Reading notes

Azindy’s History of Rapture Doctrine is a nicely done historical/information essay that illustrates my contention that Rapture “theology” is only one step removed from just making shit up.

Most striking theological quote (from David B. Currie):

“This theology is appealing only as long as the pain is someone else’s. … Quite simply, the rapturist system contains no Cross.”

Given its fruit[s] of hubris and destruction, I assess that Rapture “theology” is one of the most effective strategies for leading people astray that the Enemy has ever come up with.

Mikem’s Daily Kos diary today asks When will US deaths in Iraq exceed those from 9/11? The comment thread contains an observation that exceeds even the gravity of considering when Bush’s war of choice in Iraq will have killed more Americans than Osama bin Laden did (2,814) [sadly, very soon; we’re at 2,588].

Inclusiveheart observes:

At the death rate of 100 people per day that has held steady in Iraq for the last month or so, Iraq is suffering a September 11th monthly.

Iraqis had nothing to do with 9/11. Yet as a consequence of U.S. action they’re paying a comparable human cost. Not just once, but month by month, grief by grief, over and over.

Is all the forgiveness in the world enough to accommodate this injustice?

Or will we reap what we sow instead?

2006-09-04 update:

According to CNN, we crossed this line yesterday:
U.S. deaths in Iraq, war on terror surpass 9/11 toll (September 3, 2006)