What I open up in the paper this morning.
244 Worshippers die at Saudi pilgrimage
"A stampede during a stoning ritual at the annual Muslim pilgrimage killed 244 worshippers.
A stampede, during one of the peak events.
Hajj Minister told reporters. "All precautions were taken to prevent such an incident, but this is God's will. Caution isn't stronger than fate, " he said.
The devil-stoning is the most animated ritual of the annual pilgrimage and often the most dangerous. Many pilgrims frantically throw rocks, shout insults or hurl their shoes at the pillars.... acts that are supposed to demonstrate their deep disdain for the devil.
After the sleepless night of prayer following the sermon, pilgrims gathered pebbles to throw at the pillars. Each threw seven times, chanting "in the name of God" and "God is Great".
The stoning ritual also marked the first day of Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of the Sacrifice, celebrated around the Muslim world with the slaughtering of a camel, cow or sheep. Meat is eaten and distributed to the poor.
I was appalled when I read this first thing this morning. Certainly cements in my mind that I'm not going to become a muslim. What is it with these religions? J.W.'s are not the only religion that is warped. There are many others.
I took time to reflect why I took my family out of the J.W.'s...good move.
I also took 15 minutes to read this article to my two older teenagers and discuss the perils of being brain washed into thinking that doing something like this made any sense. Also, told them that they need to listen to their inner heart and mind and critically question things that people tell them or try to teach them.
Children who are raised as J.W.'s have a harder time developing this critical independent thinking. (Speaking about myself) Brainwashing from very young is the worst thing I know of.
I can't tell you how happy I am that I took them out of the J.W.s when they were very young.14 months and 4.
sincerely
Special K