Line in the Sand

Destroy all that would question you. Burn all that would disagree with you. Accept all dogma unquestioningly. Think only acceptable thoughts. Discard new ideas unexamined, for they are not dogma. Blame the ones you burn for forcing your hand.

This is Origen. Stargate's Ori (pronounced OR-eye). (Why? Who did you think I was talking about?)

Let's take a look. We have supposedly benevolent, all-powerful beings, seeking to 'save' people. From what is never specified, unless it's from a nasty death at the hands of the Ori's followers. There's a holy book, twisted to reflect whatsoever the followers need in that moment. Quote-mining. Quote-twisting. Fact-hiding.

There's a lot I could say here, but there's really only one point that I want to focus on. Benevolent beings do not kill and torture people in the name of saving them. All-powerful beings do not need to kill and torture people in the name of saving them. All-powerful beings do not need to hide or twist the facts to save people. Benevolent beings do not shackle their followers and force them to be grateful for the shackles.

And the best part for these beings? It's all the victim's fault: for not believing; for resisting; for thinking; for questioning; for existing. No blame whatsoever can be attached to the wonderful and powerful Ori. Bow down before them, or face their benevolent wrath.