Raj Patel, author and reluctant messiah

[ThatSoundAgain]

This (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/mar/19/raj-patel-colbert-report-benjamin-creme) just sounds completely surreal.

I haven't read Patel's books and don't know anything about him, but... Poor man.

[Matty1973]

"My parents came to visit recently, and they brought clothes that said 'he's not the messiah, he's a very naughty boy'. To them, it's just amusing."

Comedy gold

[Sledge]

Does he have a gourd?

[Trent Wray]

An absolutely fascinating and intriguing study on the nature of prophecy and wtf ************.

[HumanityBlues]

This (http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/mar/19/raj-patel-colbert-report-benjamin-creme) just sounds completely surreal.

I haven't read Patel's books and don't know anything about him, but... Poor man.

I wonder if part of the prophecy was that he'd adamantly deny being the messiah.

[Iconoclast08]

I wonder if part of the prophecy was that he'd adamantly deny being the messiah.

Actually, it was, so say Share International et al. and Creme, as I recall reading.

[readme.txt]

Wow. The story itself is kinda funny, but... aw poor man.

[Trent Wray]

I think it would be fascinating to track, somehow, the paths his life will take now and the paths of his "followers" as a result of the prophecy and the belief, regardless of whether or not he agrees with it.

Perhaps we should send an email to Bruce Bueno de Mesquita to plug some info into his prediction calculator to track the deviations :)

[VisionFromFeeling]

Well, if his work influences a great change in the lives of many of those who starve and are underprivileged, then it is right to call him a saviour, as he would be that. Perhaps not in a religious form, but in a real, wordly manner.

[Trent Wray]

Well, if his work influences a great change in the lives of many of those who starve and are underprivileged, then it is right to call him a saviour, as he would be that. Perhaps not in a religious form, but in a real, wordly manner. What is your personal definition of a savior, if I may ask ?

[ThatSoundAgain]

Comedy gold

Yeah, I thought that as well when I read about his parents' reaction. Then Ithought a bit about how it would affect me to have unwanted followers like this. I'd find it most disturbing.

Well, if his work influences a great change in the lives of many of those who starve and are underprivileged, then it is right to call him a saviour, as he would be that. Perhaps not in a religious form, but in a real, wordly manner.

Sure, but no need to bug him about it in a way that makes him uncomfortable. And a way that doesn't contribute anything to any real-world solutions. Like getting on a plane across the Atlantic just to hear him speak.