"On Faith" panelist Elie Wiesel received the 1986 Nobel Prize for Peace in recognition of his long-time advocacy for oppressed peoples. Wiesel was deported with his family to Auschwitz from Transylvania at age 15. His mother and younger sister perished there, and Wiesel and his father were moved to Buchenwald, where his father died before the concentration camp was liberated in 1945.
Two older sisters survived as well. Wiesel’s book Night describes what he witnessed as a prisoner of the Nazis. Originally published in 1956 in Yiddish, it since has been translated into more than 30 languages and millions of copies have been sold. Wiesel’s writings, teachings, and advocacy have earned him more than 120 honorary degrees from universities in Europe, America and Israel. He holds the rank of Grand-Croix in the French Legion of Honor and has been awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal in the U.S. He and his wife Marion established the Elie Wiesel Foundation for Humanity after he received his Nobel Prize. Its mission is to advance human rights and encourage peace through dialogue. Since 1976, Wiesel has been the Andrew W. Mellon Professor in the Humanities at Boston University. He has also taught at the City University of New York and Yale University. The latest of his more than 50 books, Un desir fou de danser, was published in France in 2006 and is set to be published in English by Knopf.
Close.
Elie Wiesel
Nobel Peace Prize winner and author of Night
"On Faith" panelist Elie Wiesel received the 1986 Nobel Prize for Peace in recognition of his long-time advocacy for oppressed peoples. Wiesel was deported with his family to Auschwitz from Transylvania at age 15. His mother and younger sister perished there, and Wiesel and his father were moved to Buchenwald, where his father died before the concentration camp was liberated in 1945.
more »
Religion is mans attempt to get to God. My being good, rituals, etc;
True Christianity, the kind Jesus taught is God reaching out to mankind and doing for them what they could not do for themselves. That is life full of meaning now culminating in eternal life.
The bible teaches that we are all under the curse of sin, and .. the wages of sin is death.. "spiritual death"..That was why in the old testament innocent animals were sacrificed for sin. They were actually paying the price that we deserved.
So God in His infinite love for us came to earth in the form of a man named Jesus. He came to die in our place. so that we through His death might become the righteousness of God.
IN order to receive this gift you must first believe Jesus was real.. Of course!!
Second you must confess your knowledge that you are a sinner and without Jesus you are eternally lost. Ask forgiveness of your sin.
and accept Jesus into your heart and allow His presence to live in you and grow.. Begin to read the Bible and see.. Jesus never asked us to do anything that wasn't for our own good.
But because we are prideful and such we deceive ourselves .
If you want to seriously live the way of love than you must pick up your cross and follow Him.
Anything less is just religion in different disguises.
evil establishment while never intending to honor those "laws" in spirit and in-truth. The judges of the courts in charge of interpreting those laws had thus become some of the most Dishonorable officials in the world, but if you tried to tell them so or you simply refused to call them "Your Honor" they would further abuse their governmental powers to unjustly enforce their JEALOUSY (which they characterized as "Lord" and their "GOD") severely Against you; and
[Continued]
that in this prison system each Region’s headed religiously by a "Regional Chaplaincy Director" instead of a Bishop such as headed a Diocese for the Pope in Catholicism.
The United States government had installed its own 'POPE Figure' at the top of this establishment of religion on tax money, and he was called their "Central Chaplaincy Administrator," but the government and the courts of the SYSTEM denied that this was a GOVERNMENT CHURCH of SYMBOLIC CANNIBALISM or SYMBOLIC VAMPIRISM in any way. or ANY other kind of religion be-cause it was the PRE-APOCALYPTIC tendency of such jealous worshippers to “DO IT AND DENY IT“, aka D & D‘rs“ ,and that was why they made nice-sounding laws against such an
How to get rid of "GOVERNMENT CHAPLAiNS” {Pagan/Wicaans, Musloms, neo-Pagans et al too]
under the constitutional law of the United States.
This mode of religious freedom can also be utilized in other countries as the people there "go APOCALYPTIC" with each other and synergetically amend their constitutional law accord-ingly.
Since the Constitution of the United States commands that, "NO money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in consequence of appropriations made by law" and "Congress shall make NO law respecting an establishment of religion, OR prohibiting the free exercise thereof and "NO” religious test shall there be a requirement as a qualification to ANY/EVERY/ALL office OR public trust under the United States"
it follows that in order to be lawful (legal) and not in violation of such NO clauses, ANY needed chaplains bringing spiritual advice or Religious Services to people in prison, or in the military, or in other parts of the governmental SYSTEM, must
[Continued]
(A) have NO religious test required of them by the government to "qualify" for that purpose, have NO government "rank" and NO set of keys to control the locks of the place;
(B) receive only an honorarium, or rather their financial compensation, from an INDEPENDENT FUND
FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, and not Public Payroll salaries, promo-tions up a chain of command,
fringe benefits and lifetime retirement pensions from the Treasury collected by the government from the population of the country under force of taxation or imprisonment for refusing to pay such taxes to be given as "tithes" to support such an establishment of religion; AND
(C) have NO intimate and continuing relationship with the government forthe enforcement of statutory or administrative standards and be allowed the protocol of equals with the same HUMAN RIGHTS as everybody else, rather than "rank" intimidations and bureaucratic pomp, when professionally dealing with government offi-cials.
28:477: "... although that biblical-JOHN said, 'This is the MESSAGE that Ye heard from the beginning," {I-John 3:11} , "I" Shi{loh} take You Back to the "Beginning" in the Nove Of Moses entitled; GENiSiS AND
"I" show you exactly how the DEViL-tricked-the-People-of-the-HolyEARTH into concluding, as the Biblical John did Wrongfully, that CAiN's -WORK as a Farmer was NOT deserving of 'G-D's-RESPECT' to the Same Degree as ABEL's-WORK..!"
which was Given me in Karachi, Pakistan in the 1970's, before it's, Religio zealous/jealous General, Zia Al HAQ, ex-Gen/PM Musharif's original Army Boss, wrongly murdered Prime Minister Ali BHUTTO (aka "Vanguard/father of (Atomic) Islam")) in the name of Allah in Sharia Law;,
Translates about Your Quoted Suras much DiFFERENTLY! Example;
On Sura's "22:23-24" which reads, Writes, Scribed, Stanzed, memerized, Scripted insinuates..:
"Lo! Allah will cause those who believe and do good works to enter GARDEN's underneath which Rivers Flow, wherein they will be allowed armlets of GOLD, and PEARLS, and their raiment therein will be silk.
"They are guided unto gentle speech; they are guided unto the path of the GLORiOUS-ONE."
---
Me Sura 44:51-56 translates:
"Lo! Those who kept their duty will be in a place secure; Amid Gardens & water Springs; Attired in SiLK and Silk Embroidary facing one another; Even so (it will be) And we shall wed them unto fair ones with Wide Loveley Eyes." ; They call therein for every fruit in safety.; The taste not Death therein, Save the 1st death. And HE? hath saved Them Fromm Doom of HELL."
