Wednesday, April 18, 2007

For Whom Does the Bell Toll?

As many churches and schools plan memorials for the the Virginia Tech slaughter, some want to include the tolling of a bell, once for each victim killed.

They are faced with the question, how many times should they toll the bell - 32 or 33?

It’s a tough question - one that is generating a lot of discussion (and emotion.)

For me, there are two right answers.

One is technically and theologically correct. The other is the right thing to do.


5 comments:

Anonymous said...

"For me, there are two right answers.

One is technically and theologically correct. The other is the right thing to do."

This makes no sense to me(and maybe that's the point) but why if one is technically and theologically correct is its opposite than considered the right thing to do. And even before making that assertion you declare that the former is indeed a right answer and let you choose the latter.

Explain?
Explain?

T. Hahm said...

You got the point. It makes no sense. On the other hand, it makes perfect sense.

I would explain, but if a paradox is explained and reconciled, would it not cease to be a paradox?

Anonymous said...

so... in your opinion which is the right one and which technically and theologically correct one?

T. Hahm said...

33 is technically and theologically correct. 32 (in my opinion) is the right thing to do.

JeromeTheElder said...

But why not 34? Or 115,834?
For whom DOES the bell toll?

Aren't all numbers arbitrary, depending on your tollo-motivational definitions? (I made that up.) If you toll, can you exclude last night's tornado victims? Baghdad's bombing victims?

Can you stop tolling without sinning? So if you exclude Darfur, why not the shooter?

The Virginia "slaughtered" number 32. If you are tolling for sinners, the number is 33. Plus.