We have started going again. Not to the same one, I hasten to add - but so far this seems like a good move. Its interesting, going somewhere else after so long at a single place of worship. One gets somewhat used to 'how things are done' and then tends not to notice how what develops is really not at all accessible and if anything, places barriers between itself and those it wishes to attract. We noticed, yesterday and last week, how much more relaxed the overall feel of the place is, particularly in terms of its attitude towards children, and it has made me re-assess the importance of churchmanship - or rather, its UN-importance. The obsessive, anally retentive behaviour of the liturgy queens who seem to think that a perfect liturgy is somehow the only thing that matters is simply alienating those outside that narrow band of opinion.
As for the good old Anglican 'Communion', it has given itself a further two years to continue to tear itself to shreds. ECUSA and Anglican Church of Canada are standing firm - thankfully - and at least will provide a base for an open and inclusive denomionation in the event of the inevitable collapse of the AC.
Monday, June 27, 2005
Monday, June 20, 2005
Landover Baptist and Betty Bowers
A site which has constantly proved to be great entertainment is the home page of landover baptist Church, representing all that is good about conservative evangelical Chrisatianity
http://www.landoverbaptist.org/
In particular, the ministry of Betty Bowers
http://www.bettybowers.com/bash.html
Enjoy!
http://www.landoverbaptist.org/
In particular, the ministry of Betty Bowers
http://www.bettybowers.com/bash.html
Enjoy!
More musings
The papers are full of the latest material about the European summit, which appears to be the same rather tired arguing about the same issues which went on in the Thatcher era. If Europe isn't to have a distinctive social model, and is to be a pale copy of the so-called 'Anglo-American' model, then the cynic in me thinks that the 51st State is coming ever closer. Having said that, the presence of two unpopular leaders nearing the end of their terms in France and Germany isn't helping. The CAP does need to be reformed, but as for the Blair vision, I can't say it excites me very much.
Our parliamentary constituency is essentially to be broken up in the next boundary review, and we will end up in a safe Labour seat. I wouldn't vote for the Labour incumbent, although this is likely to be his last term, and it made me think whether, had I not been voting in a marginal, I would have voted Labour, given that there was little or no real enthusiasm behing the choice, simply a desire to prevent a Tory government. However, there has been little or no evidence since the election that they have really learned from the experience.
A couple of examples. ID cards. I had mixed views at first. Being a non-driver, there is a practical case for them, as I often have problems finding suitable ID with an address, not having a driving licence. But the arguments being used in their favour are simply not convincing. They will have precisely no effect on 'terrorism', which seems to be the parrot cry to intruduce all sorts of anti-libertarian measures at present. They will undoubtedly be easy to forge, and will produce a new sideline in the creation of identities. And the cost issue is vital. It is an affront to expect citizens to pay for them. If the cost is £300 plus (as identified by former Labour councillor Professor Patrick Dunleavy of the LSE) then watch support flow away faster than high tide in Morecambe Bay.
And the Religious Hatred Bill. Again, I am in favour of its aims. The BNP use Islam as a convenient way of getting round the incitement to hatred legislation which currently exists, and I want that stopped. But I am ever more convinced that this Bill is not the best way to deal with it. The expectations of some groups arefar too high, and I think an amendment to the current legislation would have made most sense. At the same time, sexual oprientation could have been incorporated, as that will also have to be dealt with at some time. I don't think that many people would be in favour of a society where incitement to hatred is encouraged, and some of the claims of what the Bill might do have been fanciful and alarmist, particularly from Christian fundamentalist groupings such as the Evangelical Alliance (and generally, if they disagree with something, it usually means its worth supporting). But at the same time, there are many unanswered questions.
One thing which should certainly happen is the repeal of blasphemy legislation. Hatred against people because of their religious views is wrong. Criticising religion itself certainly isn't.
Our parliamentary constituency is essentially to be broken up in the next boundary review, and we will end up in a safe Labour seat. I wouldn't vote for the Labour incumbent, although this is likely to be his last term, and it made me think whether, had I not been voting in a marginal, I would have voted Labour, given that there was little or no real enthusiasm behing the choice, simply a desire to prevent a Tory government. However, there has been little or no evidence since the election that they have really learned from the experience.
