Oral Roberts was the father of television evangelists and a well known faith healer. He was the founder of Oral Roberts University and Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association. On Tuesday December 15th, Oral Roberts died.
Oral Roberts was a legend among evangelical. He reportedly raised the dead and received personal visitations from Jesus in the flesh. In life, God rewarded Oral with millions of dollars presumably to off set his parents poor choice in naming him.
Today Christians everywhere are happy Oral Roberts is dead. It really is great news when you think about it; God has “called him home,” as Oral himself would have put it. As an atheist, I am saddened when anyone dies even people who I philosophically disagree with and morally find repulsive and dishonest, but I respect the Christian perspective.
As an atheist, I view life as a one shot deal with no do-overs, extra guys, or restarts. I don’t think life is a trial run for some other life, but rather that life is all there is and that we ought to live life fully. So when people die, I mourn them because they are dead. That was the end of their life and they only live on in the lives of the people who loved them. But I understand that Christians do not see death as the end of life, but rather see death as the beginning of a life of paradise and everlasting bliss. That being the case, I can understand why Christians everywhere ought to be celebrating the death of one of their loudest voices.
According to the Christian belief system to which Oral deeply subscribed to, he no longer has to live on the evil planet Earth with sinful and wicked human beings. He is in paradise now living large right next to God. He’s hanging with Jesus 24/7 without a care in the world.
The odd thing is that for some illogical reason, Christians still mourn the dead the same as I do. I don’t really understand why that is because Christians have no real reason to mourn. When I mourn the death of someone it is because I believe they are dead. I’m pretty sure that they aren’t coming back to life. I am pretty sure that I am not going to meet up with them is some kind of after life. I am pretty sure that I will never see them ever again. To me they only live on in my memories. So I mourn the loss of my loved ones. But why do Christians mourn?
If I were a Christian, I would be celebrating Oral’s entrance into Heaven. Even though I am an atheist and do not believe in a Heaven, I still celebrate because I know that is what Oral Roberts would want me to do and I will not debate his beliefs on this joyous occasion.
A toast to Oral, I hope you like Heaven, because you have to spend eternity there and that is a very long time.
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Author’s Note: This article is part of the ‘On Faith’ series. Don’t forget to check out the rest of this continuing series, links below.
On Faith Series: On Faith: holidays or holy days? Atheism 101 Articles: Atheism 101: What is the difference between atheism and agnosticism?
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Atheism 101: Is there moral grounding without God?
Atheism 101: The Purpose of Life
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Atheism 101: The anti-intellectualism of religion
Atheism 101: Why has Christianity demonized nudity, sex and sexuality?
Atheism 101: Does it take more faith to be an atheist?
Atheism 101: What came before the Universe?
Atheism 101: How to respond to the ex-atheist
Comments
You are disgusting. So is Madilyn O'Hare. Thank God!
To answer your question: Death is sad for Christians because it is a separation. Someone who will never been seen again, not for this lifetime.
PS: You have a typo in your second paragraph, and you also might like to read some orthodox Christian beliefs (or perhaps ask a pastor) about Christian views about death, whether the earth itself is evil, or the general resurrection. To misrepresent beliefs of those you are arguing against suggests that you haven't actually considered it at all.
There is no such thing as "orthodox Christian views" on *anything* because *all* Christianity is Self Projection as God.
Chucky, let's explore this for a moment. Death is sad because you won't see that person again in this life, but you believe that you will see them again in Heaven, right? So it might be a little sad, but not all that sad. It is like they just took a trip. And when you think about it, they took a trip to paradise to live forever in bliss. So being sad at their death is selfish. You ought to be happy for them and realize that you will see them again soon. So why be sad? Why the mourning?
I mourn because I believe that when people die, they are dead... as in doornail. I mourn because their life is over and they don't have any more lives left. That's it. Game over.
I think that was insensitive and a little hurtful, even though you cleaned it up a bit. However you're revealing your ignorance on the views to which you object in the process. You should be very meticulous and careful with this kind of sensitive commentary. Even atheists can be kind...or can they? I've never met or spoken with one, so I have you as a measuring stick. Good job in encouraging a response to your article (in a somewhat mean way) if that was your goal.
Why is it insensitive, Believer? Roberts believed that he was going to paradise forever. That sounds like good news to me. What exactly am I missing here? Are you trying to tell me that you really don't believe that Roberts went to Heaven for all eternity? Or maybe that you think Heaven is a bad place? I'm just asking some basic questions here.
Staks,
Christians have no real reason to mourn? I don't think you REALLY believe that. Aren't Christians human like athiests and everyone else that can feel emotions? I just pray that God will remove the blinders from your eyes just like He did for me and countless others. What's interesting about God is faith comes first, and then the evidence will follow - not the other way around. Even a simple prayer like, God show me if you are real shows enough faith for God to begin to reveal Himself to you. Don't knock it 'till you try it!
