Petra Anderson, Aurora Shooting Survivor, Saved By Rare Brain Defect
Petra Anderson, a 22-year-old woman who was shot four times — including once in the head — during the July 20th “Batman Massacre,” has made an amazing recovery thanks to a rare brain condition she did not know she had.
According to the NY Daily, doctors were initially less than optimistic about Anderson’s prognosis, fearing the bullet that struck her skull had traveled to far into her brain, possibly leaving her with major brain damage and limited functionality.
During five hours of surgery to remove the pellet, however, doctors found what many are calling an “act of God.”
Brad Strait, a pastor at Anderson’s church, the Cherry Creek Presbyterian Church in Englewood, Colo., recounts Petra’s miraculous survival story in his blog Celtic Straits. He writes:
It seems as if the bullet traveled through Petra’s brain without hitting any significant brain areas. The doctor explains that Petra’s brain has had from birth a small “defect” in it. It is a tiny channel of fluid running through her skull, like a tiny vein through marble, or a small hole in an oak board, winding from front to rear.
But in Petra’s case, the shotgun buck shot, maybe even the size used for deer hunting, enters her brain from the exact point of this defect. Like a marble through a small tube, the defect channels the bullet from Petra’s nose through her brain. It turns slightly several times, and comes to rest at the rear of her brain. And in the process, the bullet misses all the vital areas of the brain. In many ways, it almost misses the brain itself. Like a giant BB though a straw created in Petra’s brain before she was born, it follows the route of the defect. It is channeled in the least harmful way. A millimeter in any direction and the channel is missed. The brain is destroyed.
The Sacramento Bee confirmed that Petra and her family had no idea about the rare stream of fluid in her brain, and it only would have been noticed if she received a CAT scan- which she had never needed prior to the shooting.
“I believe that she was not only protected by God, but that she was actually prepared for it,” her mother said.
Anderson was moved from the ICU Monday, according to a post by her older sister, Chloe Anderson, on a Facebook page for Petra.
She’s started to walk and speak again, as well
Following Petra’s successful surgery, the Anderson has set up a page on the fundraising website, Indiegogo.com, to raise donations for the medical care of both Petra and her mom, Kim, who was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer and has been given only months to live.
Readers do you believe Petra Anderson’s survival was a result of divine medical intervention?
Tags : aurora shooting, dark knight rises shooting, Dark Knight Shooting, petra anderson, petra anderson batman shooting, petra anderson dark knight shooting, petra anderson survives
Posted: July 24, 2012
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Jul 24, 2012
It's not an act of anyone or thing it is called luck and science people.
Jul 24, 2012
Yes. I do believe in God's miracles and this is truly a miracle from God.
Jul 24, 2012
God was the maker of this young lady and it was truly an act of GOD!
Jul 24, 2012
Everything goes the way it should. Science is just our lame attempt at trying to explain a physical world that is a manifestation, just a pale reflection of our Source.
Jul 24, 2012
Of course it is not an act of God. Why do people always try to come up these weird self-serving explanations?
Jul 24, 2012
Please don't call this the "Batman Massacre". It has nothing to do with Batman, but the actions of an evil man who planned this for months because there would be a lot of people in one place at one time. This truly is a miracle with this young woman, and I will always be amazed and saddened by those who would rather believe in luck rather than acknowledge a divine plan by a loving God.
Jul 24, 2012
Everything happens as it should. "Science" as we have labeled it, is a lame attempt at explaining this physical world…which is a miraculous, yet pale reflection, of the energy that created and manifested it.
Jul 24, 2012
It's a Ripley's Believe it or Not, folks. Weird things happen. Simply marveling at it, is ok by me – I don't need to ascribe it to "God" to know it was miraculous this girl survived – but let's hope she makes the most of the chance to keep living.
Jul 24, 2012
I agree with you Kathee…this is nothing short of a MIRACLE of GOD.
Jul 24, 2012
If this is an act of god, then the murder of a dozen people in that theater is an act of god as well. What kind of god is that?
Jul 24, 2012
Good for her…Not a act of God! She just cashed her lucky lottery ticket.
Jul 24, 2012
Really??? Yee of little faith! It is obviously a miracle!
Jul 24, 2012
How do u know its not an act of GOD?
Jul 24, 2012
Wow some of you are real assholes why can't you just be thankful she is living what kind of people are you? When it's time for us to meet God again he will know you denied him.
Jul 24, 2012
Each and everyone of us have a plan set by the Lord, He knows what is in store for us, good, bad or ugly. It can be difficult to understand but we are supposed to put our faith in Him. The Lord giveth and taketh away, it is His plan for us not our plan for us. I have lost loved ones so I know it is hard to try and figure out why He does that. There is a lesson He wants us to learn. Gotta have Faith!
