This story actually comes out of the Netherlands, which doesn't surprise me, because some very strange things come from that country (present company excepted, of course). A Dutch artist named Johan van der Dong has set up this project in an art show which he calls "God's Hotline." For the next six months, anyone can call the cell phone number 0031-644244901 and hear this voicemail: "This is the voice of God. I am not able to speak to you at the moment, but please leave a message." Do it. Then tell me about it, please. I find it ironic that he chose a cell number to show that God was available anywhere, at any time, and yet you always get the answering machine. Unless, of course, God is in on this and really answers the phone. That is yet another reason to do this. And then tell me about it.
Johan says that he isn't trying to mock or offend anyone, but simply to spark some debate about the perception of religion in the modern world. Already well over a thousand messages have been left. However, no one is going to listen to these messages, because they are between the caller and God. Fortunately, plenty of people have commented on the news story on the BBC website, so we can all get a feel for the public reaction. I looked at a few of the comments, because I was curious.
They ranged from atheistic:
"I don't believe in you."
...to agnostic:
"Hey there God, I'm not at all sure you exist... but I'm leaving a message, in case you do."
...to sincere cries from the heart, though these were by far the minority:
"Please God, have mercy on the Palestinians and free them from Jewish oppression in Israel"
"My dearest Elohim, You alone are God, you have made the heavens and the earth, I marvel always at your creative genius, your limitless power. You have predestined me to bear witness of your majesty and glory, to that calling I will always be true. You truly do love me inspite of my sin. You have embraced me tenderly and led me to eternity."
...to questioning:
"If God really did exist and was intelligent, would he keep the world strung along as long as he has giving no clues, no visible signs or proof that he is real? In the mean time people are still clinging to some hope passed down through ever changing stories about the greatest story ever told. I suggest it's the greatest lie ever told. If you do exist, Mr. God, then you are one cruel and mean old man in light of the terrors going on in this world. You leave us all confused with a bunch of lies."
"Are you straight or gay?"
...to comic:
"FINAL NOTICE: this universe has been parked illegally in this continuum. It will be towed without further notice at your expense. After 2000 years impounded universe will be deemed abandoned and will be disposed of."
"You should really do your work better. I am giving you a very low customer satisfaction score."
...to antagonistic:
"You're a complete charlatan and we shouldn't even mention your name in the same sentence as 'love' and 'caring.' You're totally evil."
Was this the reaction you expected? What would you say if you left a message for God?
2 comments:
Sometimes it is good to have an itch, I guess. The new look is very pleasing. As for the "art," I am surprized -- pleasantly surprized -- that there is that much interaction. What message would I ask? Since I do not need a cell phone number to talk to God, for me this would be an exercise in impressing others and I do not seem to have been given a lot of talent along those lines. I did find the person's remarks declaring the beauty of nature due to God having created it very enjoyable so maybe Mr. Dutch Artist has had a worthwhile project even if at first blush I was less than intriqued!
Good grief, make that 'surprised,'
please.
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