The Stars Going Out
There is a flurry of comment in the blogosphere about the call from a Dutch Bishop for Christians and Jews to begin calling God 'Allah'. The Bishop, who is set to retire soon, has, not exactly made a positive impact with people in the Netherlands – some 92% of people are opposed to the suggestion.
Bishop Tiny Muskens, from the southern diocese of Breda, told Dutch television on Monday that God did not mind what he was named and that in Indonesia, where Muskens spent eight years, priests used the word "Allah" while celebrating Mass.
"Allah is a very beautiful word for God. Shouldn't we all say that from now on we will name God Allah? … What does God care what we call him? It is our problem.".
A survey in the Netherlands' biggest-selling newspaper De Telegraaf on Wednesday found 92 percent of the more than 4,000 people polled disagreed with the bishop's view, which also drew ridicule.
Wretchard invokes a short story by Arthur C. Clark, The Nine Billion Names of God to comment on the Bishop's words. He has a link to the full text of that classic short story.
And that in a way, perfectly describes what has transpired in the post-everything world of Europe. The names of God did not matter to the jaded intellectuals until the last. Allah is the nine billionth name of God. And now the stars, without the slightest fuss, are going out.
Without any fuss. Go read what Wretchard wrote.
Religion, World news | Gaius August 16, 2007
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Truth v. The Machine » Archives » Another Surrender of Breda — August 16, 2007 @ 8:08 am
By Baby-Eating Liberal, August 16, 2007 @ 7:29 am
Yeah, this one has me scratching my head. The guy’s argument of ‘What does God care what we call him’ runs both ways – the word has to do with the language and nothing else. Use whatever name you like, just use it for some actual reason.
I think it’s a sign this is a non-issue for all concerned that 92% of the Dutch, one of the most liberal of the european states, oppose it. Nigh-universal opposition = a real yawner in debate:’Why, yes, I too am against Smallpox!’
My guess is these comments are going to be really, really sidetracked onto a peripheral issue.
By FedUp, August 16, 2007 @ 7:30 am
What kind of Bishop is this guy? And why not the muslims call allah, God? HE was here first and HE does NOT want to be called by any other name (other than those stated in the Bible). If we call God allah, then do we have to follow the Koran? Ain’t gonna happen for Christians! I’m tired of having to bend over backwards for a religion that allows it’s lunatic fringe to use the religion to kill and maim those who do not follow Isalm!
By Chris, August 16, 2007 @ 9:35 am
This is the natural result of people who espouse a faith that they themselves are not committed to. I’m sure that the bishop is a nice fellow, but I am equally sure that he is a very bad Christian.
Wolves in sheep’s clothing, anyone?