Tamiko, Of course Christians have emotions. Who said that they didn't? But if you really believe that Oral Roberts is going to spend paradise in Heavenly bliss, then that emotion should be joy not sorrow. So I am confused here.
Second, I do find it insulting that you believe that I have never "tried" it and am "knocking" it. The fact is that most atheists in America were once believers in the Abrahamic God. I was a believer from before I could speak to about 13. It was then that I started to have my doubts. But I didn't completely break from belief until college when I started having long in depth conversations with fundamentalist Christians. And yes, I did on quite a few occasions sincerely pray for evidence. But that is another story for another article.
I thank you for your opinions and your eye-catching articles. Great 'gotcha' tactics to get readers to click your link. God bless you son.
I liked your article, although I'm wondering why you are "pretty sure" about several things (and not absolutely sure).
Well Réne, I think it is because I am not arrogant enough to claim to know anything 100%. I leave that for theists. All I can say is that there are things that I am reasonably certain about, but could possibly (although in some cases extremely unlikely) be wrong. Thanks for the question. You may enjoy two of my other articles related to that in the Atheism 101 section (links below the article).
Atheism 101: What is the difference between atheism and agnosticism?
&
Atheism 101: Does it take more faith to be an atheist?
I too, am saddened by Roberts death. Even sadder is the truth that he was not a "Christ follower" but a preacher of another "jesus." His doctrines mocked the oracles of the bible and has led many toward following teachings that the Apostle Paul warned long as as being, "... the doctrines of devils."
As a Christian (a follower of Jesus Christ, the Son of God) I am more sad that he never repented of his heresies... and now, for him - it's too late.
Christian mourning is selfish. We mourn not because we don't think the deceased is happy but because we miss having them around. Especially if it's a kid, it's someone we made an investment in and had plans for, and now those plans and investments are in some sense gone for nothing. "It's got to be the going, not the getting there, that's good," because you may never get there. When we lose a traveling companion, we lose someone we shared the journey with. We lose part of ourselves. It's part of being human. Worldview has nothing to do with it.
But Henry, you will see them again. So why be sad? You ought to be happy knowing that they are in perfect bliss and that someday you will meet up with them and share that bliss. So I still don't get the mourning and the sorrow.
Once again atheists just don't get it!
Sarcasm..the last refuge of a small mind. Why should Christians mourn the dead? Really? If you respect other people's beliefs do you need to indulge in this rhetoric?
Good riddance to bad rubbish! One less magic vendor.
And political princess is disgusting. Thank FSM!
Catchy title to this story!
I'm tempted to think William Cody is right. Oral is probably in a bad place, being a greedy televagelist, alone a fault.
I don't recall St. Paul making a killing in the religious biz, and more than likely would have seen taxing the churches as a way to week out the heretics infecting the evagelical body, leaving true churches to thrive without the yoke of the leeches in America. But Mammon seems to have control of the Protestant body, or at least its leaders.
I have been to Christian funerals where they call it a "celebration". Pretty presumptuous if you ask me. How can anyone be confident of God's judgment?
Maybe he is still pitching for hospitals and whatever wherever he is. "I need a million dollars tomorrow. or they stoke the flames." ;)
Sir: atheist you may be, but God you will see. The day is coming when you, like Oral Roberts, will die. You will close your eyes here and open them in hell. Roberts, if he did not repent, will be with you. It is so sad to see someone live all their life without God and the peace that comes through a personal relationship with Him. You are an atheist, I am a believer. I have a future, you don't. I have prayed for you!
Staks,
So you say you were a believer once? Perhaps you thought that if you found and trusted in Christ he would give you all that you asked for. But if we got all that we prayed for, all that we wanted... how could we relate to others with less. You see in most cases it's harder being a follower of Christ. Not everyone is willing to walk the narrow path of unselfishness, and give up the mentality of self love. As a society people don't know how to give back without first thinking of themselves. As believers of Christ we are called to put others above our own needs and sometimes if we've walked in that persons shoes we know the pain. So just because you have recieved Christ as your personal savior, don't expect pure bliss. You can however expect to be filled with a fullness like you have never known, if you will let God be your guide.
I too am sadden that someone chose to waist their life and the lives of others, but it was his choice. I never delight in someone deceiving others simply for their own self interest.
I wish more people would be humbled and have more integrity with their lives as opposed to being so doubtful and ignorant.
Two of my moral values are truth and humility in which the 2 are related to each other. Truth has no weakness and integrity is it's stregnth and humility gives one the wisdom to see the ugliness and beauty that resides in truth.
The example in which we set for others to follow is known as our legacy. It is only a pity that Oral Robert's legacy will always be tainted with deception and corruption.
Live your life with the open heart of humility and weigh that which is given consideration with truth.
If Oral Roberts were given an enema, he could be buried in a match box.
