YOUR COMMENTS

A Pet will be the last thing on your mind when the Rapture occurs
- Mary, Mermphis TN

If I still had my Porter Terrier I would want him well taken care of in my 7-8 year absence. I would, of course, expect the pet sitting service to indemnify itself against loss for the time that I am away. I would supply the service with names and addresses of relatives who would most likely be remaining here on earth during the tribulation. I would also provide what would be hopefully sufficient means to care for the pet in my absence. Of course seven to eight years is a long time and my pet may have forgotten all about me. In that case I will wish my pet well.
- steven davis, claremont, california

It sounds like a great idea, but when the rapture occurs the least of Mr. Centre's concerns is going to be the pets.

Actually, given the food shortage that will follow, it is likely he will use the pets as food.
- Vince, Papillion, NE

We'll all know the truth in the end! Soon!
- Debbie, Cincinnati

I have made arrangements for my pet with my neighbor. He doesn't believe in the Rapture but he doesn't judge me for my beliefs plus he adores my pet. I have prayed that my pet be RAPTURED along with me but I don't know what will happen. I also pray for my neighbor to SEE and BELIEVE so he is not left behind. I love my pet, the LORD knows that. I put her (my precious pet) into HIS loving hands because I TRUST in HIM! God Bless!
- Lynn, Tucson, AZ

Thanks for your reply, Marc.

Surely you don't think Bush is the only person who has openly acknowledged such disdain for the atheist's view? An atheist generally holds lower regard in American society than Muslims, African-Americans, and homosexuals. The first openly atheist Congressman "came out" in 2007, committing what most consider political suicide. He was re-elected in 2008. Are times changing?

I wonder if perhaps you perceive anti-Christian sentiment or insults more frequently because you are a Christian. If you were to put the shoe on the other foot and experience U.S. society as an atheist, I have no doubt your opinion of the frequency and commonality of anti-atheist sentiment would change.

I certainly appreciate that you seem to hold a more accommodating stance than some, but I just can't agree that Christians are less "guilty" than atheists in the judgment and insult arenas. If that were true, my beliefs would not require defense to someone who maintains that I am "wrong," as my standard (respectful) reply of "we simply disagree" generally does not suffice. Of course, it is heartening to be reminded that there are always exceptions to the general rule. Perhaps one of these days the civility of the circles you travel will rub off on the others?

Cheers, and thanks again for your reply.
- Nemi, Keene

Nemi, I never said those millions were killed in the name of atheism. I was pretty clearly responding to the statements that "Religion is the root of evil". Those millions were killed by evil that wasn't rooted in religion.

OK, maybe I exaggerated when I said "Never". You found *one* from Bush. Wow. But it doesn't negate the intent. More important is my phrase "as much". There are many books dedicated to belittling people of faith (any faith). Christians believe atheism is wrong, but I just don't see the insults that I see coming our way. Read all my words, not just the ones you need to make an argument.

I never heard Bush's statement, although I won't doubt he said it, but I would say he wasn't thinking in a Christian mindset when he said that. And if he truly believes that, then I would say he isn't a *perfect* Christian. None of us are, and he is mistaken in that, if he does truly believe it.

I do totally agree with your last paragraph. I just really don't see anywhere near as much belittling coming from Christians as I do from atheists. It really is pretty rare. You'd think I would see it at Christian meetings, if it happens at all, but tolerance and love is what we talk about when discussing other faiths (or lack of). No insults. No demeaning talk. It really doesn't happen.

Seriously, check out the various Christian forums and then check out some atheist forums. Compare the talk on each side. Can you really say Christians belittle anyone of any other faith? The most I ever see are arguments on Bible interpretations. Go ahead - check it out for yourselves.
- Marc, Derry

From Marc in Derry: "Jeannine's numbers of the millions dead due to the politics of totally non-religious leaders kind of refutes that, doesn't it?"

Not exactly. You're certainly correct in saying that there were millions killed due to the politics in play under the leaders Jeannine cited, but these people were not killed in the name of atheism (compare to the Crusades). Jeannine's numbers are a wonderful example of "false cause fallacy," or correlation instead of causation.