Jul 24, 2012
I understand that there are individuals in this world that are believers in God and I respect your opinion but please also respect the opinions and beliefs of other individuals that post in response to this article.
Jul 24, 2012
I am not eligious by any means…but what else could explain such a miracle??? Science does not account for all the things that had to line up perfectly for this girl to survive!
Jul 24, 2012
religious. sorry.
Jul 24, 2012
And how do you know?
Jul 24, 2012
Actually the shooting is an act of sinful man. God has given us the freedom to make choices in this life. Sin corrupts but God redeems
Jul 24, 2012
Martha-know what?
Jul 24, 2012
So this girl was innocent of sin and the other twelve were sinners who god was punishing?
Jul 24, 2012
I think you are missing the point Charles. We are all sinners. God didnt punish the others by taking them away. Our time on Earth is limited, we need to make the best of what time we have, ya never know you might walk across the street and get hit by a bus, Heaven Forbid. Things happen. Goood, Bad and Ugly.
Jul 24, 2012
I think you are missing the point Charles. We are all sinners. God didnt punish the others by taking them away. Our time on Earth is limited, we need to make the best of what time we have, ya never know you might walk across the street and get hit by a bus, Heaven Forbid. Things happen. Goood, Bad and Ugly.
Jul 24, 2012
Wow…saved by a quirky act of nature. Very interesting stroke of luck.
Jul 24, 2012
Wow…saved by a quirky act of nature. Very interesting stroke of luck.
Jul 24, 2012
Your walking with a child and she trips and falls and there's nothing you could've done. Does that mean you let it happen or made it happen? No. But you pick them up and help them through the bad situation. That's God. He doesn't make bad things happen. But he's there when they do. To pick us back up and help us through it. And like Robyn said….God gave us free will. This man used it to do evil but that's not God's doing.
Jul 24, 2012
No we are all guilty of sin, and we all have a perfect plan created for our lives…we just never know while we are living them what that perfection looks like. It is like looking at the bottom of a hand made rug- complete with knots and torn thread ends…and only when it is finished, complete and turned over that you can see the beauty of the top- planned from beginning to end by a wise and glorious Maker!
Jul 24, 2012
the same loving god that gave her mother terminal cancer and let 12 other people die… your God certainly isn't all powerful if that's the best he could muster, she still got shot in the head. A miracle would have been this guy getting struck by lightning before he fired a shot. Her survival was chance/luck/good fortune.
Jul 24, 2012
If this was an act of God, why didn't he save the little girl, too? She's lucky, and it's a miracle, for sure. But don't diminish the importance of the other victims by insisting God went out of his way to save this one woman.
Jul 24, 2012
Catherine , Science did account for it Catherine. She was born with a brain anomaly that channeled the bullet away from vital areas of the brain. It seems pretty straight forward to me.
Jul 24, 2012
Wow to all the none believers out there. I'll make sure to add you in my prayers tonight. God put us on this earth and he awaits the believers when your time comes. No one lives forever. Read your bibles people.
Jul 24, 2012
i agree ryan, if it truly was an act of the christian god, the little 6 year old child would not have been killed. What sort of 'sin' could a 6 year old child have done?
Jul 24, 2012
I will pray for the non believers…..God has a plan for ALL of us……I have been through some HARDEST of times, didn't understand at ALL….at the time. Some of us are here for a short time, instrumental to others journey! God really does have the PERFECT plan!
Jul 24, 2012
Really, Charles Herold??? REREAD THE COMMENTS ABOVE ^, IDIOT!!
Jul 24, 2012
Makaila, are you saying that God, just like that parent, is incapable of stopping something bad from happening? If I were a parent and I could prevent my child from hurting herself I would do so. Either God is not all powerful, and thus can't stop bad things (and I find people generally describe God as all-powerful), or he can stop them and chooses not to, in which case he's not a very good parent.
Jul 24, 2012
If you can't believe in miracle how can you say you believe in luck? Neither can be proven…..
Jul 24, 2012
That's the problem with people. We assume that for someone to die, they must have committed some egregious sin. Our days on earth are numbered. Just because we're not ready to let someone go does not mean that it isn't in fact their time to go. Sin plays no part in death. When God calls you home, it's time for you to go. We were never promised a life free of pain and sorrow. Only the strength to bear whatever comes our way.