Note: Jihadist your end of 44:56 continues after HELL (my Qurans End of Sentence).... thus saying ... "A Bounty From Your LORD, the Supreme Triumph."
---
and me Sura 56:11-26 sais,
"Those are they who will be brought nigh;
In Gardens of Deligh; A 'Multitude' of those of old; And afew of those of later time;
On lined couches; Reclining therein Face To Face; There wait on them iMMORTAL-YOUTHS ;
With bowls & ewers & a cup from a pure spring; Wherefron they get NO Aching of the Head nor any Madness; And
fruit that they prefer;
And flesh of fowls that they desire ; And (there are) fair ones with, wide lovely eyes;
like unto hidden pearls;
Reward for what they used to do;
There hear they no vain speaking nor recrimination; (Naught) but the saying: PEACE & Again PEACE."
---
Soo, JIHADiST's Translation (in Eng. not American) & MAFUHZ's Translation (English, not American) & Me Translation (English, not American) are triply stuck in our "CROSLATiONS" of what the MESSAGE is , but not what the MESSENGER is!
"It's O.K. to Accept Xtra-Terrestrial Beings or Aliens, like in Stars Wars, Star Track beings..." (Similar said). Note: Biblical Aliens are refrenced via "ANGELEL(s)"! Woiw! AND
Not only that , they are going into Bed (another cunning & begieling Devilish Pre-Text) with the 2009 Celebration of 400 years of Astronomy of Space & their bennefactors (not Pope Bennedict et al)!
Below are two snipets of what was said & is now Conspiring:
On: Infiltrating Science;
"Four centuries after Galileo Galilei was ordered by the Catholic Church to come to Rome and stand trial on suspicion of heresy, a statue of the Italian astronomer will be erected at the Vatican. 2009 is the International Year of Astronomy, which celebrates 400 years since Galileo first used a telescope to study the heavens, and the Vatican plans to join in commemorating the anniversary.
Galileo was condemned to house arrest by the Catholic Church in 1633 because his belief that the sun was at the center of the solar system, and not the Earth, contradicted the bible..." (Posted 3.14.08 @ universe today dot com) AND
ON "It's O.K. To Believe in Aliens other Life forms etc..;
"The Bible mentions lots of non-human, intelligent beings, says Vatican astronomer and planetary scientist Br. Guy Consolmagno. Like Fr. Funes, who’s interview about extraterrestrial life in the Osservatore Romano made worldwide headlines yesterday, he thinks Catholics should have no problem with aliens. Consolmagno - a self-described science fiction fan- believes that Trekkies and Browncoats might be surprised to learn that the Church was talking about ‘other worlds’ long before Capt. James T. Kirk did!
Science and religion
In his booklet about intelligent life in the universe, Brother Consolmagno expresses his conviction “that you shouldn’t be afraid of these questions” and that “no matter what we learn, it doesn’t invalidate what we already know” and believe. Scientific study and discovery and religion enrich one another.
According to Consolmagno, if new forms of life were to be discovered, it would not mean “everything we believe in is wrong,” rather, “we’re going to find out that everything is truer in ways we couldn’t even yet have imagined.”
“Can aliens be made in God’s image?”
In an interview with the BBC, brother Consolmagno answers to the question whether aliens would be made in God’s image: “The traditional belief is that they are referring to the aspects of the soul - intellect and free will. The ability to know that we exist, that God exists and the freedom to choose to love or not love. Anything, whether it is an intelligent computer or an alien with five arms - if they have those aspects, seems to me they’d be in the image and likeness of God.”
Extraterrestrials in the Bible?
In Intelligent Life in the Universe, brother Consolmagno - a self-described science fiction fan - wrote a special chapter for Trekkies, Browncoats and other space explorers, in which he reveals where there are references to extraterrestrials in the Bible.
Actually, the Bible has plenty of information about non-human, intelligent beings… they are called angels!
Science and religion
Science and religion can’t contradict each other, explains Consolmagno in Adventures of a Vatican Scientist. “Truth is one, even though our ways of groping for that truth are manifold. So the formulas we use-mathematical, philosophical, or whatever-can be very different, but they all are trying to get to the same place ultimately.”
“In science we assume that the laws of physics (which we know so imperfectly yet!) are as true everywhere in the universe as they are in our puny little laboratories here on Earth. Likewise, the “laws” of philosophy or theology-that is to say, the essential truths themselves, not to be confused with the formulas our human languages use to try to express these truths-are the same, and true, everywhere.
Aliens and parallel universes
Consolmagno reminds us that “to insist that ‘God could not have made other worlds’ was declared a heresy back in the thirteenth century-so this even covers alternate or parallel universes!”
Earth was not built in 6-Days nor 7 nor 66, nor 666, nor 7777....., but +/- 4.5 Billion Years Ago according to "Grigarian ex Julian Calandate System!!!! Praise The Holy No-Man!
Here "i" give you The Mother Of HArlots (Vatican Church, Eastern & Western) Exposed!
SHAME Catholic Church for tring to infiltrate UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization ) via embracing SCiENCTist who have Gotten Murdered by this same Church, includes Nazi Pope Bennedict or Not!
The Catholic-Church Satans in Light (clothing) and their counter Evilgelicals Pre-apocalyptic thinkers in holy-Crime in AMERiCA, should Be
SHAME to Ignore History & Now Satanically Via Word-Merchantising the Biblical Excuses to infiltrate Science by Audaciously saying,
Leave to MUHAMAD what is MUHAMAD's [Post IDOL Idolatry MECCA] & Leave to King David what is to King David [Pre-Islamic JERUSALEM] & Leave Jesus what is to Jesus [Post Pagan Jerusalem!]. What is to Caesar belongs to Caesar, not Church, Temples, Synagogues, Mosques etc..
INCAMERA (Secret) , Mr. Jeremiah Wright’s Church (Obama’s Armageddon Loving Holy Big-Mouth Preacher Mon) , a ’Tax Exempt’ Religious institution, is secretly Funneling charity & donations, via their Pre-Apocalyptic Faithful, so that their ’Congregants’ should donate weekly , INSTEAD to the CHURCH, for a ‘little while longer‘, biweekly & or Monthly until August or election day!
“Hay, Ye never know, a $Dollar a Week is not so meek!
POiNT: Do not be Mesmerized (or Dilussional) !
IT is ‘NOT’ Morack Husain Obama’s TiME to Be a Prez of U.S.A. [Commander in Chief] and Hence, command of the biggest Space Ship P.l.a.n.e.t EARTH, aka S.S. GAiA, aka S.S. GEOiD, aka S.S. TELLUSng Something that ALL EVERY & ANY H-U-M-A-T-E kind‘s , have ever Known, can ALL, JUSTLY For a TiME, and Thus enjoy LiVE & LOVE-iN “IT“ (Éclat + “i“ = LiFE/Photons!) until Momma Poppa SOLARa/o also goes ‘Poof-TiME‘ a-gonna one Day.
