Religious belief and war

This morning as I was reading the newspaper (as is my regular practice) I came across yet another letter to the editor spouting off how religion is the root cause of most, if not all, wars and international conflicts.  This seems to be a common refrain lately from atheists, in particular, and it is beginning to get annoying.

That wars have been fought (and continue to be fought) with religious motivation or in the name of God is unquestionable.  But to assert that religion is the root cause of the majority of violent conflict is less certain, to my mind. One need only go back to the last century for examples. 

I would suggest that the 20th century is going to be remembered by two major ideologies; fascism and communism. 

Fascism's religious roots were tenuous at best. Yes, Hitler's version, is particular, targeted a specific religiously identifiable group but his hatred of them went far beyond religion.  Jews were targeted regardless of their personal religious beliefs (even those who had converted to Christianity or had no faith at all). His hatred was racial more then religious in orientation. 

Communism had no religious roots at all.  Indeed, communism seemed determined, at least in its earlier manifestations, to pull out all religious roots of any kind.  No other ideology caused more deaths in the 20th century.  Even fascism cannot claim as many victims.

Yes, there were some wars that had religious roots in the last 100 years. But a quick look at history might conclude that atheism caused far more wars and claimed far more victims in the 20th century than religion did.  This is not excuse those who use God to justify their bloody deeds.  But I would urge atheists to be more intellectually honest about the consequences of religious belief and tone down the rhetoric. 

Tired....

An update on my health.  In one word...tired.  I am really struggling with fatigue right now.  I am glad that I have an appointment with my oncologist on Monday so that I can get my blood tested.  I am really hoping that nothing is wrong, but won't be surprised if there is.  Denita says that I have been pale for the past few days and I really find it hard to drag myself around the home and office.  I actually decided to work at home today, which was probably a good idea.  I would appreciate your prayers.

Hamas in their own voices

Business, Calvin's style

Hard to believe that this cartoon was drawn 15 years ago. It could have been drawn in the past few weeks, with its insightful comment on the number of businesses looking for a handout in today's economy.  Click on the cartoon to see it full-sized.

How dare Canada vote according to principle!

So... the Toronto Star is whining that Canada was the lone opposing vote on a lopsided, inflammatory resolution at the UN Human Rights Council accusing Israel of grave violation of human rights in the recent conflict in Gaza.  Such an action, they suggest, means that Canada has abandoned "a more even-handed approach to the Middle East in favour of unalloyed support of Israel."  At the very least, I suppose, they would rather that Canada take the position of several European countries and abstain.   But no, they complain, Canada had to vote according to principle and vote against such human rights giants as Cuba, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Pakistan, China, Egypt, Bangladesh, Azerbaijan, and Russia.  No, no, this will never do, they cry.  Canada should not stand alone!  Better that we sit on the fence!

Frankly, I have rarely been more proud to be a Canadian.  Finally, we are starting to act like a real country with the courage to have an opinion of our own, rather than letting our country of origin dictate what our political opinion will be.    Bravo!!

More antibiotics

Well, ended up going to a walk in clinic at my doctor's office to have someone look at my gums.  Yup, it's infected and so the doc gave me some antibiotics and instructions to get to the dentist on Monday.  Hurts like a son-of-a-gun.  Hopefully, it'll start to clear up now, though. Hate to see it get worse.

No more heperin shots for now

Back in July, I was referred to the Thrombosis Clinic at Toronto General Hospital because of a clot in my Hepatic vein in my liver.  The treatment was a Heperin shot twice a day for at least 6 months. Heperin is a blood thinner and is more effective than taking Warfarin pills especially when receiving chemo treatments.

Well, I am glad to report that I finished with the shots yesterday and we'll keep an eye on it to see if the clots continue to be a problem. But for now, no more injections!  I am so glad as my stomach is black, blue and lumpy from the shots.

I would appreciate prayer though.  I think I have a gum infection.  It's another side effect of the drugs I have been taking over the past few years and my continuing use of prednisone.  I suspect that I have an infection on the right, lower side that I will need to have looked at by my dentist.  I woke up early this morning with pain in my lower jaw. so I guess it is time to see if I can get this looked after.  Always something, isn't it??

Leadership thought of the day

Imagine

Imagine the following scenario.  A father (let's call him "Hamas") decides to take his family out for a Sunday afternoon drive.  He bundles his wife (let's call her "Hezbollah") and their little children into the car and forbids them to put seatbelts on.  He take off like a rocket down the road, headed directly for a brick wall.  Without slowing down, he crashes into the wall.  He and his wife survive but their little children are killed.  In rage, Hamas and Hezbollah cry out that it is the wall's fault for killing their innocent little babies.

My friends, if you deliberately and recklessly drive your family car into a wall, don't be surprised if someone gets killed.  And don't have the audacity to blame the wall.

Looking ahead to 2009

As I look ahead to 2009, I do with a degree of apprehension in the face of great opportunity.  I have a number of teaching opportunities opening up that really excite me.  The first is a week in Camrose at the Canadian Lutheran Bible Institute in March. Then we have a 3-day seminar in early June at the mission headquarters in Mississauga. These two I think I can handle.  But I also have the opportunity to participate at a theological consultation in Germany in September.  And then I have been asked to teach for a week in Seoul, South Korea in October.  A few years ago, these would have been no problem at all.  But facing life as I do now, knowing that my health is likely going to continue to deteriorate, I hesitate.  Is it wise?  Is it God's calling or my own love of teaching that compels me?   I do ask for your prayers.