|
Post by Smithee on Dec 14, 2012 8:55:55 GMT 10
Over the past few years, Anton LaVey and his book The Satanic Bible has grown increasingly popular, selling thousands of new copies. His impact has been especially pronounced in our nation’s capital. One U.S. senator has publicly confessed to being a fan of the The Satanic Bible while another calls it his “foundation book.” On the other side of Congress, a representative speaks highly of LaVey and recommends that his staffers read the book. A leading radio host called LaVey “brilliant” and quotations from the The Satanic Bible can be glimpsed on placards at political rallies. More recently, a respected theologian dared to criticize the founder of the Church of Satan in the pages of a religious and cultural journal and was roundly criticized by dozens of fellow Christians. Surprisingly little concern, much less outrage, has erupted over this phenomenon. Shouldn’t we be appalled by the ascendancy of this evangelist of anti-Christian philosophy? Shouldn’t we all—especially we Christians—be mobilizing to counter the malevolent force of this man on our culture and politics? As you’ve probably guessed by this point, I’m not really talking about LaVey but about his mentor, Ayn Rand. The ascendency of LaVey and his embrace by “conservative” leaders would indeed cause paroxysms of indignation. Yet, while the two figures’ philosophies are nearly identical, Rand appears to have received a pass. Why is that? One does not need to look far to add flesh to these bones. Love one another? Who are We to Love someone who does not want us to Love him and impose our Love upon him as is it were a new yoke? Why act so surprised when he does not Love us in return? I did not come here twenty seven years ago to be Loved by my fellow Man, but to be challenged.... Chaplain – Triluminar Lodge No. 767 – Lansing, Illinois
|
|
|
Post by Tamrin on Dec 16, 2012 8:06:06 GMT 10
|
|
|
Post by Tamrin on Dec 16, 2012 19:11:21 GMT 10
Over the past few years, Anton LaVey and his book The Satanic Bible has grown increasingly popular, selling thousands of new copies. His impact has been especially pronounced in our nation’s capital. One U.S. senator has publicly confessed to being a fan of the The Satanic Bible while another calls it his “foundation book.” On the other side of Congress, a representative speaks highly of LaVey and recommends that his staffers read the book.
A leading radio host called LaVey “brilliant” and quotations from the The Satanic Bible can be glimpsed on placards at political rallies. More recently, a respected theologian dared to criticize the founder of the Church of Satan in the pages of a religious and cultural journal and was roundly criticized by dozens of fellow Christians.
Surprisingly little concern, much less outrage, has erupted over this phenomenon. Shouldn’t we be appalled by the ascendancy of this evangelist of anti-Christian philosophy? Shouldn’t we all—especially we Christians—be mobilizing to counter the malevolent force of this man on our culture and politics?
As you’ve probably guessed by this point, I’m not really talking about LaVey but about his mentor, Ayn Rand. The ascendency of LaVey and his embrace by “conservative” leaders would indeed cause paroxysms of indignation. Yet, while the two figures’ philosophies are nearly identical, Rand appears to have received a pass. Why is that? One does not need to look far to add flesh to these bones.Love one another? Who are We to Love someone who does not want us to Love him and impose our Love upon him as is it were a new yoke? Why act so surprised when he does not Love us in return? I did not come here twenty seven years ago to be Loved by my fellow Man, but to be challenged....Chaplain – Triluminar Lodge No. 767 – Lansing, Illinois Alan, holding a lodge Chaplain to such a standard may be going too far. In my experience, such offices tend to be more or less nominal. It would be a different matter for someone whose chaplaincy was vocational. For example, at our local steelworks (now closed), the works Chaplain had a conspicuous poster in his office which read: When things go wrong as they sometimes will, When your daily road seems all uphill; When funds are low, and debts are high, When you try to smile, but can only cry; When you really feel you’d like to quit, Don’t come to me, I don’t give a shit. It featured a picture of Mickey Mouse giving the finger — Humorous? Perhaps; Out of place? definitely!
|
|
|
Post by Tamrin on Dec 19, 2012 11:13:34 GMT 10
The Great Controversy:
Every creed, whether religious or humanist, implicitly has two sides, open and inclusive or insular and exclusive. In Christianity the former, selfless aspect, is represented by the teachings and example of Jesus (whether historical or not) while the latter, selfish aspect, is depicted by Satan.
Every creed hinges on this choice. Forget dogmas, miracles and theological minutia — forget God — ultimately this choice is all that matters.
I do not intend to labour the point: One may try to justify either aspect. The point itself and the choice before you is stark and simple.
I only ask you to consider which aspect is endorsed by Freemasonry and which by Objectivism?
Contemplating the question put to every Masonic candidate regarding their reasons for seeking admission may assist your deliberations: “Do you likewise pledge yourself that you are prompted to solicit those privileges by... a sincere wish to render yourself more extensively serviceable to your fellow-creatures?”
|
|
|
Post by Smithee on Dec 21, 2012 12:32:41 GMT 10
We are still disputing Cain's question in Genesis chapter 4 verse 9. "Am I my brother's keeper?"
|
|
|
Post by Smithee on Dec 21, 2012 12:35:54 GMT 10
|
|
|
Post by Smithee on Dec 21, 2012 12:38:05 GMT 10
“Ayn Rand's 'philosophy' is nearly perfect in its immorality, which makes the size of her audience all the more ominous and symptomatic as we enter a curious new phase in our society.... To justify and extol human greed and egotism is to my mind not only immoral, but evil.” - Gore Vidal
“I have always found it quaint and rather touching that there is a movement [Libertarians] in the US that thinks Americans are not yet selfish enough.” - Christopher Hitchens
“Indifference to me, is the epitome of all evil.” - Elie Wiesel
|
|
|
Post by Tamrin on Dec 21, 2012 13:48:45 GMT 10
Objectivism holds that all forms of altruism are irrational and immoral, even if they are done voluntarily. Given the tedious repetition of their inane mantra, "A is A," it is curious that anti-intellectual Randoids cannot even begin to support their trashy argument that "altruism is immoral" without twisting the meanings of those words and resorting to false dichotomies and hyperbole.
|
|
|
Post by Tamrin on Dec 21, 2012 17:12:15 GMT 10
Every creed hinges on this choice. Forget dogmas, miracles and theological minutia — forget God — ultimately this choice is all that matters. Abou Ben Adhem
by Leigh Hunt
Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!) Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace, And saw, within the moonlight in his room, Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom, An angel writing in a book of gold:- Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold, And to the presence in the room he said, 'What writest thou?' - The vision raised its head, And with a look made of all sweet accord, Answered 'The names of those who love the Lord.' 'And is mine one?' said Abou. 'Nay, not so,' Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low, But cheerly still; and said 'I pray thee then, Write me as one that loves his fellow-men.' The angel wrote, and vanish'd. The next night It came again with a great wakening light, And showed the names whom love of God had bless'd, And lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest.
|
|
|
Post by Tamrin on Jan 8, 2013 13:54:41 GMT 10
|
|