Originally posted by DigiMark007
One of the more popular ways in which people try to undermine well-known religious (and cultural) figures is by starting rumors of a personal crisis. For non-religious rumor-starters, these figures have a crisis of faith. For the religious, the deathbed coversation is a popular urban myth. The victims include (off the top of my head...the actual list is much longer) Charles Darwin, Thomas Aquinas, Napoleon, now, it seems, Mother Teresa.Be careful what you read.
I agree with much of what you say here. As Alliance said, I think it's the responsibility of those individuals of great faith to have doubt. It's how they eventually come to terms with their faith.
The unfortunate part is that this faith tends to lead to a certainty that simply isn't valid. People who have their faith tested and come out on the other side with resolve are one thing. People who've been tested and come out on the other side with a sense of entitlement or absolute certainty are the ones who've learned nothing.
Mamma T seems to be the latter of the two.
Anyone who grew up Catholic (or christian, in general) and hasn't had a crisis of faith, has no real faith.
It's the crisis that makes you a better christian.
rasputin is one of the few rather negetive characters, that i actually admire. and well, harder isnt the word for his death. he was willful enough to actually try and fight against his fate of death. psychic power involved or not is a whole different thing though. lol.
{its a bit like how i sumwhat admire lord voldermort and some villians in media. although the later are not real}
Just found this. Penn and Teller's "Bullsh*t" show sometimes misses badly, but more often than not they have a point.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8q1m-8npkJ4&NR=1
Also this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmAEPrALVjM&mode=related&search=