This is the TRUTH (opposite of MYTH’s) and the ‘Promised’ Prophecy (something NEW, better, not worse) of the APOCALYPSE/REVELATng (opposite of Secret’s, silence, omitting’s or like , keeping from the Naïve, some hidden MANNA, UMMA or KARMA..) !
Remember: HiLary R. Clinton & backers are in GOG (TRUTH) & Borack H. Obama & backers are in MAGOG (illusion/Delusion, aka Not Real!).
Mr. TZiN GYATSO, aka un-holy Da Lamma has BLOOD on His Hands:
Down With BUDDHiSM!
Sweet sweet AMERiCA needs less Pre Apocalyptic 'iMPORTED' Religion(s) not more!
Any-way, who the H.E.L.L. needs to show someone how to meditate? aka 'Listening to ye E.C.L.A.T + i. Note: To Pray is to 'Speak' to ye E.C.L.A.T + i = LiFE/PHOTONS Harmonic Song!
The un-Holy Dali Lamma Should be tried in an international Court Of Justice for "CriMES Against Humanity"!
Especially through his International religio Buddhist Mafiaos's & his Global MONKS-ARMY!
Are A-M-E-R-i-C-A-N-S getting Dumber?
Do not Give ANY Monk nor Buddhists Exile 'Status' here aka "Political Asylum" etc..!
Remember, the MONKS-ARMY is a real Army!
It's a great achievement for Islamic leaders and scholars as well as Newsweek and the Washington post to present this imperative opportunity for inter cultural and global philosophical dialogue. What's important is that by exchanging our ideas and comments regarding inter religious relations and world events that affect our views of each other as fellow human beings. Since the advent of humanity, We strove to make sense of the world we live in and the lives we've experienced. Worldwide curiosities to learn the true nature of life and our universe is an exceptionally rare virtue upon life on Earth. In other words, we're the only known species on the planet who've pursued to unravel these great mysteries and developed written philosophies based upon our understanding of the world around us.
One such philosophy that lasted throughout the ages of humanity is commonly known as religion and spirituality. Ever since our early belief in the Sky God and the God Mother from ancient Pagan times, we vigorously pursued to unravel the truth about our most profound questions. As any educated person would know that religion and their core beliefs or faith have evolved over time. Paganism, Monotheism and Polytheism have been influenced by humanity as these great philosophies have influenced our perceptions and decisions in life over the ages. Over time humanity has embraced diverse religious faiths and spiritual convictions that continue to influence our behavior in our times and most likely beyond.
What's vital for humanity's progress and even survival is to know the true nature of faith itself. To understand the true origins of faith. But most of all, is to accept the truth for whatever it may be. Each one of us will learn the absolute truth once we die. But until that time comes for anyone of us to depart this world, we really don't know the answer to God's existence nor do we have the absolute truth in regards to the true nature of God. Besides if we did possess the truth, there would've been only one religion on Earth with no diversification of any way, shape of form. There would only be one holy scripture written throughout human history.
Considering one's religious faith to be absolute, while considering others to be false would be ethnocentric at best. While collectively searching to unravel the mysteries on nature, life and the universe through sincere reasoning and serious research would be enlightening at its worst. Most importantly, we must accept the fact is that none of us have conclusive evidence to confirm our core beliefs and there's always an immanent change that our most cherished beliefs could be wrong. Our greatest challenge would be to tolerate the truth no matter what it may ultimately be. With such an open mind, we would be able to overcome any future discovery that would contradict our faith regarding the true nature of life, spirituality and divinity.
Humanity does have the ability to achieve such a social achievement. However, it's solely up to humanity and not any other entity or groups of entities to decide our destinies. Each one of us has a choice to make; either hopelessly engaging into meaningless inter cultural conflicts or combine our scientific and cultural gifts to thrive into an enlightened global civilization that could ultimately expand beyond our solar system. The choice is yours, and the time to make it is now!
Fanatics are there in all religions as there was in the times of Jesus. That does not mean that dialogue is not possible. You can take protective measures as well as show justice and mercy to people in Palestine.
For years, because my mother would not talk about it, I had some doubts as to the authenticity of some things that happened during WWII. Then, because she became ill, my mother began to talk - she was not a jew nor her brother who was imprisoned in Dachau - but her illness released her memories and those of her brother's. Wiesel's works meant very little to me, but I read them, and after my mother spoke of her and her brother's atrocities suffered at the hand of Nazis, I re-read them with new meaning for me. I remember trying to give my mom a piece of the Berlin wall that was being taken down. She pushed the piece of concrete back at me and said, "It is not over for us."
Hi Elie my entire school has read your book the "Night" in our religion classes. I personal Have been moved so much by this book and I was hoping u could come and speak at my school.
Does "the fanatic" make dogmatic statements? What is the purpose of "dialogue" other than to understand more thoroughly why we disagree? Isn't it fanatic to think just because folks engage in "dialogue" that they're more noble?
i think this book is very touching and i feel very bad that ha had to gothrough this stuff and that at first i thought i wasnt gonna like this book but then when i read more of it i really liked it.
Peace - i must admit that when i saw "fanatic" i also assumed it was directed at muslims but only because i am inundated daily with the american media reinforcing this idea by the continued repitition of the phrase muslim terrorist- muslim fanatic etc...
However it certainly didnt make me angry o anything- ive become very thick-skinned.
I am not a football fan (atic) s i dont discuss football with fans.
It is a wise sentiment but it is not exactly a dialogue opener.
Absolute certainty about SOMETHING or about EVERYTHING leads to coming up with the right rationalization to justify their destruction?
I get what you're saying, at that point the ends justifies the means if it leads to true enlightenment for people.
But the difference (with at least ONE faith I am familiar with) is that you don't OWN truth, God has to give it to you. Therefore you cannot force it on anyone else.
Also, it's interesting to turn over what we're discussing. religious fanaticism...absolute truth. What is religion?
Man's practices in relation to the truth about God as he understands it?
What about God's interaction with Man? Doesnt that change the role of religion to a lesser importance, when a faith is based more on interaction with God than the things one does as a reflection of one's own understanding?
Once you achieve absolute certainty that you are right and the others are wrong it's just a question of coming up with the right rationalization to justify their destruction.
Religion, every religion, when embraced by the fanatic has the possibility of providing that certainty and enabling that rationalization.
"A fanatic is one who believes he or she understands 'the truth', and that this 'truth' is universal and absolute." -Anonymous
If this is the definition of a fanatic, then I am a fanatic. There is still alot of religious persecution going on and I would not agree to die for my faith otherwise I believed that I had grasped the truth I need to be sure in this life and in the next. I would never live by a code that incorporates self sacrifice, unless I knew it was worth it. And by the way, truth by definition, is absolute.
*By the way, just because I believe I know the fundamental and necessary truth about the most IMPORTANT thing, does not mean I believe I know everything.
I've never been type casted as a fanatic before...this is new =)
I will take a minor disagreement with Mr. Wiesel on this subject.
It is very helpful for the general public's interest to document the words of the fanatics, so it is revealed what the fanatics truly feel, and prevent the fanatics from hiding behind the mask of "moderation". Their documented fanatic words help us in pointing to the unreliability in trusting such individuals.
