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Thursday, May 19, 2011

News of the Weird


There are days when I open the newspaper and feel like Alice after tumbling down the rabbit hole.

"We're all mad here."
~ Cheshire Cat

First up today is the news that circumcision of male children could be banned in San Francisco this coming fall. The proposal put forth by a group of “intactivists” got enough signatures to qualify for the November ballot, and if the initiative passes, it will prohibit circumcision in all males under age 18, with no exceptions. If you’re wondering, as did I, why on earth anyone would want to dictate such a thing, the Wall Street Journal reports that the measure’s supporters believe it is mutilation without the permission of the child and has no health benefits. Hm.

Next, astronomers think we may have a whole mess of rogue planets floating around the Milky Way galaxy without a star to steer them by. They’ve identified 10 big gaseous balls, similar to Jupiter, wandering around unsupervised, apparently not orbiting any star. This news astonishes astronomers. How did the gas balls get there? Why are they homeless? Are they in fact homeless? Were they thrown out of orbit for insubordination? Are they gas bubbles burped by a baby universe? Hm.

Finally, we might not have time to ponder either of these news stories if this Saturday unfolds as predicted by Harold Camping, who expects believers in Jesus Christ to vanish from the earth in a phenomenon known as the rapture. Mr. Camping’s calculations of the Biblical timeline leave no room for doubt, he says: On May 21, Jesus Christ will gather all his faithful followers into heaven in the twinkling of an eye, and the last days of Earth will begin. Hm.

According to the Associated Press reporter who submitted this news story, “most Christians don’t believe in [the rapture]” and “the Christian mainstream isn’t buying it.” He doesn’t cite sources substantiating those declarations, so I assume he’s confusing his opinion with something called “facts.” I’ll just point out that “most Christians” I personally know do believe something similar will happen one day, at a time unknown by anyone.

But I think it wise to keep my ignorant nose out of things that might or might not happen in the future. There’s work to do here and now, so I’ll just keep my feet right here in the present. Actually, at this hour of the evening, my feet will carry me off to bed.

Cheers!

10 comments:

Dr. Cheryl Carvajal said...

Don't know what to make of this rapture thing. I had plans for Sunday, too.

Then again I would likely wake up like normal. I don't see myself as particularly qualified to be chosen.

Brian Miller said...

i did buy lightbulbs last night just in case during the rapture a lightbulb goes out...

Maude Lynn said...

What is that AP reporter talking about? Since when do most Christians not believe in the Rapture? We just don't believe that Mr. Camping knows something that we don't.

Katherine Krige said...

As I haven't stepped foot in a church since I don't know when, I suspect that I will be tracking down Brian and his last light bulb to lead the way. I guess if the rapture doesn't take me, then maybe one of those rogue gaseous burps might get us.

Hey, do you think that maybe that is the same thing? hmm....

The Bug said...

But what does the Jewish community think about banning circumcision? Would they get special dispensation? Hmm.

Justjanesinsaneblog@blogspot.com said...

Very informative, indeed! The circumcision thing is just plain weird! I can tell you that I didn't think twice about having the procedure done on my two boys, in the mid 1980's. I don't know if I would have done it now, though. They have never complained...so.
The Rapture...well I think that guy predicted the same thing once before in like 1974 or something...honest!
I am just going to go about my business as usual and do what I do.

Peace, Jane

Titus said...

I hadn't heard the Camping specific date, but yes of course there is the rapture. Thessalonians I think, but don't quote me.
I loved the story of the star-less planets and your hms are mighty. Ah, the majesty of the wondering world!

RNSANE said...

Well, I don't think I'll waste my time packing any more boxes till after this rapture thing. I might not need to worry about finding a new place, after all.

steveroni said...

Missing a lot by not watching the news, I blog. And sometimes I get "all the news that's fit to print" right here.

With YOU I agree, Chris. Eternity is her, right now, this moment. It IS all we really are guaranteed. (Did you REALLY say all that?--grin!!!)

Love and PEACE!

Syd said...

I have seen t shirts saying I survived the Rapture. I would't tempt fate by wearing one.