Interesting, in-depth, informative look at the three major monotheistic religions and their die-hard fanatics. Not necessarily what you'd expect to see.
I especially liked what I heard from this guy, a self-proclaimed conservative Christian who believes, as I do, that the current causes of the Christian Radical Right are way off base. For example, in the piece he says that the sins of greed and gluttony are mentioned far more in the Bible and have traditionally been considered far more egregious than homosexuality; and he can't understand the "gradation of sin" that has been created in recent decades.
Check it out.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Saturday, May 26, 2007
The Birdcage
These flamingoes are an abomination with their choice of lifestyle, and now they're ruining the family system and corrupting flamingo youth. They are trying to shove their agenda down the throats of decent flamingoes everywhere, and it's time to rise up and put a stop to them before the entire flamingo population has gone the way of the dodo.
(For the sarcastically challenged, that was an entirely facetious post. The video and the flamingoes, however, are real.)
(For the sarcastically challenged, that was an entirely facetious post. The video and the flamingoes, however, are real.)
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Outta the Closet
I believe in God.
I believe Jesus was His son who died on the cross and was resurrected to save people from their sins.
I pray every day because I believe in the power of prayer, and because it draws me closer to God.
There, I said it. I'm out of the closet.
Don't hang up yet! I don't have a Bible in my hand ready to quote Scripture to save your soul. The way I see it, conversion dogma has created some of the most awful, terrorizing times throughout history. I can't stand it when so-called Christians evangelize discrimination and oppression.
I also am not convinced that the Bible is the End All Be All Word Of God. It may have been inspired by God, but it was written and edited by men. I refer to it at times, but I also have a lot of questions about it.
And then there's all the terror that the so-called Godly have inflicted upon their fellow man in the name of Him. You're thinking suicide bombers? Absolutely. But the (Catholic) Inquisition did SO much more harm, and over a much longer period of time. So really, let he who's religion is without sin.... yada yada.
I am a very firm believer in the separation of church and state. I think a lot of folks are misguided on that one. Yeah, America was founded by Chrisitian Puritans, but they didn't come here to establish a Christian country. Christianity was already being practiced everywhere in Europe. They came here for religious freedom, so that they could practice their faith as they wished rather than having their kings, acting as agents of the Pope, dictate it to them.
I believe that we should follow the example of Jesus, and have compassion and forgiveness for all. Love Thy Neighbor. The Ten Commandments. Stuff like that. That includes those who we deem undeserving of compassion and forgiveness, because - well, that's what it means to be compassionate and forgiving, fer cryin' out loud. You think because you feel compassion for an abused child, that makes you compassionsate??? No. Compassion is what's extended to the abuser. Not to say they're not accountable and shouldn't be punished accordingly. There's a difference.
I believe firmly in karma. What goes around comes around. You reap what you sow.
I look to Johnny Cash, Martin Luther King, Jr., and President Jimmy Carter for real examples of faith in action.
I believe that all faiths, beliefs, and traditions deserve the utmost respect. If you disagree with my beliefs, I'm totally ok with that and have no agenda to convert you.
So that's the tongue-in-cheek reason I named this blog My God vs Your God. The truth is, I believe that we are all here borne of one God, recognizing that He is given many names and worshipped in many ways: the Universe, Higher Self, Allah, etc. Then there are atheists, Buddhists, Hindu, etc., who believe in no god, or multiple gods, and it's not for me to tell them if that is their right path.
I don't claim to be an expert of the Bible or any particular religion, faith, or tradition. Am I a perfect practitioner of my beliefs? Not at all, but I try hard. I'm simply an intelligent liberal who'd like to reclaim the mantle of Christianity to those who espouse the true causes of the Christ, which were relieving poverty and disease and strife. Among other things.
Don't wanna fight about it. Discuss? Absolutely.
Soundtrack for this post:
Under Pressure, by David Bowie/Queen
Ain't No Mountain High Enough, by Marvin Gaye & Tammie Terrell
One Love, by Bob Marley
(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love & Understanding, by Elvis Costello
Thing of Beauty, by Hothouse Flowers (home-made video set to the song)
Shine Like It Does, by INXS
I believe Jesus was His son who died on the cross and was resurrected to save people from their sins.
I pray every day because I believe in the power of prayer, and because it draws me closer to God.
There, I said it. I'm out of the closet.
Don't hang up yet! I don't have a Bible in my hand ready to quote Scripture to save your soul. The way I see it, conversion dogma has created some of the most awful, terrorizing times throughout history. I can't stand it when so-called Christians evangelize discrimination and oppression.
I also am not convinced that the Bible is the End All Be All Word Of God. It may have been inspired by God, but it was written and edited by men. I refer to it at times, but I also have a lot of questions about it.
And then there's all the terror that the so-called Godly have inflicted upon their fellow man in the name of Him. You're thinking suicide bombers? Absolutely. But the (Catholic) Inquisition did SO much more harm, and over a much longer period of time. So really, let he who's religion is without sin.... yada yada.
I am a very firm believer in the separation of church and state. I think a lot of folks are misguided on that one. Yeah, America was founded by Chrisitian Puritans, but they didn't come here to establish a Christian country. Christianity was already being practiced everywhere in Europe. They came here for religious freedom, so that they could practice their faith as they wished rather than having their kings, acting as agents of the Pope, dictate it to them.
I believe that we should follow the example of Jesus, and have compassion and forgiveness for all. Love Thy Neighbor. The Ten Commandments. Stuff like that. That includes those who we deem undeserving of compassion and forgiveness, because - well, that's what it means to be compassionate and forgiving, fer cryin' out loud. You think because you feel compassion for an abused child, that makes you compassionsate??? No. Compassion is what's extended to the abuser. Not to say they're not accountable and shouldn't be punished accordingly. There's a difference.
I believe firmly in karma. What goes around comes around. You reap what you sow.
I look to Johnny Cash, Martin Luther King, Jr., and President Jimmy Carter for real examples of faith in action.
I believe that all faiths, beliefs, and traditions deserve the utmost respect. If you disagree with my beliefs, I'm totally ok with that and have no agenda to convert you.
So that's the tongue-in-cheek reason I named this blog My God vs Your God. The truth is, I believe that we are all here borne of one God, recognizing that He is given many names and worshipped in many ways: the Universe, Higher Self, Allah, etc. Then there are atheists, Buddhists, Hindu, etc., who believe in no god, or multiple gods, and it's not for me to tell them if that is their right path.
I don't claim to be an expert of the Bible or any particular religion, faith, or tradition. Am I a perfect practitioner of my beliefs? Not at all, but I try hard. I'm simply an intelligent liberal who'd like to reclaim the mantle of Christianity to those who espouse the true causes of the Christ, which were relieving poverty and disease and strife. Among other things.
Don't wanna fight about it. Discuss? Absolutely.
Soundtrack for this post:
Under Pressure, by David Bowie/Queen
Ain't No Mountain High Enough, by Marvin Gaye & Tammie Terrell
One Love, by Bob Marley
(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love & Understanding, by Elvis Costello
Thing of Beauty, by Hothouse Flowers (home-made video set to the song)
Shine Like It Does, by INXS
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