OK..many are telling us that's we can't dance on the grave or it's bad karma

[cally]

So where do those beliefs come from? I'm always curious about cultural beliefs, especially those around death. Does anyone know the basis of these beliefs about how it's disrespectful to criticize the dead? What I suspect is that we are all falling into a pagan belief practice. Prove me wrong.

[Sapere aude]

1. I really doubt it is from a pagan tradition since pagans are more moral then non-pagans IMHO

Being a pagan I can tell you that my reason for not speaking bad is that I don't need the negativity in my life. The guy is dead. He did not get the theocracy he sought and for that I am grateful.

[Tyler Durden]

2. Why listen to them?

Then again, I just spent the last hour or so debating with someone on another thread (I was debating, they were dissembling) on the same subject; one of those "don't be a hateful person, what good is it to hate a dead person, let it go things.

The original subject as far as I was concerned was I was glad he was gone and I hoped others of his ilk would follow in his footsteps, a perfectly reasonable thought in my book.

[hlthe2b]

3. Tribes in the New Guinea Highlands used to cannibalize

their dead. It was considered a sign of respect-- until a transmissable spongiform brain disease, known as Kuru began to spread from this tradition.

Native Americans, specifically, the Navajo, find even discussion of the "dead" to be highly disrespectful...putting them at odds sometimes with medical authorities trying to establish "cause of death."

So, I find your question compelling... How do these cultural "norms" and beliefs become so ingrained?

[radfringe]

4. I, for one, am not DANCING on his grave

I am vigorously tamping down the dirt... :smirk:

[Bjornsdotter]

5. Lol n/t

[Atman]

6. What if we're Pagan's?

Are we still "falling into a Pagan belief practice?"

I have a special interest in this topic because my one-paragraph post on the subject wound up at the top of the DU front page with over 100 recs and nearly 600 responses.

First of all, I never admonished anyone or told anyone how to think. I was speaking from the point of view of a guy who has also lost his father; my brother didn't get along with him and bad-mouthed him after his death. I had a great relationship with my dad and was absolutely crushed at his passing. But I'm also an atheist, so the talk of "God dealing with Falwell" or "Falwell's going to hell" means nothing to me. It won't happen. He'll be planted in the ground, or burned at 1500 degrees, and his hate and vitriol will be gone with him. Why do I need to be as nasty and vitriolic as he was? Will it convince his family, grieving at the loss of a loved one, that ol' poppy was a horrible person? Do they have to carry on his burden?

Sorry, I don't buy it. And I don't like how so many DUers have taken such offense at a simple suggestion not to be sucked into the Falwell-esque hatred. He's gone. Be happy about it if you like. But what/who does it serve to be calling the man a "vile pig-fucker" and worse now that he's gone. If you wanted to make an impact you should have hitched a ride to Liberty University and made that case directly to the man's face. He's dead now. What's the point? Unless you believe in the same floating ghost stories he does.

:shrug:

.

[cally]

7. I apologize for myself

Truly. I almost can't believe I posted that about pagan belief practices. I know better and I do know the insult.

I was posting in a rage and I posted what I felt. I'm embarassed about it. It does tell me what my instincts are and I do know better.

[Cults4Bush]

8. whew!

seriously... was aboutto take a bit of offense at your wording. Glad to see your post here :)

Hey we all make mistakes, as for falwell.. Im done with the topic now after being happy that he is gone. Many more to either change or be happy when they pass, left.

[lisa58]

9. i don't think it's bad karma to be honest

[demigoddess]

10. I think karma comes into play when we actually hurt someone or through

inaction, allow someone to be hurt. Since none of that happens when we discuss Falwell karma does not seem to apply.
However, I am intrigued at how believing christians hate the idea of death. I thought they would look forward to going to heaven and be happy for the deceased.