This isn't a band of saints. We all have faults. Many blame atheists for the decline of morality and reason. This particular woman may not have been evil, but to earn the title of "well known atheist" certainly implies that she was quite vocal in her beliefs. While I do not celebrate the unwarranted loss of life, I do make exception to not mourn the loss of those who have thrown away the gifts given to them nor do I mourn those that have contributed to the decline of a nation that was once a great beacon of hope and freedom. The path that we are on is going to be filled with death and misery before balance is restored. The death and misery was paved by people like this, whether they did it knowingly or not, that will hardly soothe the suffering that is still to come.
As in all things, there are levels of "enlightenment" and "awakening". The issue here is emotions. After years of persecution, it is difficult for people to forgive and move on. People vent here in a way that they would not do in person. Some have a lot of anger and frustration and express it. Enlightenment and awakening are journeys. Some will make it further than others. Time and guidance are what is needed.
Some of us (myself included) may never get to the point where we no longer feel a measure of joy when someone that harms others is brought to justice; whether by the hands of men, themselves or the Hand of God.
It is extremely difficult to do, but I believe most of everyone here has started the journey. I have no illusions of becoming a yogi or master of myself, but I'll keep working on it till my journey ends. After that, let's hope I keep my place and can continue the journey in whatever form that follows. Starting all over would be depressing.
This isn't a band of saints. We all have faults. Many blame atheists for the decline of morality and reason. This particular woman may not have been evil, but to earn the title of "well known atheist" certainly implies that she was quite vocal in her beliefs. While I do not celebrate the unwarranted loss of life, I do make exception to not mourn the loss of those who have thrown away the gifts given to them nor do I mourn those that have contributed to the decline of a nation that was once a great beacon of hope and freedom. The path that we are on is going to be filled with death and misery before balance is restored. The death and misery was paved by people like this, whether they did it knowingly or not, that will hardly soothe the suffering that is still to come.
As in all things, there are levels of "enlightenment" and "awakening". The issue here is emotions. After years of persecution, it is difficult for people to forgive and move on. People vent here in a way that they would not do in person. Some have a lot of anger and frustration and express it. Enlightenment and awakening are journeys. Some will make it further than others. Time and guidance are what is needed.
Some of us (myself included) may never get to the point where we no longer feel a measure of joy when someone that harms others is brought to justice; whether by the hands of men, themselves or the Hand of God.
It is extremely difficult to do, but I believe most of everyone here has started the journey. I have no illusions of becoming a yogi or master of myself, but I'll keep working on it till my journey ends. After that, let's hope I keep my place and can continue the journey in whatever form that follows. Starting all over would be depressing.