Over the last couple of weeks there have been two high profile hate crimes in the United States. These incidents have been paired with reports of increasing memberships in extremist groups. So recently I have been more vigilant in pinpointing ignorance and discrimination on the internet. Therefore when I saw the headline “Atheist Right Winger Kills at the Holocost (misspelled words included) Museum” I had to read the article. What I found was another loving Christian with a deep rooted hatred of atheists.
The article is short and is mainly comprised of James von Brunn’s own writings. For those who do not know James von Brunn is the man who killed a security guard at the holocaust museum last week. Judging by the snippet that the author of the blog provided von Brunn did not like Christianity in any form. Whether or not von Brunn was an atheist or just anti-Christian is not at discussion in this article. Frankly I do not care one way or the other. However, what raised the discriminatory flag in this blog post was the last sentence written by Gene Redlin, the author of the blog:
Atheism is dangerous when it’s connected to radical political ideology right or left.
The above statement shows ignorance and discrimination on the part of the author as the word atheism could be replaced with any other word.
In fact, let’s try it!
Von Brunn wrote on his website that he was a member of Mensa. So if this claim is correct then his IQ is above the 98% percentile. According to our Gene Redlin we could say:
High IQ’s are dangerous when they are connected to radical political ideology right or left.
Von Brunn also stated he was a PT boat captain in World War II and won several medals. Therefore:
Military men are dangerous when they are connected to radical political ideology right or left.
George Tiller was gunned down by a Christian man in church a couple of weeks ago. Therefore:
Christianity is dangerous when it’s connected to radical political ideology right or left.
See, you could apply this label to every belief system. However, by stating such a blatant lie that atheism is dangerous Gene Redlin has offended a whole group of people. Discrimination in any form is never acceptable as it shows ignorance on the part of the perpetrator and it brings pain on the victims. An intellectual debate will never stoop to discriminatory comments in order to make a point.
I am of the belief that most humans are inherently good so I assumed that the author of this blog must not have understand the harm he brought on a whole group of people. Due to this assumption I decided to write him and inform him that his comments were offensive. Among other comments I wrote:
I am sorry but the last lines you used show your disdain for atheism in general.
He responded:
Yep I have disdain for Atheists. A fool says in his heart there is no God. I didn’t say that. Someone who I agree with did.
The fear of God is the Beginning of wisdom.
No fear, no wisdom.
Disdain well earned.
His response clearly indicates that he knew he was offensive and simply did not care. This is the reason I have decided to post this rant in the first place. Perhaps Gene Redlin will read this and realize that he has offended an individual that has nothing to do with him and has never brought him any personal harm. Perhaps this will cause him to refrain from posting discriminatory comments so readily in the future. At least I can hope for this outcome!
No related posts.
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
I am surprised that you seem to be more compassionate than the Christian who is supposed to be commanded to treat others with respect.
Gene is 100% correct. Atheism is disdainful and does not deserve our respect!
Why is atheism disdainful? Upon what basis did you, “God’s Witness” determine it is worthy of disdain?
Why was it assumed by Gene Redlin that the individual who was responsible for the museum shooting is an atheist? Couldn’t he simply have despised Christianity but still believed in god?
I find the number of presumptions floating around disturbing.
Actually, the title of the article was “Athiest…”, like this guy was the most athy person ever. Whatever “athy” means.
I find this to be spot on.
Redlin demonstrates a complete lack of understanding of the basics of cause and effect. He is also guilty of making assumptions that have no basis in fact. He assumes that von Brunn is an atheist simply because he isn’t a Christian.
As for the commentary by “God’s Witness,” it shows the depth of love that so many Christians really show to their fellow man… and it sickens me.