Haiti, especially as a Catholic country, is an excellent means for testing the power of prayer.
Did God make this horrendous earthquake happen as a punishment for the people of that land, including the babes in arms? If He did, what was the crime, and did each and every one of the dead deserve it?
As the religious center of hope and sustenance for the millions of Catholics, why did God, if there is one, choose to destroy the cathedral?
If the land is prone to earthquakes around and close to Port au Prince, it appears to me that it would be unwise to rebuild the city on its current site. It might be good to rebuild in an area that is more geologically sound. This might be accomplished with a good deal of the donated funds. Or a rich large landholder might even donate his land. And it would surely make the destruction of the dead city and buiding of a new one much less expensive. Just a thought. In any event, it will offer hope for employment to the masses who need it so badly, especially right now and into the future.
I would imagine that everybody actually prays, even atheists. How many times have I said to myself, “Oh my god, how could such a terrible thing happen?! Please don’t let any more of them die, and so horribly!”
In circumstances like these, I always think and mutter such phrases, although to a being which I doubt exists.
But my prayers, I can assure you, are just as sincere, even if there is no god. If there actually is a God, He will hear my prayers as well.
LittleBill
1/16/10
7 comments:
Hi little Bill, when did you do this? I like it! Those people in Haiti are amazing. I am impressed with their faith. With three million homeless injured and hungry with no facilities of their own this I am afraid is more than they realize.
They are starting to realize what they are up against as the scale is too large and people are dying that shouldn't be. I will shut up, hope you are well!
Yeah, God save the Haitians! (As many as possible!)
Hi Little Bill
I must say, personally I am absolutely astounded and impressed with the faith in God and the Religiosity of the average Haitian. They are amazing.
I have never seen such faith! One Women was pulled from under a pile of rubble after 7 days and she came out singing praise to the Lord. When asked if she thought she would be saved she said yes why not? There was a group of homeless and hungry standing amidst the rubble dancing and singing Religious songs. Unbelievable!
After 8 days a 7 year old boy was pulled out, held up his arms and smiled. That photo is going to make him the poster child for relief aid! I have never seen such exuberance under such dire conditions.
I never thought I'd see the day Little Bill prayed for anything!
Boris, Camus wrote that he didn't know whether or not God existed, but that he intended to live as if God did exist. And, he reasoned, if it turned out that God was real, that would be a real plus!
So, I don't think it's outrageous for an atheist to explore prayer. Especially as regards Haiti. Sometimes it's worthwhile to hedge your bets!
Good for you little bill! Just stopped by to say Hi I hope you are well!