But in terms of true discussion, yes of course, Mr. Wiesel is correct.
A fanatic is one who believes he or she understands 'the truth', and that this 'truth' is universal and absolute. Once one takes such a position, their goal is to broadcast that message -- not receive additional input that challenges or questions the 'truth' which they know.
I don't know 'the truth' -- but I have formed some ideas on what is right and wrong over the course of my life. I meet regularly with a group of friends for a 'Socrates Cafe' session [see http://www.philosopher.org/ for more info] -- and we have a dialogue and examination of our beliefs.
As Mr. Wiesel so aptly put, there is no conversation for us to have with a fanatic -- they have little to offer and they wish to receive nothing in return.
It is apparant to me at first, that this question CANNOT be answered unless I can define what a fanatic IS. Perhaps that is why you asked the question? To get us to really think about the definition we hold, of that term?
Secondly, NO ONE here is allowed to simply vent, and some have, I think your experiences Mr. Wiesel allows you some deferential benefit of the doubt, to ask whatever question you want to pose.
My answer to this question so far is, that fanatics do not believe in dialog, but they do beleive in absolute truth. So if you dig in that direction in your conversations with them, you may be able to facilitate common ground. Suffering and challenges touch people everywhere and cause them to reach for something more steady than their circumstances.
If the answer to Elie's question is that dialog is impossible, then perhaps the best practical course is to have the non-fanatics discuss out how to control the fanatics.
GA-Atheist -
The issue with the Koran is this, the violent parts (the Medina suras) are the later chapters chronologically, and came after the earlier peaceful parts (the Mecca suras). Koran instructions are that if there is anything apparently in conflict - the latest suras are the guiding law. Therefore, the painful truth is that the Jihadists are indeed being "faithful" to the Koran.
"I, myself, have abandoned belief in anything that cannot be supported by evidence. At age 80, and facing the end of life, I enjoy peace at last."
Good for you!
"I don't believe Islam is a religion of hatred towards anybody"
Actually, the Koran itself says you MUST kill infidels. How is this not a religion of hate? (as is Christianity)
Sure followers can "pick" the parts they want to follow and ignore the "bad stuff" but as Sam Harris points out, the fundamentalists are the ONLY one's that are actually following the religion as it is written.
Mohammed Malleck states:
"Who is the fanatic, Mr. Wiesel? Me? Read my comments on the panelists' statements by President Khatami and Professor Daniel Dennett, among others, and decide for yourself who is the fanatic, you or whomever you are accusing of being a fanatic, me, President Mohammad Khatami, or Karen Armstrong, John Esposito, or any one else on the panel's list."
Yes Mohammed Malleck, you are the extremist, and also an apologist for the violent in Islam, and until there is an honest and open debate about the theocratic and intolerant nature in Islam, and what Muslims can do about this, we will get nowhere in such discussions.
If these panelists are getting paid than Elie has made the biggest profit. He answered the question quickly then turned the question on us. Amazing.
"How then is conversation between us possible?"
It's not possible. You have to wait them out and get weak believers to realize they are misguided one by one. Once it reaches critical mass the fanatics will realize that they too are misguided. Until we get to that point there will be cruelty and bloodshed.
There is no debating absolute truths. However, there are always howevers.
As a religious Jew I believe that G-d gave the Torah to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai. However I can accept that a Christian has a different tradition and a Moslem yet another.
Nevertheless, a conversation between staunch believers can begin with the small things. Where to find modest clothes when the style is beyond skimpy; where to find kosher/halal food.
When people connect on a human level the conversation will contain less rancor.
I invite you to read my other responses to the panelist statements by Tariq Ramadan and Professor Daniel Dennett.
I had already started typing a much longer response to you, but when I hit the icon 'send' something went wrong with the computer (no , I am being superstitious), and I really am not in a modd to continue arguing with those who don't try to understand but call others 'fanatic'.
Maybe I'll try tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Shalom.
Oh, sorry, for one second there I thought I was a Jew instead of a Muslim. Assalaamu-'Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuhu.
I am so pleased to communicate with Eli Weisel. I taught high school and had my students read Night and other books of Eli Weisel to know what it was like for victims of WWII fanaticism. I love and respect him. But I know that, were I in his place and had I suffered his ordeals, I would no longer have a belief in a god, especially in a god of justice and mercy. I, myself, have abandoned belief in anything that cannot be supported by evidence. At age 80, and facing the end of life, I enjoy peace at last.
All Comments (67)
Religion is mans attempt to get to God. My being good, rituals, etc;
True Christianity, the kind Jesus taught is God reaching out to mankind and doing for them what they could not do for themselves. That is life full of meaning now culminating in eternal life.
The bible teaches that we are all under the curse of sin, and .. the wages of sin is death.. "spiritual death"..That was why in the old testament innocent animals were sacrificed for sin. They were actually paying the price that we deserved.
So God in His infinite love for us came to earth in the form of a man named Jesus. He came to die in our place. so that we through His death might become the righteousness of God.
IN order to receive this gift you must first believe Jesus was real.. Of course!!
Second you must confess your knowledge that you are a sinner and without Jesus you are eternally lost. Ask forgiveness of your sin.
and accept Jesus into your heart and allow His presence to live in you and grow.. Begin to read the Bible and see.. Jesus never asked us to do anything that wasn't for our own good.
But because we are prideful and such we deceive ourselves .
If you want to seriously live the way of love than you must pick up your cross and follow Him.
Anything less is just religion in different disguises.
July 26, 2008 2:57 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 26, 2008 14:57
evil establishment while never intending to honor those "laws" in spirit and in-truth. The judges of the courts in charge of interpreting those laws had thus become some of the most Dishonorable officials in the world, but if you tried to tell them so or you simply refused to call them "Your Honor" they would further abuse their governmental powers to unjustly enforce their JEALOUSY (which they characterized as "Lord" and their "GOD") severely Against you; and
July 23, 2008 3:20 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 23, 2008 15:20
[Continued]
that in this prison system each Region’s headed religiously by a "Regional Chaplaincy Director" instead of a Bishop such as headed a Diocese for the Pope in Catholicism.
The United States government had installed its own 'POPE Figure' at the top of this establishment of religion on tax money, and he was called their "Central Chaplaincy Administrator," but the government and the courts of the SYSTEM denied that this was a GOVERNMENT CHURCH of SYMBOLIC CANNIBALISM or SYMBOLIC VAMPIRISM in any way. or ANY other kind of religion be-cause it was the PRE-APOCALYPTIC tendency of such jealous worshippers to “DO IT AND DENY IT“, aka D & D‘rs“ ,and that was why they made nice-sounding laws against such an
July 23, 2008 3:17 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 23, 2008 15:17
How to get rid of "GOVERNMENT CHAPLAiNS” {Pagan/Wicaans, Musloms, neo-Pagans et al too]
under the constitutional law of the United States.
This mode of religious freedom can also be utilized in other countries as the people there "go APOCALYPTIC" with each other and synergetically amend their constitutional law accord-ingly.