I am going to forget about grammar and just talk,ok. We mourn because we do not know how long it will be till we have that sweet heavenly reunion. We are happy for them but we mourn for ourselves. We have to live the rest of our lives without this persons prescence,touch,voice,advice and companionship. It is like everyone experiences The Empty Chair at The Dinner Table.My Aunt died recently, I know she is happy in heaven and is reunited with her parents,other relatives,friends,pets and Uncle Bill.She is happy and well and is no longer a 92yrold in a wheelchair. But I still cry and I miss her greatly, she was someone I could talk to and rely on for encouragement,she was more like a Grandmother to me and I am selfish and want her here,to be with and to talk to,for her to help me with some stuff going on in my life. This is what we cry and mourn for. For them to be in the flesh with us. I have trouble believing that you do not understand this.
Since you have left Christianity and are now a very vocal atheist. You are one of the ones that have made atheism your new religion and shout it from the rooftops who are you trying to convince others or yourself? I will pray for Jesus to reveal himself to you in a way you will understand,for him to reawaken you to Him or to get you truly saved in the first place. I will have to read your articles to see what your problem was with being a christian. I will add you to my list of Larry King,Penn Teller and Joy Behar and Bill Maher. I feel sorry for you guys living without Christ as one preacher told Larry King He is not just my crutch He is the whole hospital. And He helps me and comforts me about my Aunt passing. He reminds we will be together again and we will have happy things to talk about, my dad will not be sick there and we will not have the problems I am dealing with there and of course I will get to see Him facetoface there and as you say hang with Him.
By the way, I am sad about Rev. Oral Roberts death, the world needs these older preachers that teach the true bible. I am happy for him though cause he is having a ball in heaven as is my Aunt. I am sad for his family that has to deal with The Empty Chair at the Dinner Table. He had a great sense of humor and they will miss that along with the prayers,advice,love and companionship. I have a relative that HAD a leg problem for many years. They prayed with Rev.Roberts to Jesus and were healed haven't had a problem since. Enjoy all your rewards in heaven Rev.Roberts.
Watch Geoff Moore- Come As You Are. YouTube.
For all the prodigals out there or anyone else watch on youtube: I Miss The Way-MichaelW.Smith,Tears of the Saints by Leeland and Carry You by Amy Grant. How could it hurt to take a few moments and listen and watch these Love songs to YOU from Jehovah God,Jesus and The Holy Spirit. Who doesn't want to hear a love song written to them? Remember if you had been the only one to believe He still would have left the glory and beauty of Heaven to come down here take all kinds of abuse and die JUST FOR YOU,YOU ARE WORTH IT TO HIM. Imagine that is like leaving a 4 star hotel and going to a 1 star hotel for 33 yrs. That is LOVE and IT'S ALL FOR YOU.
More on youtube What If by Nichole Nordeman and God Shaped Hole by Plumb. They might also help.
Having moved to England, I hadn't heard this news. Went trolling for info. for something else this morning, and came across this column. Loved it. Read some more of yours. Excellent. Thanks.
He's just dead. Electrical activity in the brain stopped, the 'self' ceased to exist, and his body is breaking down. He is as real now as 'he' was before he was conceived, i.e., 'he' simply doesn't exist. Shame he wasted his one, precious life living a lie but hopefully our species will survive long enough that this waste will finally end. Reality is incredible enough without the need for pretending and wishful thinking. Don't deny reality, question what it is about your thought processes that leaves you asking unanswerable questions and demanding immortality. If something seems unacceptable (e.g., death) delusion is NOT the anwswer, changing your perspective is. Anyway, I must go and find my slippers...
I really appreciated your article! I have to admit, I believe the same way you do about death, though I am a Christian. I know when people die, they are DEAD- not evaporating into heaven as a spirit creature (Ecclesiastics). I do believe one day the Jehovah God, through his Son Jesus Christ, will raise people from the dead, but not to go to heaven.
There is no god. Oral Roberts wasted his life!
Dont waste yours!
Oral Roberts was, I believe, a good man who simply could not deal with the deaths of his daughter & son-in-law in a plane crash, his son to drugs and apparent suicide and two of his grandchildren to sudden infant death. He concluded that God was punishing him for not sending medical doctors to 3rd world countries from ORU Medical school (as they were forced to stay in the states in order to repay education loans) and sought the counsel of prosperity teacher Kenneth Hagin. The later assured him that his son was in heaven and that it was okay for his other son to file for divorce from Patti, a truly loving person who simply disagreed with Hagin's "give God a dollar and He will owe you ten philosophy." Hagin told Oral everything he wanted to hear and in time it became difficult for Oral to take issue with the prosperity gospel. Richard, the other son, bought it hook, line and sinker. I think Oral really believed he would die if he didn't raise enough money to scholarship the med students. I know it sounded ridiculous but please remember that he was struggling inwardly with the deaths of his children. Unfortunately a great many found it hard to accept that their hero had feet of clay and many went the way of "Proud Kuffar" (see above) and concluded that "There is no god - Oral wastedhis life." By the way the father of televangelism (if you mean the first one) was not Oral but Rex Humbard.
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