Editor's note: This post is part of the Overheard on CNN.com series, a regular feature that examines interesting comments and thought-provoking conversations posted by the community.
Family and faith got readers talking over the weekend. Here are five of the conversations we noticed on Monday as we wandered in to work.
1. The Alex Teves challenge
Alex Teves died shielding his girlfriend from the rain of bullets during the Aurora, Colorado, theater shooting. His father, Tom Teves, wants the media to stop naming and showing images of the gunmen in mass murders. His "Alex Teves challenge" has gotten a powerful response from readers.
Look to the good in humankind - look to heroes, says grieving father
One reader compared the image above to a powerful painting.
lxNay: "That image above, with Alex gazing at the ocean, is exactly like work by the German artist Caspar David Friedrich. In particular, 'Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog.' That is quite a profound image, breathtaking actually. When I think of Friedrich's work, I imagine a solitary man contemplating his destiny and future. I wonder if that is what Alex was doing? What a loss. My thoughts are with the family and families."
Many people shared condolences and said they wanted to take the challenge.
null: "Mr. And Mrs. Teves, As the parent of a young man who, like Alex, is also a bright light in what often appears to be a dim world, I cannot comprehend your loss. While it may be only a small consolation, I want you to know that I have accepted the Alex Teves Challenge. As a film producer, I have, ashamedly, played my role in glorifying villainy during my career. I have known for some time that the age-old story of good vs.evil can be told in a manner that raises the consciousness of the viewer to the role of the hero, rather than degenerate it to the level of the villain. It is my vow to use this litmus test on every project I green light in the future. May you find peace in your heart during these difficult days ..."
Zanmarie: "The people of Ahwatukee, and Alex's parents knew they had an exceptional son. They were wise enough to notice Alex and begin to truly value him when he was alive. I, as an ordinary citizen and media watcher, will take up my part of the challenge. To spread the word about the good people, the kind people, the nice people, in our midst, rather than focus any more of my attention on the negative persons who DO dominate our news coverage. It is not just a challenge for the media, it is a challenge for us, the public. Can we, collectively, turn our heads and hearts away from the 'bad' influences that will always be around in our world ... or can we turn our collective attention toward the good and wonderful people whom we usually overlook. Long remember a real hero ... Alex Teves."
Dinka: "What a good person. His family should always be proud of this person who they gave to the world and the message they are inspiring because of him. They are absolutely right that, as a society, we need to stop giving so much attention to the murderer and start crediting the good people who deserve that their memory be honored."
2. Condolences
O.J. Murdock, who signed with the NFL's Tennessee Titans last year, killed himself Monday morning in front of the Tampa, Florida, high school where he was a track and football star, police said. Our readers shared many experiences and said they, too, could relate.
NFL player kills himself at his former high school, police say
Sir Toom: "He was my age and attended USC while I was there (two years he was there). I'm sorry to hear this. I could not imagine ever reaching this point. But you never know what someone has been through unless you have walked through their shoes and have those experiences and feelings. RIP."
Ken Smith: "Godspeed this young man. I have lost friends to depression and suicide. If you know someone is depressed, do your best to see they get help. Talk to them. Sometimes only one world from someone who cares can make the difference. All respect to family and friends. Sending prayers for strength."
Glades2: "As a hospital volunteer I once knew a teen who could no longer play high school football due to a spinal injury received during a game, and after a few months in the hospital he related some of his despair to me one evening, so this does happen, especially to someone who's physically fit and suddenly finds their body can no longer perform the way it once did. I'm very sorry to hear of this ..."
3. Childlessness
Amitai Etzioni wrote an article asking if having children makes couples less happy, or if there is something else at work.
Does having kids make you less happy?
The story led to an interesting thread about people who opt not to have children.
Jenandjoan Jonsson: "I would never presume to tell anyone else what to do. For myself, though, I just don't want children. Ever. At all."
Alejandro Arango: "The difference between people who have kids and people who don’t is that the people who do know what it’s like not to have kids and understand what they gained or lost be having them. They understand both sides. People with no kids will never understand what it’s like to have kids so they will never understand how it feels and what they gained or lost. My wife and I use to think the same way, no way did we want kids. Then an accident happened and we decided to go for it. Then we decided to have another kid. Yes, we have lost some of our freedom and at times it has been stressful but all that goes away when my daughter wraps her arms around me and tells me she loves me. That is something people with no kids will never understand."
SZeidler: "Alejandro Arango brings up an interesting point. Can people without children ever understand where parents are coming from? Or is the experience too unique?"
tattooo: "SZeidler, the point is that I don't WANT to experience what it is that parents go through. I don't like kids. I have this feeling that most parents who want me to 'experience' what it is they're going through have the kids I like the LEAST. I don't see a point as to why we who do not have kids need to support your kids via taxes, deal with them in public situations when they're losing their minds, or have to censor ourselves because you decided to bring your genetic xerox out in public. I don't want kids. I don't need to share in your experience of having them. I'll take the $250,000 Porsche and all the 'meaningless' fun I can have in it over having a kid any day of the week."