Since the Constitution of the United States commands that, "NO money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in consequence of appropriations made by law" and "Congress shall make NO law respecting an establishment of religion, OR prohibiting the free exercise thereof and "NO” religious test shall there be a requirement as a qualification to ANY/EVERY/ALL office OR public trust under the United States"
July 23, 2008 3:05 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 23, 2008 15:05
it follows that in order to be lawful (legal) and not in violation of such NO clauses, ANY needed chaplains bringing spiritual advice or Religious Services to people in prison, or in the military, or in other parts of the governmental SYSTEM, must
[Continued]
(A) have NO religious test required of them by the government to "qualify" for that purpose, have NO government "rank" and NO set of keys to control the locks of the place;
(B) receive only an honorarium, or rather their financial compensation, from an INDEPENDENT FUND
FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, and not Public Payroll salaries, promo-tions up a chain of command,
fringe benefits and lifetime retirement pensions from the Treasury collected by the government from the population of the country under force of taxation or imprisonment for refusing to pay such taxes to be given as "tithes" to support such an establishment of religion; AND
(C) have NO intimate and continuing relationship with the government forthe enforcement of statutory or administrative standards and be allowed the protocol of equals with the same HUMAN RIGHTS as everybody else, rather than "rank" intimidations and bureaucratic pomp, when professionally dealing with government offi-cials.
July 23, 2008 3:03 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 23, 2008 15:03
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
Comment Submission Error
Your comment submission failed for the following reasons:
You are not allowed to post comments.
Return to the original entry
June 23, 2008 2:21 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on June 23, 2008 14:21
b
June 23, 2008 1:41 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on June 23, 2008 13:41
28:477: "... although that biblical-JOHN said, 'This is the MESSAGE that Ye heard from the beginning," {I-John 3:11} , "I" Shi{loh} take You Back to the "Beginning" in the Nove Of Moses entitled; GENiSiS AND
"I" show you exactly how the DEViL-tricked-the-People-of-the-HolyEARTH into concluding, as the Biblical John did Wrongfully, that CAiN's -WORK as a Farmer was NOT deserving of 'G-D's-RESPECT' to the Same Degree as ABEL's-WORK..!"
June 11, 2008 3:30 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on June 11, 2008 15:30
On: Lost in Translation not Paradise:
June 7, 2008 2:27 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on June 7, 2008 14:27
According to me Personal Quran/Koran
(Urdu/English/Arabic; 3-TRANSLATION by, M. PiCKTHALL & M.F.M. JALLENDHRi)
June 7, 2008 2:23 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on June 7, 2008 14:23
which was Given me in Karachi, Pakistan in the 1970's, before it's, Religio zealous/jealous General, Zia Al HAQ, ex-Gen/PM Musharif's original Army Boss, wrongly murdered Prime Minister Ali BHUTTO (aka "Vanguard/father of (Atomic) Islam")) in the name of Allah in Sharia Law;,
June 7, 2008 2:21 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on June 7, 2008 14:21
Translates about Your Quoted Suras much DiFFERENTLY! Example;
On Sura's "22:23-24" which reads, Writes, Scribed, Stanzed, memerized, Scripted insinuates..:
"Lo! Allah will cause those who believe and do good works to enter GARDEN's underneath which Rivers Flow, wherein they will be allowed armlets of GOLD, and PEARLS, and their raiment therein will be silk.
"They are guided unto gentle speech; they are guided unto the path of the GLORiOUS-ONE."
---
Me Sura 44:51-56 translates:
"Lo! Those who kept their duty will be in a place secure; Amid Gardens & water Springs; Attired in SiLK and Silk Embroidary facing one another; Even so (it will be) And we shall wed them unto fair ones with Wide Loveley Eyes." ; They call therein for every fruit in safety.; The taste not Death therein, Save the 1st death. And HE? hath saved Them Fromm Doom of HELL."
June 7, 2008 2:21 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on June 7, 2008 14:21
Note: Jihadist your end of 44:56 continues after HELL (my Qurans End of Sentence).... thus saying ... "A Bounty From Your LORD, the Supreme Triumph."
---
and me Sura 56:11-26 sais,
"Those are they who will be brought nigh;
In Gardens of Deligh; A 'Multitude' of those of old; And afew of those of later time;
On lined couches; Reclining therein Face To Face; There wait on them iMMORTAL-YOUTHS ;
With bowls & ewers & a cup from a pure spring; Wherefron they get NO Aching of the Head nor any Madness; And
fruit that they prefer;
And flesh of fowls that they desire ; And (there are) fair ones with, wide lovely eyes;
like unto hidden pearls;
Reward for what they used to do;
There hear they no vain speaking nor recrimination; (Naught) but the saying: PEACE & Again PEACE."
---
Soo, JIHADiST's Translation (in Eng. not American) & MAFUHZ's Translation (English, not American) & Me Translation (English, not American) are triply stuck in our "CROSLATiONS" of what the MESSAGE is , but not what the MESSENGER is!
June 7, 2008 2:20 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on June 7, 2008 14:20
"It's O.K. to Accept Xtra-Terrestrial Beings or Aliens, like in Stars Wars, Star Track beings..." (Similar said). Note: Biblical Aliens are refrenced via "ANGELEL(s)"! Woiw! AND
Not only that , they are going into Bed (another cunning & begieling Devilish Pre-Text) with the 2009 Celebration of 400 years of Astronomy of Space & their bennefactors (not Pope Bennedict et al)!
Below are two snipets of what was said & is now Conspiring:
On: Infiltrating Science;
"Four centuries after Galileo Galilei was ordered by the Catholic Church to come to Rome and stand trial on suspicion of heresy, a statue of the Italian astronomer will be erected at the Vatican. 2009 is the International Year of Astronomy, which celebrates 400 years since Galileo first used a telescope to study the heavens, and the Vatican plans to join in commemorating the anniversary.
Galileo was condemned to house arrest by the Catholic Church in 1633 because his belief that the sun was at the center of the solar system, and not the Earth, contradicted the bible..." (Posted 3.14.08 @ universe today dot com) AND
ON "It's O.K. To Believe in Aliens other Life forms etc..;
"The Bible mentions lots of non-human, intelligent beings, says Vatican astronomer and planetary scientist Br. Guy Consolmagno. Like Fr. Funes, who’s interview about extraterrestrial life in the Osservatore Romano made worldwide headlines yesterday, he thinks Catholics should have no problem with aliens. Consolmagno - a self-described science fiction fan- believes that Trekkies and Browncoats might be surprised to learn that the Church was talking about ‘other worlds’ long before Capt. James T. Kirk did!
Science and religion
In his booklet about intelligent life in the universe, Brother Consolmagno expresses his conviction “that you shouldn’t be afraid of these questions” and that “no matter what we learn, it doesn’t invalidate what we already know” and believe. Scientific study and discovery and religion enrich one another.
According to Consolmagno, if new forms of life were to be discovered, it would not mean “everything we believe in is wrong,” rather, “we’re going to find out that everything is truer in ways we couldn’t even yet have imagined.”
