The John Allen Chau situation

[Tom4784]

What do you make of it?

Here's a few articles about it.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-46300459
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-46337353
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-46354940

Long story short, Chau was a self appointed christian missionary who paid fishermen to take him to an island inhabited by the Sentinelese, a tribe of indigenous people that have next to no exposure to the outside world, in order to convert them. It's illegal to make contact with the tribe as they are considered an endangered tribe and the local government have taken measures to protect their isolation but there's also a practical reason why contact with the tribe is forbidden as they have no been exposed to germs and ailments that are common in the outside world which makes contact risky.
Chau got to the island and was killed by the tribespeople and the government have struggled to get back his remains and that's kind of the story at the moment. It's opened up quite a debate on the role of missionaries in today's world.

I personally think he got what he deserved, he knew the risks to the people, he knew the laws yet he still went ahead to try to thrust his faith on others. It's selfish and vain and I have no sympathy for him whatsoever. The articles mention a previous case in which a missionary tried to preach their religion to another isolated tribe and half of them ended up dying because of the germs and bacteria he brought with him.

I think the whole missionary thing should just be widely illegal. I remember reading a book written by a survivor of North Korea in which the missionaries that got her out of there basically forced her into Christianity while she was with them otherwise they wouldn't have gone through with getting her out. That kind of 'charity but only if you convert to our religion' bull**** is repugnant and exploitative.

Honestly, this whole story just makes me quite mad.

[jaxie]

I agree that he shouldn't have been there, he had no business being there, putting the people who live there at risk to peddle his fantasy football league. However, I would argue with the words he deserved it. No one deserves to die. And yes in my view being a missionary is deluded but in a free society we have to accept people can believe what they want though there should be some more laws about endangering others to peddle it.

[Amy Jade]

It is a shame he died obviously but it is illegal to set foot on the island and he knew that and had been chased away the day before. They wish to be left alone and that wish should be respected.

Reminds me a little of the Cannibal Holocaust or Green Inferno movies.

[Tom4784]

Originally Posted by jaxie

I agree that he shouldn't have been there, he had no business being there, putting the people who live there at risk to peddle his fantasy football league. However, I would argue with the words he deserved it. No one deserves to die. And yes in my view being a missionary is deluded but in a free society we have to accept people can believe what they want though there should be some more laws about endangering others to peddle it.

He knew the risks to himself and, more importantly, to the people and still went ahead with his plans so that blatant disregard for the tribe's wellbeing takes precedent for me. The tribe I mentioned that got decimated because of another missionary that didn't respect the risk didn't deserve to die either.

When it comes down to it, I value the life of one foolish idiot way less than the lives of an entire tribe who just wish to be left in peace.

[LaLaLand]

Originally Posted by Amy Jade

It is a shame he died obviously but it is illegal to set foot on the island and he knew that and had been chased away the day before. They wish to be left alone and that wish should be respected.

Pretty much sums up my thoughts too

[Toy Soldier]

Yes, to be honest for me it's less a case of "deserved it" and more a case of "it was his own choice". He knew it was illegal, he knew it was a huge risk, and its not surprising that he ended up dead.

I suppose I'd compare it to a joyriding teenager. They don't "deserve to die" for their stupidity even though they're putting other people's lives at risk, however it is a situation entirely of their own making that they know is risking their life.

[bitontheslide]

it shouldnt be limited to religion. It's difficult to enforce but any form of indoctrination outside of educational establishments should be outlawed or at a minimum regulated.

[arista]

Yes he was attacked the last time
he went to the Island.
Sadly he knew full well he was not meant
meant to be on that Protected Island

[The Slim Reaper]

[LeatherTrumpet]

the arrogance of man

twat

[Cherie]

Originally Posted by Toy Soldier

Yes, to be honest for me it's less a case of "deserved it" and more a case of "it was his own choice". He knew it was illegal, he knew it was a huge risk, and its not surprising that he ended up dead.

I suppose I'd compare it to a joyriding teenager. They don't "deserve to die" for their stupidity even though they're putting other people's lives at risk, however it is a situation entirely of their own making that they know is risking their life.

Yes I would agree with all of this

[Oliver_W]

I guess it's the best meal they had in ages.

[hijaxers]

Originally Posted by Oliver_W

I guess it's the best meal they had in ages.

Not when he's full of poison !