuquerque to join City Councilor Don Harris at the front lines against the atheist hoard, here.
For the full speech, click here.
I think a charitable reading of Blair’s remarks would emphasize that he’s speaking of secularism’s challenges to “faith,” rather than to “the West.” Even still, he’s dead wrong in equating secularism with “scorning God” and probably wrong about secularism offering “no hope for faith,” whatever that means exactly. But it is a somewhat less alarmist sentiment.
The “churches” you used for your analogy Gyges are for the most part “religious groups” that are viewed as “cults or at best fringe elements of Christianity. Catholics and mailnline Protestants would not endorse the religious beliefs, or the modality of proselytizing that some of these groups employ. Most Catholics and mainline Protestants would run for cover when these people appear at the door. In large part do to the beliefs they espouse. The mormons are non-trinitarian, and are not even recognized as being Christians, because they reject the teaching of the Trinity. Other Christian denominations would pretty much follow-suit in this belief. This would apply to both JWs’ and LDS.
TO: California Girl-
RE: Pledge of Allegiance…and the words “under God”
I’m so old that I remember reciting the Pledge of Allegiance when it didn’t include the words “under God.” Those two words weren’t added until 1954.
Here’s an excerpt of an article at Slate.com that provides a historical background of the “Pledge of Allegiance”:
The Pledge of Allegiance: Why we’re not one nation “under God.” by David Greenberg, a professor of history and media studies at Rutgers and author of three books of political history
“Poor Alfred Goodwin! So torrential was the flood of condemnation that followed his opinion—which held that it’s unconstitutional for public schools to require students to recite “under God” as part of the Pledge of Allegiance—that the beleaguered appellate-court judge suspended his own ruling until the whole 9th Circuit Court has a chance to review the case.
“Not one major political figure summoned the courage to rebut the spurious claims that America’s founders wished to make God a part of public life. It’s an old shibboleth of those who want to inject religion into public life that they’re honoring the spirit of the nation’s founders. In fact, the founders opposed the institutionalization of religion. They kept the Constitution free of references to God. The document mentions religion only to guarantee that godly belief would never be used as a qualification for holding office—a departure from many existing state constitutions. That the founders made erecting a church-state wall their first priority when they added the Bill of Rights to the Constitution reveals the importance they placed on maintaining what Isaac Kramnick and R. Laurence Moore have called a “godless Constitution.” When Benjamin Franklin proposed during the Constitutional Convention that the founders begin each day of their labors with a prayer to God for guidance, his suggestion was defeated.
“Given this tradition, it’s not surprising that the original Pledge of Allegiance—meant as an expression of patriotism, not religious faith—also made no mention of God. The pledge was written in 1892 by the socialist Francis Bellamy, a cousin of the famous radical writer Edward Bellamy. He devised it for the popular magazine Youth’s Companion on the occasion of the nation’s first celebration of Columbus Day. Its wording omitted reference not only to God but also, interestingly, to the United States:
“I pledge allegiance to my flag and the republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”
http://www.slate.com/?id=2067499
California,
Do you suppose based on your statements that some Muslims would believe that Christianity is bent on attacking their religion?
Yes California Girl, I see the duplicity, so does everyone else..
California Girl,
I’ve got a couple jokes for you:
Knock Knock. Who’s there? Jehova’s Witness…
Knock Knock. Who’s there? Mormons…
Knock Knock. Who’s there? We’re getting a petition together to try and amend the California state constitution to define marriage based on our religious beliefs…
Knock Knock, Who’s there? Candidate Obama, I’d like to reassure you that like all good American’s I’m a Christian…
Knock Knock, Who’s there? http://jonathanturley.org/2009/10/07/keep-albuquerque-atheist-free-city-council-member-runs-on-the-lack-of-faith-of-his-opponent/
Knock Knock, Who’s there? (You get the point).
The primary focus Evangelical Christianity (note I didn’t say ALL), is the conversion of the unbeliever. As to your statement that you can’t see any harm caused by Christianity, I suggest you talk to those Native Peoples who had their children abducted under the pretext of raising them like as Christians instead of as savage heathens like their parents.
I don’t hold religion in contempt, I hold fundamentalism.
Base
You say you have contempt for religion. You have justified Tony Blair’s statement.
No one shoves religion down your throat. Christianity has been around the U.S. for a long, long time. I cannot see where it has hurt anyone.
I WAS referring to our forefathers. Almost ALL of them were at the least Secular Christians, but most were Christians. Our country is all about freedoms; freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of the press.
Were you aware of the “agreement” signed by Obama and Egypt (Durbin conference) to be “mindful” of not offending religion?
It’s not worded exactly that way, but says something about “limiting” freedom of expression. (Islam?)
Could that be the reason Yale did not print the Mohammed cartoons? Jesus cartoons are everywhere. It’s a freedom of expression. I see no reason for not printing the Mohammed Cartoons. You see the double standard?
All these years my friend, Jesus and God have been made fun of in the press and Christians have had to put up with it (because our freedoms and our laws must be respected).