Also from Marc in Derry: "... but have you seen anywhere near as much ranting ... from Christians as you've seen such anti-Christian rants from atheists? have you seen any? We don't say such things, nor think them, even amongst ourselves. At all. Never."

Yes, yes, and ... no? When reporter Rob Sherman asked then-Vice President George (H.W.) Bush if he supported the equal citizenship and patriotism of American atheists, Bush responded, "I don't know that atheists should be regarded as citizens, nor should they be regarded as patriotic. This is one nation under God."

Was Bush not a "true Christian," or not "Christian," or neither, or both, Marc? How would you feel if a person [one heartbeat away from] running your country decided that *you* shouldn't be regarded as a citizen or a patriot on the basis of your belief system?

Intolerance and fear of atheists is as equally prevalent as it is for any religion. Beliefs (or lack thereof) have certainly been belittled on all sides. A friend's lack of faith, a banker's Hindu beliefs, an attorney's Muslim beliefs, a firefighter's Christian beliefs, an in-law's Jewish beliefs ... none of these should invite criticism, cruelty, discrimination, or unsolicited attempts to sway their view. Personal beliefs are just that: personal. There is no way to prove who is wrong or who is right, and fortunately, we live in a country where we don't have to find "the" answer.
- Nemi, Keene

I am one of those brain dead people who use religion as a crutch. Jesus Christ is the only Son of God and Savior of this world. Jesus never started a war, people do. Jesus has commanded us to love one another, forgive one another, I can't do anything about what other people do. About pets, this man may have a point but I see his puffed up attitude about God his fall. I believe in Hell. Sir I don't wish any man to go there. You and others that have mocked Christianity because you know how everything happens good luck to you in the future because if their is a God in heaven he will decide your fate for you, even though you have already decided your fate here on earth. Accept the Lord Jesus Christ as your Savior and have a desire to be in heaven instead of this earth where no one really cares for anyone. The love of money is the root of all evil. If youv'e read this I hope god works in your heart.
- Bernard, Bethlehem

Kitt, you're pretty much wrong on your analysis. I was brought up Catholic and am still very Christian. We weren't taught that everything outside our religion is a sin. Sins are spelled out, and they become outside the religion because they're sins. Yours is some kind of twisted logic.

Instead, just look at the comments right here to see why we think atheists fear and hate Christians. Duncan's idiotic rant is a perfect example. Are dogs really smarter than people? Really?

And there are several others that seem to delight in belittling our faith. No true Christian belittles folks of different faiths. We pray they change their minds, but have you seen anywhere near as much ranting about "stupid atheists", "brain-dead Muslims" from Christians as you've seen such anti-Christian rants from atheists? have you seen any? We don't say such things, nor think them, even amongst ourselves. At all. Never.

Duncan's baseless statement that "Religion is the root of evil" would be so laughable if it weren't so seriously misguided. Jeannine's numbers of the millions dead due to the politics of totally non-religious leaders kind of refutes that, doesn't it? Problem is, his statement is used all over and only breeds anti-religious hate.

Bad people do bad things. Sometimes they use religion as a reason. Doesn't make it right, but it doesn't make it religion's fault, either.
- Marc, Derry

Hey, if there's a market for post-rapture pet sitting, then by all means go for it. It's not his fault some Christians believe they're be whisked away and leave their pets behind.
As far as the Stalin and Hitler references, you might as well make the assumption that everyone with a mustache is a homicidal maniac.
- Matt, Londonderry

John in Auburn
How about
Adolf Hitler-at least 6 million not including the ones killed in WWII to stop him.
Stalin- 12 million mostly his own people
Pol Pot- 2 million
and let's not forget Mao- 14-20 million just in starvation of his own people.
I would say that eclipses even the most outrageous estimates for all the crusades.
- Jeannine, Weare

Bart...Awesome idea!!!..The more people I meet the more I love my dogs.As a matter of fact my dogs have more brains than the folks who are trashing you and your idea.Religion ifs nothing but a crutch to be used by those who cant stand on their own 2 feet and deal with life as it comes.It is the root of all evil in the world.Everywhere you look wars are being waged in the name of God.Good luck with your venture. I value my dogs more than all of these brain dead people combined and Jack and Nate my 2 best friends totally agree
- Duncan Leary, Bedford

Most of us Athiests do not fear or feel threatened by Christians, but I can understand why they would think we do. They spend so many of their formative years hearing anything beyond what the church says to do is a sin and they will burn in hell you almost HAVE to fear what is different. Thus assuming all that is different fears you.
I find this business venture quite amusing and I am sure most Christians wouldn't be foolish enough to buy into this.
- Kitt, Exeter

Now that's an entrepreneur. Funny how some critic(s) want the state insurance comm. to look into this. Wonder if they're the same who don't want universal health care? I smell hypocrisy :-)
- Mike, Whitefield

Debbie in Derry, You sound like someone who would buy this service. Your little scenario sounds a lot like the plight homosexuals suffer at the hands of christians.
- Tom, Manchester

Yes Tom Christians not wanting to marry gays has really held the gay community back. For all the talk such as yours that is claimed never in my life did I hear a word of hatred by a pastor or my mother towards gays and she was a devout Baptist. As a matter of fact had I ever done anything mean in word or practice towards anyone, even gays, I would have been punished and made to apologize.

Some make a lot of claims I must have been lucky to not have experienced or the claims are grossly exaggerated by those who seem to want to keep anything Christian out of society. Christians can't talk about them selves in schools but the atheists sure seem to have a lot said about their views today. I guess its good when you can enjoy a one sided conversation and accusations can't be confronted by the accused
- Deb, Derry

To tom from Campton, alright lets go back just a couple of hundred years when all those different Christian denominations showed up on the shores of the America's. How many Native Americans do you think they killed in the name of Christianity, I can't even fathom the number. I am a Christian and honest about our history and it still happens today, look at those idiot Christians in Kansas or Oklahoma that were harrassing our soldiers funerals. C'mon man get real, much killing has been done in the name of Christianity just like all other religions. Real Christians are few and far between. As for Mr. Centre he is nothing more than a capitalist. I think when the rapture comes our pets will get to go with us so I wouldn't waste my money.
- Joanne, Manchester

Hello all.

I am Bart, creator and co-owner of Eternal Earth-Bound Pets, USA.

Thanks for your support; or in the case of the uninformed, for your critique of my business.

First allow me to mention that I am not selling snake oil like a televangelist selling a prayer towel. Our site plainly states we do not believe in the rapture, or that it will ever happen. We thus do not promote Rapture doctrine, theists do that. We are simply offering a service that will insure believers that their pets will be cared for when they beam up.

We use no intimidation, no threat. Christian doctrine does that.

No other promises or guarentees are made or implied.

We have the staff in each region, and the commttment to fulfill our contracts should we be in error, and a God/gods exist, and a Rapture occurs.

To those of you who appreciate the creativity of this offering, you will enjoy my book "The Atheist Camel Chronicles: Debate Themes and Argumentsfor the Non-Believer", by Dromedary Hump (that' s me). It is in the top 15 best selling atheist books on amazon.

Feel free to email me with questions through my email found on the "Contact Us" page of Eternal Earth-Bound Pets.

Yours in reason,
Bart
aka Dromedary Hump

(Ps: THANKS ERIK!!)
- Bart, Langdon

Debbie in Derry, You sound like someone who would buy this service. Your little scenario sounds a lot like the plight homosexuals suffer at the hands of christians.
- Tom, Manchester

Tom in Compton,
Could you be a little more specific? Which atheists killed 50-100 million people in the 20th century? You can't count anyone killed in wars the US was involved in. At least on the US side as no atheist has been elected President. I'd like to know who these atheists are please. Thanks.
- John, Auburn

Bart , you are the man! I love the concept, just wish I'd thought of it. Keep up the good work and I hope you make lots at this venture. Genius! I love reading the comments from the so called believers who bash your idea.
- Erik, Langdon

"Tom in Campton, look up the Goan Inquisition. It ended less than 100 years ago."

Actually, it ended 200 years ago and was called the GOA inquisition. Several dozen people were killed.