A couple of examples. ID cards. I had mixed views at first. Being a non-driver, there is a practical case for them, as I often have problems finding suitable ID with an address, not having a driving licence. But the arguments being used in their favour are simply not convincing. They will have precisely no effect on 'terrorism', which seems to be the parrot cry to intruduce all sorts of anti-libertarian measures at present. They will undoubtedly be easy to forge, and will produce a new sideline in the creation of identities. And the cost issue is vital. It is an affront to expect citizens to pay for them. If the cost is £300 plus (as identified by former Labour councillor Professor Patrick Dunleavy of the LSE) then watch support flow away faster than high tide in Morecambe Bay.
And the Religious Hatred Bill. Again, I am in favour of its aims. The BNP use Islam as a convenient way of getting round the incitement to hatred legislation which currently exists, and I want that stopped. But I am ever more convinced that this Bill is not the best way to deal with it. The expectations of some groups arefar too high, and I think an amendment to the current legislation would have made most sense. At the same time, sexual oprientation could have been incorporated, as that will also have to be dealt with at some time. I don't think that many people would be in favour of a society where incitement to hatred is encouraged, and some of the claims of what the Bill might do have been fanciful and alarmist, particularly from Christian fundamentalist groupings such as the Evangelical Alliance (and generally, if they disagree with something, it usually means its worth supporting). But at the same time, there are many unanswered questions.
One thing which should certainly happen is the repeal of blasphemy legislation. Hatred against people because of their religious views is wrong. Criticising religion itself certainly isn't.
Monday, June 13, 2005
Jackson trial - not guilty verdict
Quite right too.
I'm suspicious of the compensation-fuelled child abuse industry, and this trial was a classic example of avaricious parents trying to grab some easy dollars.
Michael Jackson may be a bit strange, but I think the evidence in this case was flimsy in the extreme - I hope he can go back to the studio and make another great album.
I'm suspicious of the compensation-fuelled child abuse industry, and this trial was a classic example of avaricious parents trying to grab some easy dollars.
Michael Jackson may be a bit strange, but I think the evidence in this case was flimsy in the extreme - I hope he can go back to the studio and make another great album.
Loopy Right-wing Site of the Week
Thanks to my friend Benedict for alerting me to this site. It really isn'ta spoof. Its ab-so-lute-ly serious. Enjoy!
http://www.humaneventsonline.com/article.php?id=7591
If you have any ideas for your own nominatrion, then let me know. I think popular fundie-Christian books should feature - how about that vomit-inducing 'Purpose-Driven Life' for a start? Or one of Tom Wright's insufferably pious tomes?
http://www.humaneventsonline.com/article.php?id=7591
If you have any ideas for your own nominatrion, then let me know. I think popular fundie-Christian books should feature - how about that vomit-inducing 'Purpose-Driven Life' for a start? Or one of Tom Wright's insufferably pious tomes?
Hello Duchess!
Who is someone I used to talk to on Ship of Fools before they threw me off (OK, I was a bit naughty, but I only said what I thought...). And Duchess was one of the victims but didnt get offended. Anyway, you will be delighted to hear that we went to church this morning.Not the same one, another, in the city centre - and before you ask, Duchess, its liberal. Merseymike does not do fundie-ism as you well know.
Wouldn't mind going back to the Ship but I don't think they'd have me....
Wouldn't mind going back to the Ship but I don't think they'd have me....
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Anyone who knows me record Soul Deep tonight?
My bloody VCR decided not to record Soul Deep tonight. Anyone out there have a copy of the last 1 hour episode they could send me?
So, what to say? Not exactly over-busy at present, so doing a bit of catching up on stuff which had been allowed to lapse and making some initial contacts with regard to getting some freelance work to bolster the part time teaching. Not being able to relocate restricts higher education opportunities, and there doesn'tseem to be an awful lot around at the moment in my field, in any case.
More tomorrow...
So, what to say? Not exactly over-busy at present, so doing a bit of catching up on stuff which had been allowed to lapse and making some initial contacts with regard to getting some freelance work to bolster the part time teaching. Not being able to relocate restricts higher education opportunities, and there doesn'tseem to be an awful lot around at the moment in my field, in any case.
More tomorrow...
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