(Because of the recent tragedies that have befallen Haiti I've been trying to process the ethical and social realities that compose the so-called human condition. Writing blogs has been one way in which I make attempts to understand the world and place current events within perspective and the Haitian earthquake and aftermath has been no exception. But what has been different is that I have thus far chosen not to post my blogs on the subject. Much of what I have written is in anger and sadness and I think it's wise for me to refrain from posting too much about my own life. Additionally many of the behaviors that I am critical of were exhibited by people I like and who like me and I expect that it could potentially cost me some valuable social capital were I to share all of my feelings. Along these lines I will add that I don't give a fuck about late night television talk show hosts and I couldn't care less who they work for or how much money they make. The lives of Haitians is of far greater consequence to me and I think it should be for you too. Also, since none of you are the DJ that I heard on 95.5 The Beat wondering aloud why more media attention and money has been paid to Haiti than to New Orleans after Katrina (neither of which are true) it's a wasted breath to discuss this.)
Pat Robertson is a dick. That's not a revolutionary thought. Even amongst the most religious of my friends I can't imagine anyone I know would dispute that claim. His moronic comments about Haiti's earthquake being the result of a pact made with Satan to keep out the French were insidious and vile. His words were, however, the result of a strange and perverted sense of consistency. Pat Robertson believes in the supernatural and believes that other-worldly forces play a part in the events of day-to-day activities. He calls it 'God' but regardless of the terminology Robertson believes that unseen forces affect what happen to humans and the rest of the universe. Either by action or inaction these forces determine what happens in the lives of one or all. He followed up his statements about Haiti by saying that 'God' did not directly cause the earthquake to happen but, presumably, it chose not to prevent the earthquake. As ludicrous as it sounds to me Robertson realizes that if one believes that supernatural forces are involved in the lives of individuals then the deaths of over 200,000 people must have somehow been influenced by these same forces.
As a person who believes strictly in a material world I have neither the luxury or burden of explaining why 'God' or 'Allah' or any other supernatural force either caused or allowed such a tragedy to happen. Likewise I have no supernatural force to supplicate my earnest emotions regarding the people in Haiti. I contributed money to a couple of different disaster relief funds because all I could see was that humans populated an island that sits on a moving fault line and that they were suffering. I did not ask somebody else to ease their suffering because I am aware that cash buys more medical supplies and food than prayer does.
I'd like to offer you a challenge. I spent far too much as an evangelical Christian in my youth to bother with trying to convert people to my non-religious philosophy. There are others who can make far more eloquent philosophical arguments on the matter than myself and it usually seems to be a fruitless activity on my part.
I spent over a decade living and maintaining a religious identity. I have a pretty good idea of what it is like to view the world through a lens that imagines seeing supernatural influences on everything. If you do think the world is guided by unseen forces I would like to invite you to use your imagination and explore a different viewpoint. Imagine that the world we live in has no supernatural influence, no holy guidance, no divine purpose. For a few days, maybe even a few weeks try to imagine that there are only material forces behind everything. Take note of how it may make you change your perspectives on the people you interact with and of the history unfolding around you. I'm not asking you to convert to atheism I'm simply asking you to walk a mile in an atheist's shoes. I've walked several miles in the shoes of a believer and I feel like my life is more fulfilled because I haven't just entertained one perspective. To be very direct I'd like to add that if you worship a divine being that would punish you for an eternity for simply entertaining the thought that it doesn't exist you should ask yourself if such an intolerant force is worthy of your worship.
If you're still looking for something to give up for Lent might I suggest keeping chocolate and forgoing religion!