Jul 24, 2012
We are all given a free choice in this world. Holmes chose to give in to evil impulses and shot at random throughout the theater. The deaths were caused by the evil intentions of a disturbed man, not by an uncaring God. That's the result of freewill. God does not "give" cancer. It is the result of a fallen world and people choosing to reject what Jesus has to offer. Evil knows no bounds and is unbiased in its hatred.
Jul 24, 2012
luck/chance/good fortune are simply words we attribute to unlikely events, a miracle is the same premise only it is attributed to a divine being making it not about statistical abnormality and more about being "chosen" or "special" … she was fortunate. that is all. Any God worth a damn would prevent these types of incidents. Use your bronze age mythology to justify that its "our sin" that results in these acts and not your God's inaction.
Jul 24, 2012
You and ryan are both idiots that do not understand the Christian faith, perhaps if you read the bible you would have been able to answer your own questions.
Jul 24, 2012
how very Christian to resort to childish name calling. God is so very proud of the love you show to your fellow man. I have read the bible, it taught me about stoning insolent children to death, along with people who work on Sunday, or wear clothing made of blended fabrics. I have a far better knowledge of the Bible than 99% of Christians I have ever met. Take your Bronze Age mythology with you to the library and learn something.
Jul 24, 2012
Besides, we don't know God's will, perhaps that man did exactly what God intended him to do. Perhaps it wasn't him being evil. He was only following God's plan. See how ridiculous that sounds religious folks. Your Bronze Age mythology is irrational, but like a child and its blanky, I understand you need it because you are afraid of the dark(unknown).
Jul 24, 2012
You don't understand that God, so loving that He gave His only Son to pay the penalty for the heinous things that happen in the world so that if we ask for forgiveness we would be forgiven, gave us free choice. We have told God to take a hike in this world. Then we want to blame Him for actions resulting from a Godless society. He loves even those who rail at Him. As for the Believer in Jesus, the worst that can happen is that someone will "threaten us with Heaven." That little six year old girl is in His arms right now, with no fear, no pain, no evil. Those left behind do grieve, of course, but for the Christian, we do not grieve as those who have no hope.
Jul 24, 2012
You're both being unfair. Ther, I must agree, name calling is unacceptable behavior in anyone, Christian or not. Ryan is entitled to his opinion. But on the same note, Ryan, you can't judge every christian by the one. Yes, there are many Christians who degrade and belittle those who don't believe in God but there are also many who don't. I can't speak for other Christians but my personal experience with God has taught me that everyone has free will. Everyone is equal in the eyes of God. Your lack of faith saddens me not because you aren't Christian but because I truly believe that I serve an amazing and awesome God and I would like everyone to share in that experience.
Jul 24, 2012
It takes much more faith for you to believe that this was all just a chance happening than it does for me to believe that the loving God I serve did this for a purpose.
Jul 24, 2012
Child sacrifice.. gee, what a loving God. I thought we were ALL God's Children? So if I am also God's son, suddenly Jesus isn't very special. Especially when you consider that every aspect of the Jesus story is plagiarized from the mythology that came before it from the Virgin Birth to rising from the dead. Cling to your mythology, but stop ascribing tragedies that have happened through out time to the marginalization of religion. One of the worst times to be alive on the planet was when Religion ruled everything, we call them the Dark Ages.
Jul 24, 2012
Ryan, you must not be aware that everyone must suffer to move beyond suffering. This world is a place for spirit to play in a physical form, and remember where we came from, of course. It is only sad for us to lose someone, not for the person who has passed. Also, Jessica, sin only means to "miss the mark" and has been greatly misinterpreted. This shooting was truely a tragic event, but all a part of the bigger picture. If you do not believe that there is a Creator, no matter what you call that Source, you are missing out on something wonderful!
Jul 24, 2012
An act of God… maybe….. but why didn'tgod save the victims that does… a horrfoc action like this… I'm pretty sire the lord wouldn't eenie meenie miney Moe to select this one girl that we can't add to the death toll….
Jul 24, 2012
Ryan, that is your opinion, and your opinion is your right. It comes with the whole free will package. Just look at it from my perspective. Belief is a choice. Just as you choose not to believe, I choose to do the opposite. I believe in God's love. I believe in his grace. I believe that I made it through all the hurdles in my life because of the strength that I draw from him. I would love it if the whole world could know what it feels like to accept the love of God. But I respect the opinions of those who don't. As for Jesus not being special. I don't believe Jesus the man is special. I believe that what he did for us is special.
