Why must it mean divine intervention grasshopper . Upton may or may not be ” chosen ” . Could be just guilt and the influence of the story of a heavy handed GOD pushing a man around . When the ” WHY ” is known enlightenment will be complete .
@HectorPriam, if you believe in true free will, every choice you make is supernatural. It has a cause outside of the natural chain of cause and effect. The word “intelligent” literally means “to choose between”. Intelligence is supernatural. (There is, of course, the strict materialist viewpoint in which free will is an illusion - hence “if you believe”.)
As to why Upton, the Calvinists/Thomists say that God chooses whom He will save according to His own secret counsel. The Arminians/Molinists say that God gives Grace to all, and that if we respond to the light we have - He gives more light. The Councils say that both are true.
Nice dramatic timing, but last we heard of Rev. Peacegood he was stranded by his car, then there was an overnight thunderstorm that knocked out all the power. So how did he happen to get all neatened up and only show up mid-service to straighten things out?
This is all a little too melodramatic for my taste, but Gasoline Alley is still one of the better strips around.
Mar 13:9 “But take heed to yourselves, for they shall deliver you up to councils and to congregations. You shall be beaten, and you shall be brought before rulers and sovereigns for My sake, for a witness to them. – This is Hebrew mail but has as much ” free will ” as Jonah appeared to have . S.G. you could be wall to wall , and I do believe . But what do I know ?
Indeed, while we rejoice at Up To No Goode’s Saul of Tarsus like moment of conversion on the Road to Damascus, while we’re at it, at least a symbolic stoning of Slim is in order! Somehow I doubt that will happen, though. Matthew 7:1 and all….
@prasrinivara– True, all writers bend logic for the sake of narrative impact…but asking for suspension of disbelief is a balancing act, if the writer does it too much then the strip loses credibility. Case in point, Dick Tracy was never “realistic,” but it was consistent with its internal logic. In recent years the writing has gotten so slipshod that it often makes no sense at all.
Though I am fond of Scancarelli, I think his predecessor Dick Moores did a better job in this department. I sure wish someone would publish some of Moores’ work.
Hey HectorPriam (Man from Troy?) Upton used his free will to let God intervene as God would intervene with the drug dealers, miscreants, etc. It is a miracle when a thief repents just as it is a tragedy when one does not.
Regarding HectorPriam’s comments….God wants us to obey Him because we love Him. When a man like Upton repents, the Angels rejoice in Heaven. Making a person “be good” like a mindless robot would be worth nothing. Sometimes God allowed things to happen to us to get our attention, though.
It’s almost midnight, the Rev. Peacegood has finally made his appearance and NotNorman has NotPosted. Curious. You’d think he’d be doing a little jig.
I was uncomfortable with the story at first, I’m uncomfortable discussing religion. But as the story unfolded I’ve come to enjoy it. Upton’s sincere transformation and heartfelt confession was very nice. And I also enjoyed many of your comments. It was great to share this story arc with you all.
Ronshua over 14 years ago
Jim has just ascended to the top of my Christmas card list . This must be the 11:00 service .
mrbribery over 14 years ago
I have.
Ronshua over 14 years ago
Why must it mean divine intervention grasshopper . Upton may or may not be ” chosen ” . Could be just guilt and the influence of the story of a heavy handed GOD pushing a man around . When the ” WHY ” is known enlightenment will be complete .
Ronshua over 14 years ago
Good call , that’s were wives & girl friends shine . Great with apples also .
Hillbillyman over 14 years ago
At least the sunday offering is safe now.
hank197857 over 14 years ago
it could happen …
axe-grinder over 14 years ago
Hi, Clovia! Clovia, over here!
SGIBeachbum over 14 years ago
Slim’s expression says it all. “Uh-oh! what have I done now?” Or would he really ever catch on?
alondra over 14 years ago
Slim must be used to that feeling.
pierreandnicole over 14 years ago
The REAL Rev Peacegood? Says who? Another rip off artist no doubt.
stuart over 14 years ago
@HectorPriam, if you believe in true free will, every choice you make is supernatural. It has a cause outside of the natural chain of cause and effect. The word “intelligent” literally means “to choose between”. Intelligence is supernatural. (There is, of course, the strict materialist viewpoint in which free will is an illusion - hence “if you believe”.)
As to why Upton, the Calvinists/Thomists say that God chooses whom He will save according to His own secret counsel. The Arminians/Molinists say that God gives Grace to all, and that if we respond to the light we have - He gives more light. The Councils say that both are true.
jumbobrain over 14 years ago
Nice dramatic timing, but last we heard of Rev. Peacegood he was stranded by his car, then there was an overnight thunderstorm that knocked out all the power. So how did he happen to get all neatened up and only show up mid-service to straighten things out? This is all a little too melodramatic for my taste, but Gasoline Alley is still one of the better strips around.
prasrinivara over 14 years ago
jumbobrain asked “So how did he happen to get all neatened up and only show up mid-service to straighten things out?”
Remember that no comic strip uses realtime logic, though GA does use a real time progression.
Ronshua over 14 years ago
Mar 13:9 “But take heed to yourselves, for they shall deliver you up to councils and to congregations. You shall be beaten, and you shall be brought before rulers and sovereigns for My sake, for a witness to them. – This is Hebrew mail but has as much ” free will ” as Jonah appeared to have . S.G. you could be wall to wall , and I do believe . But what do I know ?
BlitzMcD over 14 years ago
Indeed, while we rejoice at Up To No Goode’s Saul of Tarsus like moment of conversion on the Road to Damascus, while we’re at it, at least a symbolic stoning of Slim is in order! Somehow I doubt that will happen, though. Matthew 7:1 and all….
Nighthawks Premium Member over 14 years ago
pardon me while I thump…….
THUMP THUMP THUMP
jumbobrain over 14 years ago
@prasrinivara– True, all writers bend logic for the sake of narrative impact…but asking for suspension of disbelief is a balancing act, if the writer does it too much then the strip loses credibility. Case in point, Dick Tracy was never “realistic,” but it was consistent with its internal logic. In recent years the writing has gotten so slipshod that it often makes no sense at all.
Though I am fond of Scancarelli, I think his predecessor Dick Moores did a better job in this department. I sure wish someone would publish some of Moores’ work.
ChuckTrent64 over 14 years ago
Hey HectorPriam (Man from Troy?) Upton used his free will to let God intervene as God would intervene with the drug dealers, miscreants, etc. It is a miracle when a thief repents just as it is a tragedy when one does not.
countoftowergrove over 14 years ago
Praise Gawd for vittorie! and let’s go on to a new story.
Max Starman Jones over 14 years ago
I loved this story. It reminds me of the real people I know who have had similar experiences.
This has been fun.
Now, let’s let Walt tell a WWI story.
Alley_Oop over 14 years ago
Regarding HectorPriam’s comments….God wants us to obey Him because we love Him. When a man like Upton repents, the Angels rejoice in Heaven. Making a person “be good” like a mindless robot would be worth nothing. Sometimes God allowed things to happen to us to get our attention, though.
Durak Premium Member over 14 years ago
It’s almost midnight, the Rev. Peacegood has finally made his appearance and NotNorman has NotPosted. Curious. You’d think he’d be doing a little jig.
I was uncomfortable with the story at first, I’m uncomfortable discussing religion. But as the story unfolded I’ve come to enjoy it. Upton’s sincere transformation and heartfelt confession was very nice. And I also enjoyed many of your comments. It was great to share this story arc with you all.
pbarnrob over 14 years ago
When the Student is Ready, the Teacher Appears. Not everybody is Ready, (though all too many claim to be).