It had to be said

[canetoad]

In the aftermath of the fires that have swept my part of Australia, the nutters are coming out of the woodwork. We don't have many fundie psychos, but there is one who blamed the fires on punishment for abortions or somesuch. Here he is taken publicy apart by the religious editor of 'The Age'. Danny Nalliah has gone too far this time. He had little credibility before, less than none now.

http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/failing-to-understand-the-nature-of-an-understanding-god-20090211-84of.html?page=-1

Failing to understand the nature of an understanding God

* Barney Zwartz
* February 12, 2009

Christian leader Danny Nalliah's rantings about the bushfires are wrong.

CONTROVERSIAL Christian leader Danny Nalliah says the Victorian bushfires are a punishment for decriminalising abortion. Danny Nalliah is wildly wrong. He is wrong as a theologian, a thinker and a pastor, and has shocked and appalled both the mainstream community and the vast majority of his fellow Christians. They feel he has brought the name of Christ into disrepute.

At a time like this, the role of religion is not explanation; it is consolation. It is to seek to offer comfort and hope, a way of going on.

Uniting Church of Australia president Gregor Henderson speaks for most in saying Nalliah's claim is ludicrous, abhorrent and misunderstands the nature of God.

Henderson says: "God is not punishing the people of Victoria, so many of whom lost their lives, and so many more of whom are working day and night to fight fires, support the victims and provide food, clothing and shelter. God is, in fact, there with the people, in the middle of their suffering; God is made known through the love that is extended to those most in need."

[babylonsister]

1. Hi, canetoad.

There's been several stories on DU about this whacky guy and his trying to connect abortion to your fires.

I hope you are staying safe, and please know that many of us have been watching Melbourne melt from here and feel much sympathy for your fellow countrymen and women. It's horrific what's going on, and my heart goes out to all of you.

Edit to add: You probably know this, but this story about the fires and global warming was just posted:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=115x186212

[canetoad]

4. heya sister

I'm fine, though the fires were a bit close for comfort, killing a dozen people about 15km north of me. I've spent the last few days in a haze of tears as I hear the stories of the lucky and not so lucky and a few people I knew, but not very well have died in the fires.

There's an enormous community spirit though, everyone is helping when and where they can and talk of rebuilding has started.

I've vaguely heard about this Danny Guy. I believe he won some sort of freedom of speech type case a couple of years back. Can't remember the exact circumstances, muslims were involved. At the moment people are just too tired and shattered to tolerate bullshit like this. He's gone too bloody far.

Thanks for your good wishes. It has cooled down and though some fires are burning, they are getting them under control.

:)

[Tangerine LaBamba]

2. Hey, we got hit on 9/11

because of lesbians. Or abortions. Or lesbians having abortions.

Whatever, it was their fault. Or ours. Something. God took offense. Clearly, God is very involved in women's genitalia and reproductive organs. I've had men tell me it was heavenly, so I guess there's something to it........................

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

3. It's good to know that in Oz...

Religious sanity still holds sway. I wish we could get some shipped over here.

[liberalmuse]

5. It's just so awful...

you'd think the people claiming they're full of god's love would do all they can to help the people and animals who have lost their homes. I'm sure there are many non-religious and religious persons alike keeping their mouths shut, or instead, speaking out for the victims and helping those in need. Then you have those of the fanatical ilk who use a national tragedy to spew hate and blame-tearing down instead of lifting up. I don't know how or why a society abides these kinds of people, or why they always get so much media attention.

[panader0]

6. All the best to you canetoad. Be careful.

[marions ghost]

7. it insults the people who are gone

to say they died because of anybody's pet cause. What arrogance. This guy is just all about himself.

My Aussie-American family lost a friend in the fires up your way canetoad...he didn't die for some stupid guilt-producing preacher to use as a scare tactic, I'm sure. :eyes: