Against whom?
Just had an interesting start of a thought process in the car. It was down to a conversation with El, the origins of which are difficult to pinpoint in my redwine-addled brain.
Nevertheless let's try and spark this thought into the webbernet and see what criticism it gets us (precious).
I find it interesting the way that some people (coughchristianscough) carry on against this and that and the other..
I do have in my mind a particular example, although I could most likely come up with others. I recently received an email that tells us to:
Let's leave aside for a second the "Muslim community.. in droves" comment as I'm sure you can all appreciate the overstatement without my drawing attention to it (oops just did never mind).. What message is being sent here? What message should be sent?
Don't get me wrong, I think it's a good thing to stand up for what you believe in. But I think I'm right in saying that people like Jesus and Paul made stands mainly against people on the inside who were opressing other people. I suspect (and bear in mind that I really wouldn't consider myself a scholar in this area) that these guys wouldn't have wasted their time signing a petition against the local temple to whoever or local businesses or laws or whatever. I think they'd have been out there talking to people and oh so more importantly LOVING people EXACTLY WHERE THEY WERE. No sodding strings attached.
I actually would love this to be a debate (although this is not the best setting for that) because I'm very interested in learning what people have to say on all sides.
The only thing is that I'm right and you're wrong so bite me. Just kidding folks, that's what the fundamentalist in all of us would like to be saying. But we won't let it, hey?
As an aside did you know that the spirit of fundamentalism resides outside of religions? It's true. There's fundamentalist atheists out there too. BEWARE.
Ok I'm about done. Over to you..
Nevertheless let's try and spark this thought into the webbernet and see what criticism it gets us (precious).
I find it interesting the way that some people (coughchristianscough) carry on against this and that and the other..
I do have in my mind a particular example, although I could most likely come up with others. I recently received an email that tells us to:
Take a second to cast your vote in the Evening Standard online poll to determine public opinion about whether a mega mosque should be built for the Olympics.
The vote so far is 62 % in favour. It looks like the Muslim community is casting its vote in droves, and as usual the Christians are burying their head in the sand.
Let's leave aside for a second the "Muslim community.. in droves" comment as I'm sure you can all appreciate the overstatement without my drawing attention to it (oops just did never mind).. What message is being sent here? What message should be sent?
Don't get me wrong, I think it's a good thing to stand up for what you believe in. But I think I'm right in saying that people like Jesus and Paul made stands mainly against people on the inside who were opressing other people. I suspect (and bear in mind that I really wouldn't consider myself a scholar in this area) that these guys wouldn't have wasted their time signing a petition against the local temple to whoever or local businesses or laws or whatever. I think they'd have been out there talking to people and oh so more importantly LOVING people EXACTLY WHERE THEY WERE. No sodding strings attached.
I actually would love this to be a debate (although this is not the best setting for that) because I'm very interested in learning what people have to say on all sides.
The only thing is that I'm right and you're wrong so bite me. Just kidding folks, that's what the fundamentalist in all of us would like to be saying. But we won't let it, hey?
As an aside did you know that the spirit of fundamentalism resides outside of religions? It's true. There's fundamentalist atheists out there too. BEWARE.
Ok I'm about done. Over to you..
Labels: pretentious crap
I do was forwarded the samw petition by several people and found it offensive for the very reasons you state. It was however pointed out to me by your father that one of the problems of hosting the Olympics is that lots of big buildings get built that then become huge White Elephants. After the Olympics who would worship in this mosque? Siurely the muslim community would not be wanting people to leave their own mosques in order to worship in it and presumably it won't be a building that is at the heart of a community, muslim or otherwise. Mind you - good argument though this is, I can't see the Christians voting against a big Church being built for the Olympics! I have other stuff in my head about this, but it is late and I am befuddled and somewhat in pain.
Night, night
Posted by
Mothership |
March 11, 2007 12:29 AM
I think it's quite a fearful reaction to panic about a mosque being built. Isn't God above that? I know it's good to have big and useful buildings - our church is designing one and looking forward to it - but it isn't the be all and end all. God is.
Posted by
Eleanor |
March 11, 2007 9:05 PM
And also...just reiterating what Toby said, is this the best image of Christianity? The main thing that Jesus and their apostles fought the world for was the defence of God and the church. There were, of course, things that weren't tolerated within the community of the church but were there big battles with the rest of the world on these issues? I actually don't know but that certainly isn't the overwhelming message of the New Testament.
Where is the love? The love.
Posted by
Eleanor |
March 11, 2007 9:15 PM
I agree with Eleanor, I think it is a fearful reaction and if we are fearful then we are not trusting in an all powerful God. Heard Rob Bell talk about how Paul preached within sight of thhe temple of Artemis in a place where she was the most revered goddess, but he never preached against her or against any of the religous practices of those people. He didn't need to, all he needed to do was to preach the Gospel. Fear, biogtry, speaking against others beliefs etc etc, none of these things are ever Good News to anyone. Jesus only did what He saw the Father doing, I wonder how many Christians really pray and seek God before signing a petition like that.
Posted by
Mothership |
March 12, 2007 7:06 AM