Compare this with the 50 - 100 million people killed by atheists in the 20th century.
- Tom, Campton

The Rapture is referred to in the Bible in more areas then this one verse. It is also more layered then this article presents. Conditons won't be pretty on earth as we near Rapture times- not close to what they are now. God prepares his people. God Word is accurate. Yet, for you less knowledgeable and/or disbelievers consider this along the same level of light interoperation of the Word and have not relationship with the Lord: When this atheist and his other pet lovers figure out he has been left behind, food is in short supply and very expensive even for those with the mark, and he will be going to hell when he dies, will fiddo's under his care and adminstrative authority become meals? Also for your doubters on the mark, the chip has already been designed by a major USA company legislation was in the hosue to start marking babies at birth--you know to protect them from theft--like the SPCA marks all the pets before you can pruchase and bring it home.
- Janet Huttula, Londonderry, NH

Why is this even in the paper? Perhaps the State Insurance Dept will take note and shut this down.
- Chuck, Chester

It is much easier to believe in an invisible man and blindly trust in a musty old book than it is to use the brain that evolved in our skulls and actually think for ourselves. Thank The Flying Spaghetti Monster for atheists!
- Jack, Windsor, VT

Tom in Campton, look up the Goan Inquisition. It ended less than 100 years ago.
- Jason, Londonderry

"As far as I can tell, atheists have not started any wars, nor chopped off any heads."

Please study the history of the 20th century, for starters.
- Tom, Campton

How is this insulting to Christians? This guy isn't saying that there's not going to be a rapture, he's just saying that if there is he won't be part of it. And since he'll still be here, he'll take care of your pets.

The guy's a genius.
- Jason, Londonderry

Not sure how this is making "fun" out of anybody. I suspect that the only people who are offended by this service are those whose faith in the Rapture is lacking.
- MP, Hampton Falls

If a Christian made fun of an athiest and made it a business venture then the athiest would cry fowl, claim they're really not Christian and it would never make a story.

But since it's the other way around the UL decides this is great stuff to put out there!

THanks, UL! I can't wait for the next story that pokes fun at Christians.
- Todd, Andover, NH

Eric from Plymouth, as an atheist I have to disagree with you. Atheists have started wars, because atheists are humans who are subject to the same errors and prejudices as anyone else. What you should have said is that wars have not been fought over the tenets/dogma of atheism, because there is nothing to fight over.
- Atheist Jerk, Portsmouth

This man is a genius. The twist is if you really believe, if you are really faithful, then you have to buy the policy. What kind of a Christian would leave their pet uncared for? I can't figure what the believers are so upset.

And who is the snake oil salesman Mark? This guy or the countless televangelist con men (Swaggart, Baker, etc,)? How many of these scumbags have separated people from their money in the name of Jesus, preying on their faith?
- Mike, Allenstown

The joke's on him. If the late 80's taught us anything, it was that all dogs go to heaven.
- Stephen, Dover, NH

Mike you are incorrect. The scourge of Socialism has killed more than any religion. Heck, even the lowly mosquito beats them all!
- Santos, Londonderry

How is this any different than a guy making a living selling bibles and other religious items that may or may not have any real value? Or how is any different from what ALCOR does?
- Scott, Manchester

Deb, you need to re-learn, or learn, world history. Many, many innocent people have died at the hands of christians in a multitude of pointless wars, and as far as head choppings go, that had also been a favorite of christians for centuries. As far as I can tell, atheists have not started any wars, nor chopped off any heads.
- Eric, Plymouth

To George from Peterborough.
I agree. If the rapture does happen in Bart's lifetime I think that keeping pets happy will be the least of his worries.

To Mike from Brownsville.
If you want to know what will happen to the babies and children you'd better open up a bible before you make assumptions based on your prejudices.

Anyway,
Bart, good luck to you in your venture. This is still somewhat of a free country and you are entitled to offer a service of your choosing. Let's hope for your sake that you're not left behind.
- Bill, Dunbarton

Oh, that's funny. I like that.
- SA, DOVER

I'll never understand why atheists, who claim to be liberated from superstition, free and happy, spend so much of their time attacking those of faith.

