Wednesday, January 04, 2006

The Word Miracle Is Overused

What to say about this mine collapse in West Virginia? It seems cruel and unusual to have people believe their loved ones have been saved, then take that hope from them.

Did the media screw up? Well, no. The media reported what they were seeing and hearing, and had no reason to doubt what they heard. You know, if the whole town is screaming "they're alive, they're alive!" you might just come to the conclusion that, yes, they're alive. Sadly, you'd be wrong.

Fred Clark at slacktivist has some good thoughts on whether or not we should be using the word miracle. Personally, this is why I can't believe in God. These people were absolutely certain that God had saved their loved ones, but few if any of them will come away from this with the logical corollary - that God wants them to suffer heartbreak and loss. No, their faith - while tested - will come out of this tragedy more or less unshaken.

And frankly, I can't help but think that town is going to be mighty hostile to the lone survivor from now on.

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