“Can aliens be made in God’s image?”
In an interview with the BBC, brother Consolmagno answers to the question whether aliens would be made in God’s image: “The traditional belief is that they are referring to the aspects of the soul - intellect and free will. The ability to know that we exist, that God exists and the freedom to choose to love or not love. Anything, whether it is an intelligent computer or an alien with five arms - if they have those aspects, seems to me they’d be in the image and likeness of God.”
Extraterrestrials in the Bible?
In Intelligent Life in the Universe, brother Consolmagno - a self-described science fiction fan - wrote a special chapter for Trekkies, Browncoats and other space explorers, in which he reveals where there are references to extraterrestrials in the Bible.
Actually, the Bible has plenty of information about non-human, intelligent beings… they are called angels!
Science and religion
Science and religion can’t contradict each other, explains Consolmagno in Adventures of a Vatican Scientist. “Truth is one, even though our ways of groping for that truth are manifold. So the formulas we use-mathematical, philosophical, or whatever-can be very different, but they all are trying to get to the same place ultimately.”
“In science we assume that the laws of physics (which we know so imperfectly yet!) are as true everywhere in the universe as they are in our puny little laboratories here on Earth. Likewise, the “laws” of philosophy or theology-that is to say, the essential truths themselves, not to be confused with the formulas our human languages use to try to express these truths-are the same, and true, everywhere.
Aliens and parallel universes
Consolmagno reminds us that “to insist that ‘God could not have made other worlds’ was declared a heresy back in the thirteenth century-so this even covers alternate or parallel universes!”
May 16, 2008 1:32 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on May 16, 2008 13:32
Earth was not built in 6-Days nor 7 nor 66, nor 666, nor 7777....., but +/- 4.5 Billion Years Ago according to "Grigarian ex Julian Calandate System!!!! Praise The Holy No-Man!
Here "i" give you The Mother Of HArlots (Vatican Church, Eastern & Western) Exposed!
SHAME Catholic Church for tring to infiltrate UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization ) via embracing SCiENCTist who have Gotten Murdered by this same Church, includes Nazi Pope Bennedict or Not!
The Catholic-Church Satans in Light (clothing) and their counter Evilgelicals Pre-apocalyptic thinkers in holy-Crime in AMERiCA, should Be
SHAME to Ignore History & Now Satanically Via Word-Merchantising the Biblical Excuses to infiltrate Science by Audaciously saying,
May 16, 2008 1:30 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on May 16, 2008 13:30
Leave to MUHAMAD what is MUHAMAD's [Post IDOL Idolatry MECCA] & Leave to King David what is to King David [Pre-Islamic JERUSALEM] & Leave Jesus what is to Jesus [Post Pagan Jerusalem!]. What is to Caesar belongs to Caesar, not Church, Temples, Synagogues, Mosques etc..
Ya Ya!
April 4, 2008 12:28 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on April 4, 2008 12:28
INCAMERA (Secret) , Mr. Jeremiah Wright’s Church (Obama’s Armageddon Loving Holy Big-Mouth Preacher Mon) , a ’Tax Exempt’ Religious institution, is secretly Funneling charity & donations, via their Pre-Apocalyptic Faithful, so that their ’Congregants’ should donate weekly , INSTEAD to the CHURCH, for a ‘little while longer‘, biweekly & or Monthly until August or election day!
“Hay, Ye never know, a $Dollar a Week is not so meek!
POiNT: Do not be Mesmerized (or Dilussional) !
IT is ‘NOT’ Morack Husain Obama’s TiME to Be a Prez of U.S.A. [Commander in Chief] and Hence, command of the biggest Space Ship P.l.a.n.e.t EARTH, aka S.S. GAiA, aka S.S. GEOiD, aka S.S. TELLUSng Something that ALL EVERY & ANY H-U-M-A-T-E kind‘s , have ever Known, can ALL, JUSTLY For a TiME, and Thus enjoy LiVE & LOVE-iN “IT“ (Éclat + “i“ = LiFE/Photons!) until Momma Poppa SOLARa/o also goes ‘Poof-TiME‘ a-gonna one Day.
This is the TRUTH (opposite of MYTH’s) and the ‘Promised’ Prophecy (something NEW, better, not worse) of the APOCALYPSE/REVELATng (opposite of Secret’s, silence, omitting’s or like , keeping from the Naïve, some hidden MANNA, UMMA or KARMA..) !
Remember: HiLary R. Clinton & backers are in GOG (TRUTH) & Borack H. Obama & backers are in MAGOG (illusion/Delusion, aka Not Real!).
Ya Ya! < ?: +)/
April 4, 2008 12:22 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on April 4, 2008 12:22
Mr. TZiN GYATSO, aka un-holy Da Lamma has BLOOD on His Hands:
Down With BUDDHiSM!
Sweet sweet AMERiCA needs less Pre Apocalyptic 'iMPORTED' Religion(s) not more!
Any-way, who the H.E.L.L. needs to show someone how to meditate? aka 'Listening to ye E.C.L.A.T + i. Note: To Pray is to 'Speak' to ye E.C.L.A.T + i = LiFE/PHOTONS Harmonic Song!
The un-Holy Dali Lamma Should be tried in an international Court Of Justice for "CriMES Against Humanity"!
Especially through his International religio Buddhist Mafiaos's & his Global MONKS-ARMY!
Are A-M-E-R-i-C-A-N-S getting Dumber?
Do not Give ANY Monk nor Buddhists Exile 'Status' here aka "Political Asylum" etc..!
Remember, the MONKS-ARMY is a real Army!
.S
.H
.A
.M
.E!
by:
[J]
[o]
[z]
[e]
[v]
[z]
.
[U]
[S]
March 26, 2008 9:07 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on March 26, 2008 21:07
[J-O-Z-E-V-Z]
March 26, 2008 11:54 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on March 26, 2008 11:54
.A..S
.T
.R
.O
.N
.O
.M
.Y
.2.0.0.9
(dot)ORG
.ASTRONOMY.2.00.9
..o.r.g
March 26, 2008 11:29 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on March 26, 2008 11:29
I’d prefer reading in my native language, because my knowledge of your languange is no so well. But it was interesting! Look for some my links:
December 22, 2007 2:55 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 22, 2007 02:55
I’d prefer reading in my native language, because my knowledge of your languange is no so well. But it was interesting! Look for some my links:
December 21, 2007 4:11 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 21, 2007 04:11
I’d prefer reading in my native language, because my knowledge of your languange is no so well. But it was interesting! Look for some my links:
December 20, 2007 9:12 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 20, 2007 09:12
I’d prefer reading in my native language, because my knowledge of your languange is no so well. But it was interesting! Look for some my links:
December 19, 2007 12:39 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 19, 2007 12:39
I’d prefer reading in my native language, because my knowledge of your languange is no so well. But it was interesting! Look for some my links:
December 17, 2007 5:16 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 17, 2007 17:16
I’d prefer reading in my native language, because my knowledge of your languange is no so well. But it was interesting! Look for some my links:
December 17, 2007 9:23 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 17, 2007 09:23
I’d prefer reading in my native language, because my knowledge of your languange is no so well. But it was interesting!