Jul 24, 2012
One does not need a mythical creator to enjoy all the splendor and beauty in the universe. When any of you has evidence of "God" I will be glad to accept its existence. Until then, the world continues to turn and create the illusion that the sun rises and sets. Of course, the Bible says the Earth is the center of the Universe, we know that is wrong. You'd think God would have gotten that right, if he created it all. Maive, I think its sad that you don't realize that power, that strength, is in you and always has been regardless of faith in magic and fairy tales.
Jul 24, 2012
I think you misunderstand me. I believe in my personal store of strength as much as I believe that there is a creator, greater than I am, whose strength is always mine when I need it. There are so many unanswered questions, both in Science and in Religion. You have chosen to write off what cannot be proven as myth and I have chosen to accept what I cannot see but I know is true. No, I have never seen the face of God. But I believe he's working in my life. But please, I won't label your disbelief as sinful, hellbent drivel so don't label my faith magic and fairy tales.
Jul 24, 2012
Ryan, the Bible does not say that the earth is the center of the universe. But it does say in Romans 1 that God has placed evidence of His existence in the creation so that man is without excuse. Regardless of how you feel or what you believe, God loves you, Jesus died for you. One more thing, God does not require child sacrifice. In fact He abhors the way we have sacrificed our millions of children to the god of expedience. But whatever you choose to believe, you will one day have the opportunity to discuss it all with the living God. I hope by that point you will have come to be a person of faith. I tremble at the thought of spending eternity out of the presence of His great Love.
Jul 24, 2012
Her parents were the maker.
Jul 24, 2012
I don't need your prayers but thanks. What we could stand to benefit from is love and kindness that gets the job done. A prayer is a lazy mans way of helping, get up off your knees and do something worth while.
Jul 24, 2012
There is plenty in the Bible that is factually untrue. The old testament explicitly states that insolent children should be stoned to death, like adulterers, or those that love a nice cotton/poly blend. It is not a book of facts, stop treating as one. It is no different then the Gods of the Greeks, or Romans, or any others that Christians refer to as false. You simple take exception that I apply the same label to your God that you apply to all others. I fear nothing after my death, because there is no evidence to expect anything other than that the energy that makes up my existence will continue as the bugs consume my flesh and the plants and ground absorb the minerals and the wind blows away the gases which come from decomposition. And I am fine with that. I am here to live my life while I am here. Maive, I apologize if you misunderstand, but believing that things you can not prove are real is the basis of magic and fairy tales, Science requires evidence. That is all I ask for. The Bible and its stories are no more relevant than Dr Suess, I live my life trying to be good to everyone and helping those I can, if not believing in fairy tales means "God" damns me for eternity, he/she/it was never worth worshiping.
Jul 24, 2012
Well I place a lot of relevance in the importance of the lessons taught by Dr. Seuss. Sooooo,
. Seriously though, as I stated before, I respect your opinions and your right to them. I'm still holding steadfastly to my beliefs and hope that you can give me the same respect for my opinions that I give to you. I'll keep you in my prayers.
Jul 24, 2012
Well I place a lot of relevance in the importance of the lessons taught by Dr. Seuss. Sooooo,
. Seriously though, as I stated before, I respect your opinions and your right to them. I'm still holding steadfastly to my beliefs and hope that you can give me the same respect for my opinions that I give to you. I'll keep you in my prayers.
Jul 24, 2012
She was made that way, right? Only her creator would have done this.
Jul 24, 2012
In this terrible world we live in and the horrific things God is the only reason we are still standing where we are today and every moring you wake up and every night you lay down you better thank him for allowing you another day instead of saying is isnt real I would be completely horrified to think that God knew that i didnt belive in him but i do 100% and I know from past experiences that he is so like James szaid if you cant respect your self then at least have some for us that do belive in the only one that is real and that is God Almighity
Jul 24, 2012
nonone is without sin charles no one but if you belive in God and have the faith asking him to come into your heart and forgive you for the sins then he will God isnt punishing anyone this is the act of the Devil and God is the mircles that you are seeing talke place now one like her that may have died if she had not been shot to have found that brain dis order dont ever assume that God puts bad on anyone we choose the road we live God died on the cross to give us the choice to make ourselves and if you choose not to follow him then so be it but us the ones that do choose to follow him have a right to speak as well and i dont care who gets mad at me or what anyone says to me bad or good i will always stand up and true for God and noone will ever change my belifs or mind about that he is a awesome God and is the realiest thing i have ever had in my life
Jul 24, 2012
lol
Jul 24, 2012
Let me amend that-it is my belief that God (my God) was the maker of this young lady.
Jul 24, 2012
I do not believe that any one of these posts has stated or even inferred that God went out of his way for this person.