4. Race and religion
Many readers wanted to talk about religion. One of the involved stories was about a couple who wanted to get married, but had to move their plans because of their race. Charles and Te'Andrea Wilson had planned to marry this month at the First Baptist Church of Crystal Springs in Mississippi, but were asked at the last minute to change the venue of their wedding.
Church refuses to marry black couple in Mississippi
Readers were almost universally outraged by this story.
Katherine Licari Venturoso: "My question is, why didn't the pastor ignore these racist people? They were not invited to the wedding anyway. He wasn't very courageous and is not a good role model. He should resign. He didn't do his job."
tipsana: "I am surprised this couple would still wish to be married by a pastor who did not have the integrity to tell the racist members 'No!' in a thundering voice. Really, everything about this situation stuns me."
Mitzy1991: "The sad truth is churches can do whatevertheheck they want to do. Why are you surprised about a church excluding people? Churches exclude people all the time! You think this is the only racist church on the planet??? Churches are racist, sexist, homophobic and everything in between. It's horrible what people do to each other in this country in the name of God."
5. Noah's Ark, revisited
Johan Huibers, a wealthy businessman, has built a replica of the biblical vessel known as Noah's Ark to the dimensions specified in the book of Genesis. The finished craft has just been opened to the public on the Merwede River in the Dutch town of Dordrecht. This certainly got readers talking.
Dutchman builds replica Noah's Ark after flood dream
Readers differed in their opinions.
kylepr: "Because Christ would have wanted him to waste millions of dollars building a boat from a story that is scientifically impossible to have happened, instead of using that money to feed and clothe the poor. Love how Christians completely miss the teachings of Jesus.
adinfinitum7: "It is a shame that so many people criticize this guy. It was a neat project no matter what your position on the Bible. Being human is about doing different things."
ReHorakhty: "Why is it amazing? He deserves to be criticized. He is profiteering, not being charitable. See it for what it is."
Malfean: "I've often thought that while the ark was probably very real, the context in which it was built could have been misconstrued over the centuries. Keep in mind that the story of Noah predates all religious text, and is spoken of in the Epic of Gilgamesh. That spoke of a man who survived the mother of all floods and from the north. Perhaps Noah was a man who had farm animals and stuff near to the Black Sea, in Northern Turkey. Perhaps, one day, thousands of years ago either God or someone spoke to him about a flood coming, (perhaps he just noticed the shoreline changing over a few days or months, etc.). The collapse of the Bosphorus, which resulted in a net loss of 5 feet across the entire Mediterranean Sea, went into the Black Sea and that had been until that point, a fresh water sea. It could be possible that this is where the story came from. Perhaps the two of every animal simply meant two of every animal HE owned, along with family and provisions to ride out what would have looked at that time to be a global flood? Just a thought. ..."
What do you think? Share your opinion in the comments area below and in the latest stories on CNN.com. Or sound off on video via CNN iReport.
Compiled by the CNN.com moderation staff. Some comments edited for length or clarity.
© 2012 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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Why does Superman just say "i stand for truth and justice"? Wjat happened to the rest of the phrase? You know? "truth, justice and the American way". That question might answer why America no longer stands against evil more than harassing the media over whether or not to show a picture of a mass murderer. I know the victims families probably can't stand the site of this man's picture, but thanks to the media showing it I am now aware that this man needs to be sentenced accordingly and that if justice isn't served it's time to fire some politicians.
For those who don't already know, I do speak from experience on this matter. My friend, Kelvin Kaigler, was falsely convicted of mass murder. You can google his name and the first result should be from the site (friends of justice). Justice has still yet to be served because Sherriff Jack Strain prosecited and convicted the wrong "cheewee haircut"(you can google that word to and you find ot was a tirade of racial slurs and a rush to judgement). Jack Strain might have been a good enough politician to get elected sherrif but racism has made him a crooked cop who doesn't even care if the wrong man was convicted. Time to fire a crooked politician.
@Hamsta, you have been a loyal friend to Kelvin. Hopefully putting this out on a blog site will bring awareness to his case. It's time to fire all of the crooked politicians.
Thank you for your support Dazzle.
I'm glad justice was finally done for your friend. What a HORRIBLE experience for an innocent man.
@dazzle
After you get done firing all the crooked politicians, don't send them over to the private sectror mulling over an $8 an hour job they'll hate and quit, to make the others struggling to get by miserable.
@Jeff Frank, I hope we all do our civic duty to get rid of the crooked politicians and I mean all of them. They would never survive in the corporate sectre regardless of pay.
Well, justice is ok but it shouldn't punish the innocent. Us Penn State Almuni are the actual victims in the things allegedly done by Coach Sandusky. It is just wrong to punish us and our football team.
Our life isn't fair, in every life some rain must fall.
Live by the sword die by the sword....... your faithful atheist.
CNN‘It’s time America takes a stand against evil’
JEFF When 90% of the population is choosing thier own confessions, and have no sense of humility, "it's a wonder this country can stand against anything".
We stand against everyone. We are Penn State.