December 7, 2007 9:40 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 7, 2007 21:40
It's a great achievement for Islamic leaders and scholars as well as Newsweek and the Washington post to present this imperative opportunity for inter cultural and global philosophical dialogue. What's important is that by exchanging our ideas and comments regarding inter religious relations and world events that affect our views of each other as fellow human beings. Since the advent of humanity, We strove to make sense of the world we live in and the lives we've experienced. Worldwide curiosities to learn the true nature of life and our universe is an exceptionally rare virtue upon life on Earth. In other words, we're the only known species on the planet who've pursued to unravel these great mysteries and developed written philosophies based upon our understanding of the world around us.
One such philosophy that lasted throughout the ages of humanity is commonly known as religion and spirituality. Ever since our early belief in the Sky God and the God Mother from ancient Pagan times, we vigorously pursued to unravel the truth about our most profound questions. As any educated person would know that religion and their core beliefs or faith have evolved over time. Paganism, Monotheism and Polytheism have been influenced by humanity as these great philosophies have influenced our perceptions and decisions in life over the ages. Over time humanity has embraced diverse religious faiths and spiritual convictions that continue to influence our behavior in our times and most likely beyond.
What's vital for humanity's progress and even survival is to know the true nature of faith itself. To understand the true origins of faith. But most of all, is to accept the truth for whatever it may be. Each one of us will learn the absolute truth once we die. But until that time comes for anyone of us to depart this world, we really don't know the answer to God's existence nor do we have the absolute truth in regards to the true nature of God. Besides if we did possess the truth, there would've been only one religion on Earth with no diversification of any way, shape of form. There would only be one holy scripture written throughout human history.
Considering one's religious faith to be absolute, while considering others to be false would be ethnocentric at best. While collectively searching to unravel the mysteries on nature, life and the universe through sincere reasoning and serious research would be enlightening at its worst. Most importantly, we must accept the fact is that none of us have conclusive evidence to confirm our core beliefs and there's always an immanent change that our most cherished beliefs could be wrong. Our greatest challenge would be to tolerate the truth no matter what it may ultimately be. With such an open mind, we would be able to overcome any future discovery that would contradict our faith regarding the true nature of life, spirituality and divinity.
Humanity does have the ability to achieve such a social achievement. However, it's solely up to humanity and not any other entity or groups of entities to decide our destinies. Each one of us has a choice to make; either hopelessly engaging into meaningless inter cultural conflicts or combine our scientific and cultural gifts to thrive into an enlightened global civilization that could ultimately expand beyond our solar system. The choice is yours, and the time to make it is now!
August 4, 2007 10:41 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on August 4, 2007 22:41
Ah, yes, Mr. Weasel.
July 19, 2007 7:41 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on July 19, 2007 19:41
Fanatics are there in all religions as there was in the times of Jesus. That does not mean that dialogue is not possible. You can take protective measures as well as show justice and mercy to people in Palestine.
March 15, 2007 11:39 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on March 15, 2007 11:39
For years, because my mother would not talk about it, I had some doubts as to the authenticity of some things that happened during WWII. Then, because she became ill, my mother began to talk - she was not a jew nor her brother who was imprisoned in Dachau - but her illness released her memories and those of her brother's. Wiesel's works meant very little to me, but I read them, and after my mother spoke of her and her brother's atrocities suffered at the hand of Nazis, I re-read them with new meaning for me. I remember trying to give my mom a piece of the Berlin wall that was being taken down. She pushed the piece of concrete back at me and said, "It is not over for us."
February 9, 2007 6:40 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on February 9, 2007 18:40
Mr. Wiesel talks in words.
Perhaps a different kind of conversation is needed.
December 17, 2006 9:41 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 17, 2006 21:41
Hi Elie my entire school has read your book the "Night" in our religion classes. I personal Have been moved so much by this book and I was hoping u could come and speak at my school.
December 13, 2006 7:15 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 13, 2006 19:15
It sounds like Wiesel is the fanatic refusing to dialogue.
December 11, 2006 12:11 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 11, 2006 00:11
FYI Elie Wiesel: Iran will not be defeated by atheists
http://beyondbabylon.blogspot.com/2006/12/fyi-elie-wiesel-iran-will-not-be.html
December 8, 2006 11:50 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 8, 2006 11:50
Does "the fanatic" make dogmatic statements? What is the purpose of "dialogue" other than to understand more thoroughly why we disagree? Isn't it fanatic to think just because folks engage in "dialogue" that they're more noble?
Is Elie Wiesel an atheist or not?
December 8, 2006 11:48 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 8, 2006 11:48
i think this book is very touching and i feel very bad that ha had to gothrough this stuff and that at first i thought i wasnt gonna like this book but then when i read more of it i really liked it.
December 7, 2006 11:16 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 7, 2006 11:16
Peace - i must admit that when i saw "fanatic" i also assumed it was directed at muslims but only because i am inundated daily with the american media reinforcing this idea by the continued repitition of the phrase muslim terrorist- muslim fanatic etc...
However it certainly didnt make me angry o anything- ive become very thick-skinned.
I am not a football fan (atic) s i dont discuss football with fans.
It is a wise sentiment but it is not exactly a dialogue opener.
salaams
December 6, 2006 2:58 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on December 6, 2006 02:58
Sarajoy:
No...you do NOT get what Anonymous is saying. It would be better for all concerned if you just kept quiet and listened for a while.
November 29, 2006 1:59 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on November 29, 2006 13:59
Anonymous, Dr. Wiesel (and others):
Absolute certainty about SOMETHING or about EVERYTHING leads to coming up with the right rationalization to justify their destruction?
I get what you're saying, at that point the ends justifies the means if it leads to true enlightenment for people.
But the difference (with at least ONE faith I am familiar with) is that you don't OWN truth, God has to give it to you. Therefore you cannot force it on anyone else.
Also, it's interesting to turn over what we're discussing. religious fanaticism...absolute truth. What is religion?
Man's practices in relation to the truth about God as he understands it?
What about God's interaction with Man? Doesnt that change the role of religion to a lesser importance, when a faith is based more on interaction with God than the things one does as a reflection of one's own understanding?
SJ
November 22, 2006 8:36 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on November 22, 2006 20:36
SJ:
To put it another way:
Once you achieve absolute certainty that you are right and the others are wrong it's just a question of coming up with the right rationalization to justify their destruction.
Religion, every religion, when embraced by the fanatic has the possibility of providing that certainty and enabling that rationalization.
November 22, 2006 8:11 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on November 22, 2006 08:11
To Quote
"A fanatic is one who believes he or she understands 'the truth', and that this 'truth' is universal and absolute." -Anonymous
If this is the definition of a fanatic, then I am a fanatic. There is still alot of religious persecution going on and I would not agree to die for my faith otherwise I believed that I had grasped the truth I need to be sure in this life and in the next. I would never live by a code that incorporates self sacrifice, unless I knew it was worth it. And by the way, truth by definition, is absolute.