Jul 24, 2012
I feel really sorry for people with your kind of thinking. To have no faith in the Heavenly Father and just hoping you do enough good deeds to make your way into Heaven on Judgement Day. Well, it doesn't work like that. God sent His Only Begotten Son to earth to suffer and die for ALL OUR SINS (the cursing, stealing, robbing, adultery, murdering, kidnapping, lying, idolatry, raping, killing children, raping children and so on and so on. He took that all upon Himself and was cruixified and suffered on the Cross and died, was taken down and arose in 3 days. He is coming back very very soon. God wants us NOT TO GO TO HELL. Read the book 23 minutes in Hell by Bill Weiss. I read it in 3 days and I was a mess for over a week because I couldn't fathom how bad it will be for someone for eternity. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Phil. 3:14 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Jul 24, 2012
I feel really sorry for people with your kind of thinking. To have no faith in the Heavenly Father and just hoping you do enough good deeds to make your way into Heaven on Judgement Day. Well, it doesn't work like that. God sent His Only Begotten Son to earth to suffer and die for ALL OUR SINS (the cursing, stealing, robbing, adultery, murdering, kidnapping, lying, idolatry, raping, killing children, raping children and so on and so on. He took that all upon Himself and was cruixified and suffered on the Cross and died, was taken down and arose in 3 days. He is coming back very very soon. God wants us NOT TO GO TO HELL. Read the book 23 minutes in Hell by Bill Weiss. I read it in 3 days and I was a mess for over a week because I couldn't fathom how bad it will be for someone for eternity. John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Phil. 3:14 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Jul 24, 2012
Its called free will! We all have it!! There is a reason for all things and we all have a certain amount on this earth.
Jul 24, 2012
I believe it was a miracle to save Petra.
Jul 24, 2012
Talk about being charmed. I guess it wasn't her time to go. Not that is should have been anyone's time to go. Especially at the hands of this guy.
Jul 24, 2012
Ryan, I agree that it is odd that God would spare one and take another but you sound really depressed. I hope you feel better soon. I won't go into the details of my crappy life but I still believe and look forward to my eternal life; which will be much better than here. I can't wait for it.
Jul 24, 2012
Tracy, just because you don't believe doesn't mean other people don't. Why try to crush their dreams just because you don't share them? Do what you want and be happy. You don't sound like you are though.
Jul 24, 2012
Charles, God doesn't see death as we do. When we die we go with Him to a beautiful place. He had other things for this girl to do down here, that is all.
Jul 24, 2012
Richard you find that funny? Why because some people suffer and have hope and others suffer and give up? At least we have something to look forward to other than being buried 6ft under.
Jul 24, 2012
Just for your education you do not need to be on your knees to pray! The word you use as love is also used by my Lord and Savior Jesus to his apostles as the greatest commandment of all-"Love one another as I have loved you."..now get off the back of those who believe as you are now beginning to irritate me. I have asked you before not to comment in a negative way toward those who believe referable to their posts—did your mother ever tell you that if you can not say anything nice DO NOT SAY ANYTHING AT ALL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Jul 25, 2012
Thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones left behind and for the victims still fighting for their lives. Also for the shooters family. May God have mercy on his soul!!
Jul 25, 2012
Janet Caponi Tell all the parents of the killed and the survivors that are crippled from this horrible act how "perfect" this plan of god's is…. tell all the starving and suffering childen around the world of gods perfect plan. Tell all the inocent people who's famillies are torn apart from wars how "perfect" god's plan is. Desease, famon, violence, wars, "perfect" plan?? Easy for people to sit in there homes and churches while healthy and comfy and call all that is "imperfect" in this world ….."God's perfect plan" God may have a plan.."perfect"…I think not..
Jul 25, 2012
I agree with Tracy. Just cause there is no explanation behind it besides luck, don't mean it came from a higher power.
Jul 25, 2012
Agree, act of God and if you didn't believe before, I pray you do now. It should NOT be called the Batman Massacre, perhaps the Century Massacre or something, but not Batman. Whoever wrote the article probably did the headline and they do not know the difference between too and to, so consider the source. Bless you young lady and I am thankful you are alive.
Jul 25, 2012
So this happy story is now a religious debate. Stop the c r a p people! Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but let's just be happy this young lady is alive.
Jul 25, 2012
Tracy Smith-Cudnik Go away!
Jul 25, 2012
Your right Pat. It is amazing. And shouldnt be a debate
Jul 25, 2012
as Eddie implied I'm blown away that a person able to profit $7977 in four weeks on the internet. did you look at this site NuttyRichdotcom.
