Inferno

 

                                                (image: youtube.com/news.com.au)

Amo da impyerno!

Tré Goins-Phillips of cbn.com reported: Nikki Glaser, the comedian who played host to this year’s Golden Globes Awards in Beverly Hills, joked Sunday that none of the evening’s winners thanked God for their successes.

“God, creator of the universe, with zero mentions,” said Glaser. “[N]o surprise in this godless town.”

Then, wildfires in Los Angeles have impacted areas such as Pacific Palisades, Eaton Canyon, and the Sylmar region, with strong Santa Ana winds, severe drought, and potential equipment failures contributing to their spread.

The notion of Los Angeles being referred to as a "godless place" aligns with theories of cultural perception and moral boundary maintenance. Durkheim's (1912/2008) theory of the sacred and profane suggests that mocking religious or moral values can create social tensions, as such values are integral to societal cohesion.

Additionally, Berger's (1967) concept of the "sacred canopy" explains how religion and shared beliefs provide a framework of meaning, and when such frameworks are publicly challenged, it can provoke defensive reactions from those who hold these beliefs deeply.

Some people found the comedian's remarks insulting, linking them to the wildfires as a form of karmic retribution. Others argued that the spiel was within the bounds of freedom of expression, defending the comedian's right to speak freely.

From an ethical standpoint, making broad statements that could be perceived as mocking deeply held cultural or religious values might be considered insensitive or disrespectful, particularly if the intent is to ridicule rather than engage in meaningful critique.

However, within the framework of freedom of expression, such commentary is protected, as it allows individuals to voice opinions—even controversial ones—without fear of censorship.

Karmic retribution, rooted in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain philosophies, refers to the idea that one’s actions—whether positive or negative—generate corresponding consequences, either in this life or future ones (King, 1999). This principle suggests a moral causality, where ethical behavior leads to positive outcomes, while unethical actions invite suffering (Harvey, 2000).

Attributing wildfires to divine wrath may align with certain cultural or religious narratives, but scientific explanations provide a clearer understanding of these phenomena. Wildfires in Los Angeles and similar regions are primarily driven by natural and environmental factors, including prolonged drought, extreme heat, and strong winds like the Santa Ana winds.

While freedom of expression allows individuals to voice their thoughts, it is important to exercise caution when addressing topics that intersect with deeply held religious beliefs. Words hold power and can influence perceptions, foster understanding, or unintentionally cause harm.

Yet, we mourn as we witness the place being reduced to ashes, fervently praying that this hellish devastation will come to an end.