Posted on 04/17/2006 5:16:30 PM PDT by Scarchin
I am an English teacher at the high school level. Today I had a conversation with a history teacher during which I noted that communism was perhaps responsible for more deaths than any other ideology. My colleague stated that I was definitely wrong. I asked him what belief system has caused more deaths. His answer?
Christianity.
After you vent, can you give me a concrete place (books etc.) to start with this guy? I can't let this one go.
P.S. I didn't just role over. I argued and argued, but he was adamant. I'm at a loss because I find his position so ridiculous - as well as frightening.
English teacher, huh?
You teach English? Yikes.
I teach English - not typing. Sheesh.
Maybe his argument was that Communism hasn't been around nearly as long...unless you regard regimes like the Reign of Terror as proto-Stalinst.
You've got a degree (I presume.) And you ask us how to research a topic that should have encountered you many times in life. Sorry to stereotype, but no wonder our kids learn nothing today. Are you a complete moron, or should I take charge of your classes tomorrow?
Spend some time poking around this website.
http://www.hawaii.edu/powerkills/NOTE1.HTM
Have a bucket handy
Certianly you can talk about the 20th Century or the past 100 years. Should be easy to document.
One problem with this site is how some of you are so knee jerk that you make asinine comments based on broad and and incorrect assumptions.
No wonder people think we conservatives are all jerks.
What is he talking about? the Inquisition and the religious wars? They won't even come close. Also, make him prove that so-called religious wars did not have political and economic causes, too.
If he starts talking about blankets with sdmallpox, head for the hills. He's looney.
He's wrong. Conservative estimates of deaths due to Communism are 60 million. The Crusades resulted in less than 10 million deaths, total.
You maybe arguing with a communist. In which case any further discussion will be fruitless. One thing I've learned not to do is discuss politics at work. Usually nothing is resolved and no work is done. The best you can do is make sure this person isn't voted into office or anyone he supports.
Not surprised that a 'history' teacher does not know the difference between ideology and religion.
Ideologically, Communism is the grand-prize winner of death. With well over 100 million served.
As far as religion. Islam is the body-count winner.
I bet your 'history' teacher has a pony-tail.
Demand he provide proof for his outlandish statement.
You can easily provide him documentation of the millions of deaths directly attributed to communism, but it is impossible to prove a negative. The burden of proof is on him to prove his position and show the suppose millions of deaths that were caused by Christianity. He won't be able to do it. He will say things like, "Look at the Crusades." or "What about the Spanish Inquisition?" But when pressed he will be unable to show the millions of deaths that overshadow communism.
Christians don't murder but they do kill in war. The Bible says, "Thou shall not murder". Commies murder their political enemies.
mur·der Audio pronunciation of "murder" ( P ) Pronunciation Key (mûrdr)
n.
1. The unlawful killing of one human by another, especially with premeditated malice.
2. Slang. Something that is very uncomfortable, difficult, or hazardous: The rush hour traffic is murder.
3. A flock of crows. See Synonyms at flock1.
kill Audio pronunciation of "kill" ( P ) Pronunciation Key (kl)
v. killed, kill·ing, kills
v. tr.
1.
1. To put to death.
2. To deprive of life: The Black Death was a disease that killed millions.
2. To put an end to; extinguish: The rain killed our plans for a picnic.
3.
1. To destroy a vitally essential quality in: Too much garlic killed the taste of the meat.
2. To cause to cease operating; turn off: killed the motor.
3. To tire out completely; exhaust: “The trip to work, and the boredom and nervousness of jobs, kills men” (Jimmy Breslin).
4. To pass (time) in aimless activity: killed a few hours before the flight by sightseeing.
5. To consume entirely; finish off: kill a bottle of brandy.
6. Sports. To prevent a hockey team on a power play from scoring during (a penalty).
7. To cause extreme pain or discomfort to: My shoes are killing me.
8. To mark for deletion; rule out: killed the story.
9. To thwart passage of; veto: kill a congressional bill.
10. Informal. To overwhelm with hilarity, pleasure, or admiration: The outstanding finale killed the audience.
11. Sports.
1. To hit (a ball) with great force.
2. To hit (a ball) with such force as to make a return impossible, especially in a racquet game.
They constantly lean on the "Religion has caused more wars...blah blah" crap that I refuse to ignore.
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