*By the way, just because I believe I know the fundamental and necessary truth about the most IMPORTANT thing, does not mean I believe I know everything.
I've never been type casted as a fanatic before...this is new =)
SJ
November 21, 2006 11:33 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on November 21, 2006 23:33
I will take a minor disagreement with Mr. Wiesel on this subject.
It is very helpful for the general public's interest to document the words of the fanatics, so it is revealed what the fanatics truly feel, and prevent the fanatics from hiding behind the mask of "moderation". Their documented fanatic words help us in pointing to the unreliability in trusting such individuals.
But in terms of true discussion, yes of course, Mr. Wiesel is correct.
November 21, 2006 1:12 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on November 21, 2006 13:12
A fanatic is one who believes he or she understands 'the truth', and that this 'truth' is universal and absolute. Once one takes such a position, their goal is to broadcast that message -- not receive additional input that challenges or questions the 'truth' which they know.
I don't know 'the truth' -- but I have formed some ideas on what is right and wrong over the course of my life. I meet regularly with a group of friends for a 'Socrates Cafe' session [see http://www.philosopher.org/ for more info] -- and we have a dialogue and examination of our beliefs.
As Mr. Wiesel so aptly put, there is no conversation for us to have with a fanatic -- they have little to offer and they wish to receive nothing in return.
November 21, 2006 11:05 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on November 21, 2006 11:05
In response to fellow readers and Dr. Wiesel:
It is apparant to me at first, that this question CANNOT be answered unless I can define what a fanatic IS. Perhaps that is why you asked the question? To get us to really think about the definition we hold, of that term?
Secondly, NO ONE here is allowed to simply vent, and some have, I think your experiences Mr. Wiesel allows you some deferential benefit of the doubt, to ask whatever question you want to pose.
My answer to this question so far is, that fanatics do not believe in dialog, but they do beleive in absolute truth. So if you dig in that direction in your conversations with them, you may be able to facilitate common ground. Suffering and challenges touch people everywhere and cause them to reach for something more steady than their circumstances.
SJ
November 20, 2006 9:55 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on November 20, 2006 21:55
If the answer to Elie's question is that dialog is impossible, then perhaps the best practical course is to have the non-fanatics discuss out how to control the fanatics.
November 20, 2006 8:11 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on November 20, 2006 20:11
ANONYMOUS
In response to your comment posted on November 20, 2006 at 3:36 PM
I realy am sorry for you.
November 20, 2006 7:54 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on November 20, 2006 19:54
GA-Atheist -
The issue with the Koran is this, the violent parts (the Medina suras) are the later chapters chronologically, and came after the earlier peaceful parts (the Mecca suras). Koran instructions are that if there is anything apparently in conflict - the latest suras are the guiding law. Therefore, the painful truth is that the Jihadists are indeed being "faithful" to the Koran.
November 20, 2006 4:16 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on November 20, 2006 16:16
Reason Rules:
"I, myself, have abandoned belief in anything that cannot be supported by evidence. At age 80, and facing the end of life, I enjoy peace at last."
Good for you!
"I don't believe Islam is a religion of hatred towards anybody"
Actually, the Koran itself says you MUST kill infidels. How is this not a religion of hate? (as is Christianity)
Sure followers can "pick" the parts they want to follow and ignore the "bad stuff" but as Sam Harris points out, the fundamentalists are the ONLY one's that are actually following the religion as it is written.
November 20, 2006 4:02 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on November 20, 2006 16:02
Mohammed Malleck states:
"Who is the fanatic, Mr. Wiesel? Me? Read my comments on the panelists' statements by President Khatami and Professor Daniel Dennett, among others, and decide for yourself who is the fanatic, you or whomever you are accusing of being a fanatic, me, President Mohammad Khatami, or Karen Armstrong, John Esposito, or any one else on the panel's list."
Yes Mohammed Malleck, you are the extremist, and also an apologist for the violent in Islam, and until there is an honest and open debate about the theocratic and intolerant nature in Islam, and what Muslims can do about this, we will get nowhere in such discussions.
November 20, 2006 3:36 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on November 20, 2006 15:36
If these panelists are getting paid than Elie has made the biggest profit. He answered the question quickly then turned the question on us. Amazing.
"How then is conversation between us possible?"
It's not possible. You have to wait them out and get weak believers to realize they are misguided one by one. Once it reaches critical mass the fanatics will realize that they too are misguided. Until we get to that point there will be cruelty and bloodshed.
November 20, 2006 5:25 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on November 20, 2006 05:25
There is no debating absolute truths. However, there are always howevers.
As a religious Jew I believe that G-d gave the Torah to the Jewish people at Mount Sinai. However I can accept that a Christian has a different tradition and a Moslem yet another.
Nevertheless, a conversation between staunch believers can begin with the small things. Where to find modest clothes when the style is beyond skimpy; where to find kosher/halal food.
When people connect on a human level the conversation will contain less rancor.
November 19, 2006 6:19 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on November 19, 2006 18:19
What's with all the vegetarian ad/posts here on "On Faith"? Massively obnoxious. This isn't the place for such things.
November 19, 2006 2:21 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on November 19, 2006 14:21
Brian S.,
I invite you to read my other responses to the panelist statements by Tariq Ramadan and Professor Daniel Dennett.
I had already started typing a much longer response to you, but when I hit the icon 'send' something went wrong with the computer (no , I am being superstitious), and I really am not in a modd to continue arguing with those who don't try to understand but call others 'fanatic'.
Maybe I'll try tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Shalom.
Oh, sorry, for one second there I thought I was a Jew instead of a Muslim. Assalaamu-'Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakaatuhu.
November 18, 2006 7:21 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on November 18, 2006 19:21
When a fanatic slaps us on the right cheek, might we offer him the left?
We send signals to each other about our beliefs willy-nilly of whether we are consciously in dialogue dedicated to dialogue with each other.
I don't think we can know what will come of dialogue, especially in the long-run.
dlw
November 18, 2006 6:09 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on November 18, 2006 18:09
I am so pleased to communicate with Eli Weisel. I taught high school and had my students read Night and other books of Eli Weisel to know what it was like for victims of WWII fanaticism. I love and respect him. But I know that, were I in his place and had I suffered his ordeals, I would no longer have a belief in a god, especially in a god of justice and mercy. I, myself, have abandoned belief in anything that cannot be supported by evidence. At age 80, and facing the end of life, I enjoy peace at last.
November 18, 2006 5:04 PM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on November 18, 2006 17:04
My thoughts here: http://centralsanity.blogspot.com/2006/11/dialogue-or-parallel-monologues.html
November 18, 2006 11:46 AM | Report Offensive Comments
Posted on November 18, 2006 11:46
It occurs to me that to have dialogue, we must becomes somewhat hard-skinned.
If I assume that a general comment is specifically about me, there's a good chance (if I perceive the comment to be negative) I will become defensive.
I take to heart your challenge, Mr. Weisel. I, too, choose to believe in dialogue.
linda marie
November 18, 2006 11:00 AM | Report Offensive Comments