Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search
 

rug

(82,333 posts)
21. Not if Saint Otteran has anything to say about it.
Fri May 24, 2013, 07:17 AM
May 2013
Patron Saint of Atheists

Saint Otteran (or Oran) was a monk who lived on the tiny, beautiful Scottish island of Iona, a sacred isle which became a burial place for Scottish and Viking rulers. When Saint Colomba was exiled from Ireland in 563, he founded a monastery on Iona with several companions, one of whom was Saint Otteran.

Legend has it that Saint Colomba's attempts to build a chapel on Iona were thwarted as the building was myseriously destroyed every night. A voice told Saint Colomba that the chapel could not be completed until a man was buried alive in the foundation. Obliging soul that he was, Saint Otteran volunteered for the task and was buried alive so that the chapel could be finished.

Some time later, Saint Otteran, whom all had supposed to be long dead, pushed his head up out of the floor and informed the congregation that contrary to popular belief, there actually was neither a heaven nor a hell. Saint Colomba, aghast at this impertinent revelation, pushed Saint Otteran back into the ground and had him buried more securely beneath the chapel, where he remains to this day.


http://thedailylalee.blogspot.com/2009/01/patron-saint-of-atheists.html

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Im liking this Pope LostOne4Ever May 2013 #1
The Pope's point is that being a believer doesn't really matter. Laelth May 2013 #7
Salvation by faith LostOne4Ever May 2013 #15
"Francis explained how upset Jesus' disciples were that someone outside their group was doing good" djean111 May 2013 #2
My guess... JNelson6563 May 2013 #8
Why, I was taught that good acts, not just faith, is a requirement to go into heaven... Humanist_Activist May 2013 #11
Pretty much the same here. JNelson6563 May 2013 #16
What if an atheist doesn't WANT to be redeemed through Jesus Christ? RevStPatrick May 2013 #3
It has that kind of feel to it, doesn't it? trotsky May 2013 #4
Ewwwww!!! darkangel218 May 2013 #5
No. The headline is misleading. TygrBright May 2013 #9
This is PROFOUND, and truly remarkable. Laelth May 2013 #6
That's setting the bar rather low, is it not? He didn't change anything... Humanist_Activist May 2013 #10
The Pope was not speaking ex-cathedra, so, you are right. Laelth May 2013 #13
It is just reiterating long standing Church doctrine, and I see his attempts at reaching out as... Humanist_Activist May 2013 #18
Perhaps you are right that this is just more of the same kind of cynical outreach. Laelth May 2013 #19
I think this is awesome, snot May 2013 #12
The pope says a lot of things, and they don't all agree with one another. dimbear May 2013 #14
When asked if I am saved I say yes 2000 years ago like everyone else. hrmjustin May 2013 #17
Don't panic! - Damage Control has stepped in - mr blur May 2013 #20
Not if Saint Otteran has anything to say about it. rug May 2013 #21
Vatican Representative: Just to Be Clear, Atheists Are Still Going to Hell Ian David May 2013 #22
My roommates once explained Catholic teaching on this. Both graduates of Fordham. dimbear May 2013 #23
Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Religion»Pope Francis Says Atheist...»Reply #21