Jul 25, 2012
Spot on – yet another murderous, selfish, act of god. Save this one girl but kill 12 others? Either this is a truly inept god, or a non-existent one. There has to be an answer to this type of question, and indeed there is. These things cannot be believed by a thinking person.
I am thankful for the skills of the surgeons and the always present opportunity for luck to be on your side.
Jul 25, 2012
It's usually the people who say "Read your bible" who never have.
Please, what other pearls of wisdom can you tell the rest of us, besides "Read your bible" that will help us save our souls from eternal damnation? OH please, master guru of the existence of all mankind, bequeath us your knowledge so that we may all be as LUDICROUSLY intelligent and incite-full as yourself.
If you really believe that your god meant for this girl to be shot, then you have a shitty . . .shitty . . . shitty god. I would love to see you tell that to this poor girl's parents.
Jul 25, 2012
No, you're right. Religions attempt to KILL scientists who actually find out truths about the world is MUCH more powerful. Or how about the constant re-iteration of the bible when "truths" within it turn out to be full of shit. But no, you are right. Science is so lame.
Oh, by the way. That medication you and your loved ones are on, do you know where that came from?
Oh, what's that? You're typing this on a laptop, in a room lit by light-bulbs, all powered by electricity?
But maybe you have a special house that is powered by the bible and your un-ending source of stupidity.
Jul 25, 2012
So, the other kids who were shot, they just weren't special enough. Right?
You're embarrassing.
I hope the loved ones of the dead do not see your pathetic comments about the worth of their children.
Oh wait, but it was "God's plan" to kill those other kids.
Great, that should make them feel so much better….
Jul 25, 2012
I swear to god, Facebook commenting on any article that could possibly de-evolve into a GOD debate is a recipe for rage.
Jul 25, 2012
The funny thing is, Janet, you don't.
You'll just be rotting in the ground and not know it.
Which I guess is the shitty part of all of this, you'll never know how stupid you are, because when you would find out the truth, you know, you'll be dead.
Jul 25, 2012
Mike and Bart attacking peoples faith will not change there views any more than someone's faith will change yours. this may very well be an act of a Creator if you inclined to believe or it could be a 1 in a trillion chance. Either arguments have valid as no one has proof of either, the metaphysical world and the empirical science world do not trump each other, the exist in different realms, and both are valid schools of human thought.
Jul 25, 2012
Any time a religious person claims that their god has done something, it is an attack on those who do not believe in such fairy tales. It is a conscious and deliberate act to distort the truth of the situation, and that has to be challenged. You can't just stand on the side of the road and scream obscenities without someone calling you out on it; so why is stating that the murder of a dozen innocent people is the work of your god any less obscene? Why isn't everyone calling them out on saying such ridiculous things?
This isn't a battle of Religion Vs. Science. Science is nothing more than the collective of what human beings have proven to be true. Gravity, Photosynthesis, Evolution, How the human body works; these facts aren't really up for debate anymore. Religion is a forever shifting body of ideas that do nothing more then make people hate one another, and comfort the less intelligent when someone around them dies. It's the nightlight that the immature cling to because they are too afraid of a few basic truths about life.
Science and Religion do not trump each other, because they have nothing to do with one another.
Religion has nothing to do with Absolute Truths anymore than my show has to do with chocolate. They are two completely different things.
What drives me up the wall are the religious people who say terrible things about science and scientists. At the end of the day, we all rely on science to LIVE. Every ONE of us is alive today because of science, and the amazing work of scientists. They gave us EVERYTHING and these peons just like to turn around and slap them on the face (while chugging down medications that scientists have created to save their miserable lives).
It is the absolute height of hypocrisy.
Jul 25, 2012
beliving in the idea of a higher from of consoiusness is hardly a fairy tale. There are closeminded zelots out there that blindly follow a religous dogma, but ive wittnessed the same dogma from athiests too, blindly following what Hitchens told them to, and then convinsing themselfs they are educated skeptics. The Universe is larger than our comprehnsion and things arnt nessasaraly what they seem to be
Jul 25, 2012
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holographic_principle agood read
Jul 25, 2012
Well Hitchens is a scientist. The only thing he preaches is to look for facts, and to always have an open mind. I've watched a ton of his speeches, and he never says that there is not a god. He continuously says that there is no EVIDENCE of a god. Those are two very different things. He has offered on many occasions that COULD be a god, because anything is possible.
There is no such thing as an Atheist Zealot. It just defies it's own definition
What, would an Atheist Zealot be handing out pamphlets? What would be in them?
