June 3, 2006
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"kissing Hank's ass" - pathetically incorrect story
Problems with the "Kissing Hank's Ass" story making the rounds of atheist websites these days (i.e. http://www.jhuger.com/kisshank.php , but I don't recommend reading it - it's neither edifying or even solid argumentation for atheism - it's full of straw men - its only force is emotive)
1. In the story, there is no empirical justification given by Hank. The God described in the Bible has given significant empirical evidence, most notably in Jesus' resurrection. (Acts 17:22-31)
2. The story implies that all warnings of impending doom are ludicrous. This is obviously not always the case. A fireman might legitimately shout warnings to a person inside a burning building to get out. Another example is the case of Harry Truman, an 83-year old man who refused to leave his cabin in the shadow of Mt. St. Helens, even as the volcano began to rumble and issue smoke for the two months before its eruption. Scientists and officials repeatedly tried to tell him of the danger, but he obstinately ignored them. He was buried by volcanic ash and mud on May 18, 1980.
3. The story likens the Christian call to repentance and following God is likened to literally "kissing Hank's ass", and Hank is presented as an arrogant, stupid, and sadistic man. The analogy is grossly wrong. More accurate analogies would be:
- Finding a treasure hidden in a field, and selling everything I own to buy the field and possess the treasure.
- Or about to drown in a raging storm after my ship sank in the ocean, and suddenly being thrown a rescue rope by a Coast Guard worker.
- Or as a dirt poor orphan begging in the streets, suddenly being adopted as an heir of the King of the land.
- Or having my debt of one billion dollars being paid by a benevolent rich man, and having a credit of one billion dollars placed into my bank account, and then on top of that, being asked if I would like to take a really good job at the man's company.
This link shares a similar view, more eloquently and thoroughly.
Comments (2)
What empirical evidence specifically is given?
It doesn't imply that ALL warnings of impending doom are ludicrous. In that instance, there is no evidence to support that Hank will actually come kick the shit out of the man if he refuses to kiss Hank's ass; there was significant evidence to support a volcanic eruption.
Lastly, how is Hank presented as arrogant, stupid, OR sadistic? He's a billionaire philanthropist. He WANTS to give you a million dollars, and all He needs is a little kiss on the ass. Why, you ask? Who are you to refute His gift? He BUILT this town, He OWNS this town. He can do what He pleases, including kick the shit out of you, which he will do if you refuse to kiss him on the ass. Why does Hank get to kick the shit out of you? Because the List tells us so, and Hank wrote the list. Hank's only arrogant if you assume a God to compare him to.
Hope my last little paragraph made more sense than it looks to me right now like it did; I'm extremely tired at the moment.
~Sol
Also: Where'd that other topic go?
~Sol
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