All I am saying is Christianity not an enemy and it would behoove you to protect it, because it quite naturally protects YOUR rights.
Besides, as we all know the shunning of the teachings of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, and his true church of Pastafarianism, is leading to the decline in the global pirate population, and that, OBVIOUSLY is causing global warming. May all ye secularists and heathens be touched by the grace of His noodly appendage, afer we be boiled to death. ARRRR!
Horus – thanks for pointing that out, and to Elaine for pointing out that the zany “young earth” crap isn’t taught in first world Catholic schools. In fact, if Catholics bothered asking, the Vatican’s official positions are pretty clear that science has it about right on the age of the earth and universe and that evolution has actually been taking place. (They might try to throw an “Intelligent Design” overlay onto evolution, but not to say that it doesn’t pretty much happen as we have observed it to happen.)
That said, there are plenty of “Catholics” who are more along the lines of Mel Gibson. As far as I know Mr. Gibson hasn’t been formally excommunicated, or if he has in some way “left the Church”, but his views and the views of many far-right nuts who call themselves Catholic are actually in direct contradiction to the teachings of the Vatican. (Then again, there are many progressive Catholics who hold views opposed by the Vatican also…)
I’ll admit that I haven’t read Mr. Blair’s statements, but it sounds like they are in line with recent statements from the current Pope regarding a concern about the secularization of western culture. I don’t know about Mr. Blair’s motivations, but the Pope has been loosing a lot of well off “customers”, and that would certainly cause concern.
jesus christ.
Hematology:
White blood cells (WBC),
red blood cells (RBC),
haemoglobin,
hematocrit,
Differential Blood count:
percentages of neutrophils,
lymphocytes,
monocytes,
eosinophils,
basophils
Chemistry profile:
glucose (random),
Blood urea nitrogen,
creatinine,
total bilirubin,
Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (AST),
Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase (ALT),
alkaline phosphatase,
total protein,
C-reactive protein,
albumin,
sodium,
potassium
calcium.
SOURCE VERSION TYPE NAME CODE UNITS 1 2 3 4
WHO CTC 2.0 HEMATOLOGY Total WBC TOTWBC x10E9/L <LLN – <2 2 – <3 1 – <2 <1
WHO CTC 2.0 HEMATOLOGY Lymphopenia LYMPHOPENIA x10E9/L <LLN – 1 0.5 – <1 <0.5 –
HEMATOLOGY Neutrophils/granulocytes NEUT x10E9/L 1.5 – <2 1 – <1.5 0.5 – <1 <0.5
WHO CTC 2.0 HEMATOLOGY Platelets PLT x10E9/L <LLN – 75 50 – <75 10 – <50 <10
WHO CTC 2.0 HEMATOLOGY Hemoglobin HGB g/L <LLN – 100 80 – <100 65 – <80 ULN – (2.5 x ULN) > 2.5 – (5.0 x ULN) > 5.0 – (20.0 x ULN) > (20.0 x ULN)
ALT ALT – > ULN – (2.5 x ULN) > 2.5 – (5.0 x ULN) > 5.0 – (20.0 x ULN) > (20.0 x ULN)
Alkaline Phosphotase ALP – > ULN – (2.5 x ULN) > 2.5 – (5.0 x ULN) > 5.0 – (20.0 x ULN) > (20.0 x ULN)
Hypercalcemia HYPERCALCEMIA mmol/L > ULN – 2.9 > 2.9 – 3.1 > 3.1 – 3.4 > 3.4
Hypocalcemia HYPOCALCEMIA mmol/L <LLN – 2.0 1.75 – < 2.0 1.5 – < 1.75 ULN – 5.5 > 5.5 – 6.0 > 6.0 – 7.0 > 7.0
Hypokalemia HYPOKALEMIA mmol/L <LLN – 3.0 – 2.5 – <3.0 <2.5
CaliforniaGirl –
I am one of those that has contempt for Christianity (along with all of the other religions, or more accurately, bogus mythology) that people like you feel should dominate our lives and nation.
Saying that Christianity “…is the backbone of our value system” (and I am assuming that you are referring to all of America’s value system – i.e. – the founders fathers of our nation) is simply wrong. Benjamin Franklin was an Atheist. Thomas Jefferson was a deist (i.e. – not a Christian).
You can choose to live your life by any doctrine you choose. I really don’t care to know what your beliefs are. But do not feel as though you can choose to shove your beliefs down anyone else’s throat. The separation of church and state is a fundamental tenet of our republic, and I, for one, am happy to continue to support the ACLU in this (and all their other) pursuits.
Look again. In Blair’s speech, the two sentences are not linked. They are purposely separate.