Jul 25, 2012
actuall ive seen those guys on venice beach, the califonia society of athiest. but read the holographic principle its a good read, the basics it that the univerise is a 2 dimentional system of information projecting its self in a 3 d simulation, in simple terms similar to what our 3d programs do now, just on a much much more complex universale scale. Intresting thought though, programs somtimes require programers. some thing to ponder
Jul 25, 2012
Who programs the programmers?
It's really easy to say things
Jul 25, 2012
OK and I will tell my husband who lost his 7 year old sister. My grandmother who lost her 9 year old sister as well. My family chooses to have faith and I am sorry that you do not. Be angry with God if that helps you but faith gets us through our pain.
If you want to believe that this little girl is not with God that is your right. I love how you assume people who love God are comfy. What world are you living in?!?!
Jul 25, 2012
Debate? Relegion is forced down our throats daily, tired of it. I am deeply moved that she lived.
Jul 25, 2012
Tracy Smith, You are awesome! Thank you for being a voice of reason among all these faith based crazies.
Jul 25, 2012
Recipe for rage or not, it is a discussion we should be having. As Hitchen's himself said: "Never be a spectator of unfairness or stupidity. Seek out argument and disputation for their own sake; the grave will supply plenty of time for silence."
I would also add that religion and science really do often come into conflict. Religion makes claims about the natural world that it has no right in claiming. Virgin births, infinitely burning bushes, resurrections, life after death, divine intervention in a girls head-shot wound, and other supernatural claims that are absolutely unfounded. Regarding the supposed virgin birth of Mary, the philosopher David Hume put it plainly: "Which is the more likely – that the whole natural order is suspended, or that a Jewish mink should tell a lie?".
You're right Miko, science does deal with facts and understanding the world around us. But unfortunately religion trespasses on these things far too often.
Jul 25, 2012
"It's a miracle!" and "God was watching over her and protecting her". Seriously? Are you fucking kidding me? Let me get this straight, God's plan was to give her a brain defect at birth, then later have her shot (along with 70 other people, killing 12 and injuring another 57) but because of the brain defect He gave her when she was born, she survived. Wow. What a totally amazing divine plan! Praise HIM! That's a pretty fantastic God you believe in! But, you know what would be even better, right? If He hadn't orchestrated a mother fucking massacre. Also, if you think God was looking out for her, I'm just curious what you think He had against the 6 year old girl, or the loving father of two, or any of the other people killed. They just weren't special enough in His eyes to warrant his protection, I suppose. I guess some of his children are better than others. "We all have a time to go. His plan is not ours to know". Oh yeah? Cool cop out! Way to scuttle out of the corner your moronic beliefs put you in. Honestly, people who believe this have a sub-par intelligence. By definition, God's either all powerful and omnipotent. Transcending space and time, meaning he had full awareness control of this situation, OR he doesn't exist and her survival is totally amazing coincidence. It's not like her lucky situation was impossible without divine intervention. What the fuck! Does no one understand basic probabilities? Also, It's just to great to see how you fucking religious people are focusing on this one girl, while DOCTORS, NOT GOD, DOCTORS, have saved 57 other lives. THAT is something you NEVER FUCKING MENTION!
Jul 25, 2012
"It's a miracle!" and "God was watching over her and protecting her". Seriously? Are you fucking kidding me? Let me get this straight, God's plan was to give her a brain defect at birth, then later have her shot (along with 70 other people, killing 12 and injuring another 57) but because of the brain defect He gave her when she was born, she survived. Wow. What a totally amazing divine plan! Praise HIM! That's a pretty fantastic God you believe in! But, you know what would be even better, right? If He hadn't orchestrated a mother fucking massacre. Also, if you think God was looking out for her, I'm just curious what you think He had against the 6 year old girl, or the loving father of two, or any of the other people killed. They just weren't special enough in His eyes to warrant his protection, I suppose. I guess some of his children are better than others. "We all have a time to go. His plan is not ours to know". Oh yeah? Cool cop out! Way to scuttle out of the corner your moronic beliefs put you in. Honestly, people who believe this have a sub-par intelligence. By definition, God's either all powerful and omnipotent. Transcending space and time, meaning he had full awareness control of this situation, OR he doesn't exist and her survival is totally amazing coincidence. It's not like her lucky situation was impossible without divine intervention. What the fuck! Does no one understand basic probabilities? Also, It's just to great to see how you fucking religious people are focusing on this one girl, while DOCTORS, NOT GOD, DOCTORS, have saved 57 other lives. THAT is something you NEVER FUCKING MENTION!
