The Crowbar

PZ Myers proves yet again that he is a) a condescending creep and b) incapable of having basic human respect for those he disagrees with. 

I’m dumber for even listening to this: Christopher Hitchens in a debate with FIVE blithering theologians (one of them was the so-called moderator). Hitchens was excellent, but the four other guys…Jebus. They all trot out these ridiculous arguments about a first cause and fine tuning and oooh, the historical evidence for Jesus is so good. Lee Strobel, in particular, is a flaming fraud and liar.

William Lane Craig was interesting, but stupid. 

PZ was commenting on the recent debate involving Christopher Hitchens (perhaps an atheist), William Lane Craig and other theologians. PZ does nothing to dissuade the stereotype of the juvenile frothing-at-the-mouth atheist who is emotionally unable to tolerate religion and is therefore vicious, dismissive, and/or condescending toward anyone who is religious. For contrast from a conservative commentator, check out this review of the same a similar debate by Doug TenNapel at Big Hollywod:

Christopher Hitchens is a kind of celebrity, even among Christians because he is an interesting character. If anything, he was warmly embraced by a crowd who generally disagreed with him even as he hurled the worst insults at God, which we consider the holiest, highest being imaginable. This is the demonstration of class and restraint I’ve noticed from a conservative Christian culture that has a much better record of tolerance than the liberal non-Christian culture.

Now that’s classy respect, Mr. TenNapel! Some anger therapy might do Myers some good, don’t you think?

Liberals who don’t read, understand, or like the Bible really should stay away from quoting scriptures when they try to make a point. When they do, they come across as awkward and uneducated. 

For example, the lefty blog Truthdig produces a ‘doh!’ moment in the post GOD IS NOT A FAN OF THE BANKING INDUSTRY:

Do a quick Google search and you’ll find that God, as worshipped by Jews, Christians and Muslims, has some strong feelings about interest charges—or usury, as it’s known in the Hebrew Bible. Here’s a doozy from Ezekiel: “Hath given forth upon usury, and hath taken increase: shall he then live? he shall not live: he hath done all these abominations; he shall surely die; his blood shall be upon him.” Ouch.

Good one there, Truthdig! Wow, you really got to ‘em there!

Reality Check: NIV Ezekiel 18:13 “He lends at usury and takes excessive interest. Will such a man live? He will not…” Gee that implies there should be a balance between creditors and borrowers. Darn inconvenient truth.

Wasn’t painful enough for you? Well, who is Truthdig to quit while they’re ahead:

The next time Visa calls looking for a payment, try hitting them up with Exodus 22:25: “If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as an usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury.”

Ooooooo. Religious conservatives must really be cringing from that!

Reality Check: Same verse from NIV:  ”If you lend money to one of my people among you who is needy, do not be like a moneylender; charge him no interest.”  The operative phrase being “poor by thee” and “among you who is needy.” It depends on how you define “poor” and “needy.” But, “poor” in Liberaland means having a 40″ plasma TV and an Iphone, so there ya go.

Then Truthdig proceeds to prove that bad things come in 3′s:

Of course, they might throw Leviticus 20:9 back in your face. That’s the one that says, “For everyone who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death. He has cursed his father or his mother. His blood shall be upon him.”

Grooooan. Truthdig, at least you should consult the Rev. Jeremiah Wright before you spew such inanity.

Reality Check: NIV verse: “If anyone curses his father or mother, he must be put to death. He has cursed his father or his mother, and his blood will be on his own head” HUH? How does this help the Visa creditor? Is the Visa creditor supposed to be the father/mother?? Dat Don Make No Sense.

Just to tie things up, Truthdig inserts one last whopper of lameness:

Incidentally, Leviticus is the same book homophobes cite when they seek biblical justification, so 20:9 is a good one to keep in your back pocket.

I’m so over-lamed that I can’t even bring myself to look Leviticus 20:9 up.