Apparently, choosing to believe in nothing leaves a void.

Deb - you are correct.

Why are people still harping on the Crusades? Do they understand the reason for the Crusades? And why not pay attention to what is happening in the world TODAY rather than 1,000 years ago?

"More people have been killed in the name of "Christianity" than in the name of all of the other world religions combined."

Interesting statement. Can you prove it? And the body count of all of the world's religions combined pales beside that of atheistic secularists, if this is your metric.

So much hate, so much ignorance...
- Tom, Campton

I wish I had thought of this. What a good idea. If they are so sure of their faith then this surly is a great way to show it. $110 and your pet will be taken care of when you abandon it. ha ha!
- TJ, Bedford

Great idea! But why not take it even one step further? Why not off a post-Rapture baby-sitting service for the millions of babies and young children that are too young to accept Jesus as their "personal savior"?

And to Deb from Derry... REALLY? Have you forgotten about the CRUSADES? More people have been killed in the name of "Christianity" than in the name of all of the other world religions combined. There are other history books than the bible, you know...
- Mike, Brownsville

Very, very clever. However, when the rapture comes, Bart is going to have far more to deal with than taking care of fluffy. Then following that there is the thousand year reign, when Christians come back...looking for their refund.
- George, Peterborough

Deb, I am a christian, but please look back a few years. Salem witch trials (christians), the Crusades also christians. There has been a lot of evil done by so called christians. It has not served our cause well. But, this is not an attack on christians, it is a man trying to seperate people from their money. It is simply capitalism. He found a space in the market place. Anyway, I think it will be funny if the rapture does happen sometime in the next 10 years. The question is, who will hold him accountable. The end times are said to be filled with chaos, I am not sure he will hold up his end of the bargain.
- Tom, Manchester

This is terrible! Taking advantage of people's religious beliefs in order to make a quick, slimey buck is reprehensible. I hope the state insurance commission becomes invloved to regulate this snake-oil salesman.
- Mike, Bedford

My animals and I certainly hope Deb in Derry isn't holding herself out as an example of a good Christian, as it would seem she could benefit from some more practice in loving her neighbors (and her pets, if she has any!)

I see no proof of "attacking or mocking" Christians in this article, Deb. I see a man offering neighborly help to those of the Christian faith. I commend his efforts and bless his good heart. Perhaps one day, Deb, love can help you overcome such blind and angry judgments as the ones you've posted here today.
- Nemi, Keene

I can't help but wonder why the athiest community feels so threatened by Christians they feel the need to attack and ridicule them all the time. I could only imagine the outrage if it were the other way around. But then Christians are an easy target sincd they don't go around hurting those who mock them like certain other faiths. Maybe if Christians start choping off heads the attacks will stop and the media will tell everyone to seek out understanding them.

I'll gladly support the Christian community over the athiest jerks any day.
- Deb, Derry

Why does this story deserve front page space? Slow news day?
I'm watching a small squirrel eat a nut outside my window right now. I feel this is more interesting than this story!
- Lois Griffin, Manchester NH

Kind of amusing, but I am curious as to whether this is subject to scrutiny by the Insurance Commissioner.
- JimBob, Northfield

If dogs don't go to heaven then I want to go where they do when I die.
- John, Bedford

What an odd story... truly. I would rather have more of he real news articles available online rather than this peculiar fluff.
- Lynsey, Nashua

When you all get raptured away, I'll take care of at least one left behind pet for free. No need to buy a silly insurance policy.
- Joe, Manchester

Excellent! Capitalism has a large play in separating the credulous from their money, I applaud Mr Centre's ingenuity.

It is too bad some lack the education and sense to get off of their wish-thinking high horse and healthy live humanist lives.

Now, to come up with an angle for milking the other various forms of make-believe based belief!
- Tom Labrie, Rochester

Woe to you hypocrites who think that some animals was going to stay on the earth after rapture for goodness's sake!
- Roman J. Sabatini, Troy, PA

Meh, slow news day UL? I say as a Christian that there are far, far worst things for me to care about then this guy and his web site. He has free speech and I have the freedom not to give a hoot about his opinion.

Yawn.
- Mary, Raymond