@PSU Alumni
I made a post last week to that regards. There are things that punish the wrong doers. So along with that, they punish with guilt by association. Which, I mean just that. There are plenty of people that had no aquaintence with the perp and don't even like football, but have to pay in some remote way.
Very true Jeff, I can't even visit my parents in my hometown without worrying about getting my face slammed in the concrete and stirrinf up a turf war between the corrupt sherrif's department and the local city police. My da's neighbor is the top undercover cop for the city police and has the full story. I was well known in my town and am a model citizen. Now my name has been smeared just because I was the friend of someone who was wrongly convicted. My qindsheild has been smashed numerous times, my tires slashed a few times and my other truck was lit on fire. The man that got caught vandalizing my truck was an off duty sherriff's deputy. I catch hell from all sides.
Excuse all the typos, these touchscreen keyboards don't work well with big fingers. Ever seen fantastic four? When the thing tries to make phone call? It's like that.
That is an absolutely magnificent picture of Alex.
My heart goes out to all of the victim's families...
No parent should survive their children, especially due to a random act of violence.
Rest in peace.
Hi, Hamsta.
I truly hope that Kelvin gets his day in court to clear his name.
Good day to you Banasy, did that trick with the hat work for you. It's about to be august, but not really that hot here because whilw you are dealing with a drought it has rained every day here for the past month. Good luck staying cool and drink plenty of liquids. Thanks for your support.
@Hamsta:
Yes, it did, but now my head is moldy.
I'm kidding; it actually worked pretty well, for the times I *have* to be outside...
Thanks for the tip!
To reply to a question about zoloft on the previous thread, my friend is a couple of years younger than me. He was in high school in 1991 and yes zoloft has been used for adhd. It's not all that uncommon for a medication to be used for other purposes than originally designed. The main ingredient in rogaine (medication for hair loss) is nonoxenol 9, the spermicide used in trokan condoms.
banasy, thats not really hamsta.
Yes it is the real Hamsta, I know it's weird that I agree with banasy. Or is it that I'm actually being nice to her? I told you I'm really not the jerk you think I am, we just got a bad first impression of each other. Jave you had any luck getting the moocher off your couch? If not making him thik you are a complete psycho who knows where he sleeps is very effective. Or is it that my grammar and punctuaction has improved? I upgraded from a crappy phone to android, does everything an Iphone does and alot more. Whoever pays for apps is a fool, I can even get Siri for android free. It's called Skivi.
Woah. Corrupt police? Hamsta? If you really are Hamsta, corrupt law enforcement is like one bad apple in the bushel basket. If you are in the middle of it, I will pray for you. Federal agents from time to time are closing down police departments for charges like "corruption of office". I seen one town here shut down for 5 years. That's a big price to pay for taking bribes, lying under oath, excessive force, tampering with evidence, obstruction of justice, just to name a few.
yes, believe me I already knew that. That's what the Dukes of Hazard was really about, and the original Rambo movie, not to mention the Chuck Norris flick, Breaker, Breaker and Smoky and the Bandit, a whole list of 30 year old movies and so on. The difference between then and now is I used to ditch the cops for fun as a teenager, but that isn't possible now because they watch you from outer space with the satellites now and they have jelicopters and drones now. Everyone was so amazed that they could look at their house with the satellites after Hurricane katrina. The government has been able to do that for 25 years.that's precisely what Star wars(1000 points of light) was about. It is very quickly becoming an orwellian society. He wrote 1984 for a reason, I strongly suggest everyone wake up and read it. T
Ya I won't bw surprised if the feds shut down St. Tammany, they are already under investigation for a big list of corruption. I don't want anything to do with it, I have been through hell. I'm maintaining a low profile right now and my only goal is to stay out of trouble, get a fair trial for Kelvin and put the real guilty person in his place. I could care less what happens to the sherriff, I stay well away from all that mess.
I think we do stand against evil! I don't know any1 who goes out of their way to be dastardly! How do we stop people from committing evil acts? Perhaps being a bit more aware of people in our environment, would help! That might also keep young despondent people from killing themselves, too! I absolutely cheer the Alex Teves Challenge! He died a hero & he was a regular human, not a "superhero"! I realize the media must report what happens in a trial & it's verdict, but it would be nice to balance it w/stories about the victims, survivors & their families! That's 1 way for positive to trump negative!!
Every once in a while things of this nature will happen no matter how much we try to deter it. Its call living and human nature.
I read with amusement the opinions of ReHorakhty and kylepr under the feature about the ark. Given the amount of cash wasted on a daily basis, who are they to condemn the man for such a creation? The world suffers because of such cynicism.
Not to mention that it *is* his money, and he can do what he wishes with it...and they really don't know; he may donate money to food banks.
It is no more evil, than the Aurora massacre than Wallstreet and banksters who rip off the general public and get away with it scottfree.
Smokey and the Bandit..And Orwellian society the connection is so obvious! Remember when the world was supposed to end in 1984... . I guess we'll have to wait till mayan calendar ends on 12-21-12... .
Murphy as Applied to Evil:
If there is a possibility of several things going wrong, the one that will cause the most damage will be the one to go wrong.