Jul 25, 2012
Wow to you, you fucking idiot. Thanks for your prayers. I'm sure they'll be veeeeerry effective. Wake up.There is no God. It's all a man made bullshit story. All religions are man made bullshit stories. They help make weak minded people feel better about scary scary inevitable death. Tell me, does it make you feel better to think that you never REALLY die? That nothing is that final. Does that help you sleep at night? Does it make you feel superior to me thinking that "HE awaits believers when the time comes"? Good for you Sarah Milnor Nipper. You are a total dumbass.
Jul 26, 2012
https://www.facebook.com/ajax/sharer/?s=2&appid=2305272732&p=205838939527922&p=457310
Jul 26, 2012
lol
Jul 26, 2012
stupid stupid people deny him now and he will deny you at the pearly gates , better wake up now before its too late you aren't garrantied tomorrow.
Jul 26, 2012
Wow, I actually don't believe in the bible. Thanks for your concern though. I do, however, believe that there is a source of energy that manifested into physical form. I believe that Science has "explained" some things, but even ideas we thought we definite and absolute, turned out to be wrong. I don't take medications, I believe the Earth provides all we need. We get too tied up in labeling things, instead of seeing the bigger picture. Science doesn't have all the answers and neither does religion, but they're pointing in the right direction at their core. I have always wondered why people want to keep scientific thinking and spirituality seperate…except fot the fact that both are prone to human bullshit and manipulation, turning them into so-called fact, instead of just ideas. That's all we have is ideas. We know nothing for sure! Namaste.
Jul 26, 2012
Think of all the families who've lost loved ones in the shooting that you've just kicked in the face with your statement. You MUST realize whenever you make a statement like this, it is not morally sound! You spit in the faces of these people while praising your divine delusion.
Jul 26, 2012
yes i just read it god was with her
Jul 26, 2012
This is truly an act of GOD!
Jul 27, 2012
Act of God, chance of genetics… possibly both? Trivial arguments. What is important is that she is very fortunate. I hope she cherishes this second chance at life to make it the best she possibly can. Prayers and well wishes out to her family and other victims of that shooting.
Jul 27, 2012
Ryan Lambert God made us with a free will, he didn't need robots. The evil in this world is a result of mans sin. He is a loving God and yes all things do work together for good, even having cancer. We were created to worship God not other things. The problem is we have gotten so far away from God that we fail to see His purpose in tragedies that occur.
Jul 28, 2012
“I believe that she was not only protected by God, but that she was actually prepared for it,” her mother said.
So it was her destiny to be born, raised, then shot in the head by God?
Jul 28, 2012
act of god, miracle, or just plain luck…Does it matter she survived…that means one less inncent life taken to soon by a mad man… It was a sad day with alot of lives lost and my smypathies go out to all of the families….Why cant we just leave it as that and stop creating drama….this isn't a religious war lets respect the families and not make it one PLEASE.
Jul 28, 2012
Really Tracy ? Is this a cry for help? Are you being held against your will and having religion shoved down your throat by force ? Someone is "forcing" you to pray or believe or go to church ?Please give us an example of how religion is "forced" down your throat. I could give plenty of how my religion is being "forced" out of everyday life and the my right to it being "forced" out of the constitution.
Jul 28, 2012
As This families Beleive Then so do I God placed his hand on this one I can stil respect the families and stil have faith in everything he dose and not cause Drama . Its called beliveing In The creator.Amen
Jul 28, 2012
This face book and there is always alot of Drama here . No matter what the topic is . Just gotta love the excitement Right . just smile Next.
Jul 29, 2012
Not to get in a religious debate, but clearly some people are lost and it is our job as followers of God to be the "light to the world"
@Richard Savoy – God's perfect plan that Janet and Jacqueline refer to exists, but it does not include all the horrible and tragic things you mentioned. Those unfortunately exist in our world because our world is full of sin and the Devil will continue to build up his army with as many lost souls as he can, but know that God's perfect plan is even greater. I can't, nor anyone else here can predict what that is, but for a moment I am going to entertain the idea that one single soul is SAVED (meaning – one person turns to God and asks Him, the Holy Spirit, into their heart and asks for forgiveness for their sins) all because they heard the miracle of what happened with this woman before she ever left her mother's womb – then God has won! Don't you get it, God wants us all to be in Heaven with Him for eternity, not damned to Hell. So if by God's miracle through this woman's pre-existing brain deformity, one soul is saved or a million souls are saved – to God it is perfect. And for all we know, though their time on Earth was cut too short, all of the other victims may have already been saved and known God and are celebrating their everlasting life with Him in the Heavens.
Aug 21, 2012
@Amanda…well said!
Aug 21, 2012
@Amanda…well said!