You see:
We face an aggressive secular attack from without. (period)
We face the threat of extremism from within. (period)
He is pointing to two common threats against peaceful religions. The atheists in the states have become quite anti-Christian and are at times, most vile. They are threats to Christianity and to Secular Christians as well. They have sued School Districts to remove the Ten Commandments, each year they protest the public displays of the Nativity and ususally win via the ACLU and they are removed. They have successfully sued to have concrete (historic) religious structures removed from off any government grounds. They try to sued to remove GOD from our Pledge of Allegiance. They have sued to have our motto “In God We Trust” taken off our coins. This is just the tip of ice berg when it comes to Atheism attacking, especially Christianity (which is the backbone of our value system) and other religions. I cannot speak for Europe or the rest of the world, but here in the States, the attacks are unrelenting. The attacks are under the guise of separation of Church and State, but are truly examples of hatred and contempt for the Christian. Mr. Blair is right, at least with regard to the States.
I saw the film the “Blair Witch Project”, many years ago. It was not very scary, although I jumped out of my seat a couple of times. The scariest film I have ever seen was The Exorcist. I had the opportunity to have a lengthy conversation with Mr. Blatty (the author)of the book in Santa Monica back in 95-96. He had just finished a new novel, and had a book signing at Barnes and Noble in Santa Monica. He autographed the novella I puchased and we talked at great length about the book and film the Exorcist. He coincidentally wrote the screenplay and won an Oscar for his efforts. The case is based on a true story. He substituted a little girl for a boy named Robbie, in his book. Robbie(pseudonym) was the young man who was actually possessed! He lived in Maryland with his parents and was greatly influenced by his aunt Harriet. She was fascinated by the occult, and exposed young Robbie to a ouija board. Robbie and his aunt would play with this game after school and he became obsessed with its’ use. Then inexplicably his aunt died suddenly, creating a great void in young Robbies’ life. He was crestfallen at her death and continued to play with the ouija board. His parents were not alarmed at his using it, but were concerned because he was neglecting his friends and even his school work. Eventually a series of terrifying events began to unfold at the Mannerheim home(pseudonym). Knockings and rappings were heard emanating from the walls and the attic. Scratching and clawing noises were heard beneath Robbies bed! His parents became alarmed and confused at this phenomenon that was manifesting in the home. Robbie was taken to a Lutheran pastor, a Rev. Rein. He agreed to have Robbie spend the night at his home and became terrified beyond words when night fell. Robbie levitated before the ministers eyes! and a cup of cocoa, floated around the room. The minister was a believer in parapsychology and not a “literal” devil. He instructed the family to seek help through the intervention of the Catholic Church. His contention was that “they” believed in this phenomenon and could assist them. Robbie was now speaking languages he had never studied and become even more sullen and morose. The Priest who interviewed Robbie was convinced that the boy was in fact possessed, as he met the criteria that the “rituale romanum” set forth in diagnosing a possessed person. He spoke latin and conversed freely in French and an assortment of other languages. He also expressed extreme hostility toward images of Our Lord and especially when having to set foot in the Church. He became extremely violent and irascible when brought to the rectory. The family ultimately moved to Saint Louis, after the exorcism had begun in Maryland. It was unsuccessful in Maryland and the family sought the help of the Jesuits at Saint Louis University. The exorcism of Robbie continued at the Alexian brothers Hospital. While undergoing the ritual Robbie converted to Catholicism (his family was Lutheran). He ultimatley received the Sacrament of Communion as well and his family all converted. Robbies’ exorcism was a success, only after many months and the pious and tireless efforts of the Jesuit priests who so patiently worked and prayed for Robbies deliverance. If I am not mistaken Robbies exorcism was completed and he was restored spiritually on the day of the Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel. I read the book, “Exorcism, the true case of demonic possession” by Tom Allen, many years ago. It was a bit scary, but the beauty was that Robbie was delivered and one could witness the triumph of Good over the powers of darkness.
Elaine M.,
A real man will oblige you happily, or even unhappily. I have done my best under any and all circumstances.
George–
And keep us women barefoot and pregnant!
horus,
I was raised a Roman Catholic–and attended parochial school for twelve years. I got “real” science–not creationism. I learned about Darwin. I was taught that the stories in the Bible were allegories. I don’t know what’s with Blair and his form of Catholicism that would lead him to believe that the Earth is just 10,000 years old.
I suppose every religion has its share of fundamentalists and fanatics–maybe some more than others.
FYI: I’m now what would be called a “fallen-away” Catholic.
A society that has no problem with a father figure that watches and judges their every deed and thought, will less likely to have a problem with a big brother government that does the same thing.
In the last years of his Prime Ministership I thought something not quite right with Blair. Then, upon leaving office he quickly “converted” to the Roman Catholic faith. Now he seems to have fallen hook, line and sinker for all that RC malarky—not that it’s all that different from other religious malarky on the subject but the RC church has a long and storied history of witch hunts and inquisitions based upon superstition and the threat that disbelief in any form represents to the atrophied views of that institution. In short, he’s kinda crazy and certainly should not be given any sort of position of power. Neither should anyone listen to his ravings. He’s completely gone off the deep end and has no intellectual credibility.
England has historically been called, “The Dowry of Mary”..
I’d like to point out how interesting it is that he used the phrase “scorn God.” In order to scorn God you have to believe in God (otherwise you’d be scorning the idea of a god).
The one of the most insulting parts of Evangelical Christianity is the idea that everybody deep down believes in God, but for some reason atheists pretend not to.