Kells Memorial Commentary
Today I came across this post by Davis Straub of The Oz Report:
http://ozreport.com/1220628760
In this article Davis expresses his disapproval of the Memorial service for Rob Kells. While I agree almost with everything Davis said, I can't help but feel that the timing is somewhat unfortunate. It seems inappropriate to use the death of Rob and the memorial as a time to express one's own beliefs. His post has evolved into a religious debate in the Oz Forums.
I find this comment rather odd:
"There was an aspect of the service that did not sit well with this atheist." - Davis
Well what would you expect from a memorial service held in a Christian Church? As a strong atheist myself, I too would not sit to comfortably at any religious service. However using this time and situation to express disgust with religion only serves to further polarize the atheist community and further atheist stereotypes.
I chose not to attend the memorial service, both because I am an atheist and the forecast was looking good. We all morn, celebrate and show respect in our own way. And what better way to show respect for a man that dedicated his life to Hang Gliding, than to go flying? Heck you could even throw in some religious symbolism: thermalling, getting higher and higher towards heaven, closer to Rob than ever. ;) I know if it was I who died, I would want everyone out flying, especially with the 12k forecast!
"When will these merchants of death stop selling these lies and deceptions to vulnerable people? This denigration of life and celebration of death. Such monsters. False promises of an eternal life thereafter. Such hogwash." - Davis
I couldn't agree more and with the fly in being a memorial gathering I was anticipating certain religious elements. However out of respect for Rob's family and those that knew him (I only had the chance to speak with him once) I decided ahead of time to put aside my own convictions and simply be respectful of the wishes of others.
I have been introduced to Davis twice, once a year ago at Santa Barbara and at the fly in, but have not had the chance to chat with him. Davis, you seem like a good guy and I hope I get a chance to chat (and fly) with you some day.
The Fly in was a huge success and, I think, the prefect way to morn, celebrate and show respect for Rob Kells.
....
I did not know Rob personally, but they way others have spoken of him is inspiring and it makes me want to be like him. I have started to become genuinely excited about others getting a chance to fly. I like to see the maximum number of pilots get to fly the maximum number of times possible. A couple of times I have been able to drive for a few pilots so they could all get to fly. We have such a beautiful mountain that it hurts me to see day light go to waste with no one flying. Life is short and finite, and I can't think of a better way to spend a day than flying. If it all came to an end tomorrow, at least we got to fly today.
http://ozreport.com/1220628760
In this article Davis expresses his disapproval of the Memorial service for Rob Kells. While I agree almost with everything Davis said, I can't help but feel that the timing is somewhat unfortunate. It seems inappropriate to use the death of Rob and the memorial as a time to express one's own beliefs. His post has evolved into a religious debate in the Oz Forums.
I find this comment rather odd:
"There was an aspect of the service that did not sit well with this atheist." - Davis
Well what would you expect from a memorial service held in a Christian Church? As a strong atheist myself, I too would not sit to comfortably at any religious service. However using this time and situation to express disgust with religion only serves to further polarize the atheist community and further atheist stereotypes.
I chose not to attend the memorial service, both because I am an atheist and the forecast was looking good. We all morn, celebrate and show respect in our own way. And what better way to show respect for a man that dedicated his life to Hang Gliding, than to go flying? Heck you could even throw in some religious symbolism: thermalling, getting higher and higher towards heaven, closer to Rob than ever. ;) I know if it was I who died, I would want everyone out flying, especially with the 12k forecast!
"When will these merchants of death stop selling these lies and deceptions to vulnerable people? This denigration of life and celebration of death. Such monsters. False promises of an eternal life thereafter. Such hogwash." - Davis
I couldn't agree more and with the fly in being a memorial gathering I was anticipating certain religious elements. However out of respect for Rob's family and those that knew him (I only had the chance to speak with him once) I decided ahead of time to put aside my own convictions and simply be respectful of the wishes of others.
I have been introduced to Davis twice, once a year ago at Santa Barbara and at the fly in, but have not had the chance to chat with him. Davis, you seem like a good guy and I hope I get a chance to chat (and fly) with you some day.
The Fly in was a huge success and, I think, the prefect way to morn, celebrate and show respect for Rob Kells.
....
I did not know Rob personally, but they way others have spoken of him is inspiring and it makes me want to be like him. I have started to become genuinely excited about others getting a chance to fly. I like to see the maximum number of pilots get to fly the maximum number of times possible. A couple of times I have been able to drive for a few pilots so they could all get to fly. We have such a beautiful mountain that it hurts me to see day light go to waste with no one flying. Life is short and finite, and I can't think of a better way to spend a day than flying. If it all came to an end tomorrow, at least we got to fly today.
posted by David Aldrich at
11:23 AM
