Religious and irreligious
I've had a bit of abuse for being bigoted; giving bigots an opening; being irreligious; and generally any other bit of abuse that might be justified in even the most obtuse way.
Putting this all in perspective is the fact that I was (nicely) berated by a Reverend at lunch time for not posting often enough and not being provocative enough.
A few weeks back I was out for Sunday dinner and also present was a trainee Minister, who is a client and friend.
I know a number of prominent Priests very well, and have friends of every persuasion and degree of piety; and many of no persuasion.
[Some of my best friends are....yadda, yadda]
What marks these people out is their sincerity and openness in what they believe. They and I may disagree - sometimes violently and fundamentally - but we know that the ability to defend your position coherently can only strengthen you own views, whilst respecting the views of others is the mark of humanity.
Amongst the most genuinely religious people I know believe that belief itself is the strongest element of faith, and that the various shade of belief is a relatively minor obstacle that their belief has to overcome; and they believe will overcome in due course. As an analogy, political parties hate the "Don't knows", and target those who have a view to try to change their vote.
But hypocrisy is most definitely a matter of the strongest disapproval by those of sincere views, and taking thep mickey is beyond the pale.
I respect those with genuine views, and the personal abuse and wild assumptions about my personal views wash over me, and don't affect the underlying hypocrisy and opportunism that appears to be the driving force behind the actions of others.
Putting this all in perspective is the fact that I was (nicely) berated by a Reverend at lunch time for not posting often enough and not being provocative enough.
A few weeks back I was out for Sunday dinner and also present was a trainee Minister, who is a client and friend.
I know a number of prominent Priests very well, and have friends of every persuasion and degree of piety; and many of no persuasion.
[Some of my best friends are....yadda, yadda]
What marks these people out is their sincerity and openness in what they believe. They and I may disagree - sometimes violently and fundamentally - but we know that the ability to defend your position coherently can only strengthen you own views, whilst respecting the views of others is the mark of humanity.
Amongst the most genuinely religious people I know believe that belief itself is the strongest element of faith, and that the various shade of belief is a relatively minor obstacle that their belief has to overcome; and they believe will overcome in due course. As an analogy, political parties hate the "Don't knows", and target those who have a view to try to change their vote.
But hypocrisy is most definitely a matter of the strongest disapproval by those of sincere views, and taking the
I respect those with genuine views, and the personal abuse and wild assumptions about my personal views wash over me, and don't affect the underlying hypocrisy and opportunism that appears to be the driving force behind the actions of others.
13 comments:
I am confused as to why this AA thing is such a big thing, call me ignorant if you wish. I am not a great one for organised religion but surely the god that Alasdair is taking communion with is the same god that all Christians worship. I was taken by the photo you published I admit I thought it was quite a good photo and was amused by some of the posts. I however found the explanation by Alasdair to be perfectly fair.
As for berating you for it that is unfair, you were perfectly balanced and cannot be held responsible for others's posts.
Everybody get out walk the moors gaze at the mountains and talk to each other.
By all means highlight hypocrosy if that is your intent. I'm sure there are more than a few moments when I am guilty of it myself.I am tempted to run off on one of those "let he who is without sin..." paraphrases...Oh, I did!
I would suggest on this occasion your choice of context provided an opening for some of your less tolerent posters to air their distasteful views. That you gave these rather sad numpties a platform which in turn saddened me.
what explanation by Alasdair?
' I did not receive the sacrament for exactly the reasons you mention, and would not have attempted to do so. I was invited to attend and, along with many hundreds of other non catholics was blessed by a priest. Being prayed for is, as you know, not the same as receiving the sacrament. I appreciate this is a difficult issue for many people but I think I did the right thing. I appreciate you getting in touch with me about this, and hope that the above clarifies the matter. Best wishes alasdair'
Anon 1:20, did the email start "Dear Kenny Flip", and which one of the office staff are you?
When was it sent out and when was the enquiry made to the bold boy?
MQTA I had that same explanation emailed to me by a Facebook friend I don't know if it came from AA or his office or whatever they just said it had been posted on Facebook!
So whilst the SNP smear machine is making accusations of "talking behind his back", AA is actually sending an email discussing all these matters far and wide and making them publicly available on Facebook.
Anyone like to let us see the full corrsepondence as I sense a desperate attempt to cover this all up with lies and misinformation.
Oh yes, and just who is forwarding the FB link?
This discussion is all getting very tedious,AA did not take communion. Why the great outcry? Why all the lies and nastiness? He is doing a good job representing the Western Isles and must be devastated by the venom on this site!
3:40pm - you are joking aren't you!!!!
I think the people who have this on facebook are all members of the North British Nu Labour Party....
Why, oh why, oh why is it that 'hypocracy' always seems to be brought up in concert with Christianity all the time? Is there anyone out there who can stand up and say (of faith or no faith) I am not a hypocrite, never have been and never will be?
how do you define "geuinely religious"? and how do you know you are right about it?!
I don't mind people being religious, so long as it doesn't interfere with any aspect of my life.
Unfortunately it does.
My attitude to religion of all types (no prejudice) is best summarised by this.
Post a Comment