11th January 2002
I have had a few emails asking why I seem to hate religious people.
Well, firstly I'd state that I do not hate anybody. That's a pretty strong emotion to
apply to entire groups of people.
Secondly... Well, it is a difficult question to answer. You see, there are those
"christians" (with a small 'c', if you please) who believe the world should run their
way. They twist the bible and the concept of religion around to suit their own needs and desires.
From small things such as wanting Harry Potter banned at their local cinema due to its positive
portrayal of the occult (lest I remind readers that the scientific evidence supporting
schoolchildren flying around on broomsticks is about the same as that for the reincarnation of
Jesus, ie, none); to those who bless weapons and attack vehicles (as I mentioned, does
the "Thou shall not kill" not apply here?). And, typically, if you do not believe
in their concept of the world, you are a sinner, a heathen, and whatever other insult they feel
like screaming at you.
Then there are other Christians (with a big C, they deserve it) who are nice people. Oh yes, they also happen to talk to Jesus or God or whoever. And yes, I think they are not altogether 'there' because of that, but hey - I tend to think the same of Young Conservatives. But, generally, it doesn't get in the way of a friendship. I know they are one with God, and they know I am not. By and large it's a subject that only crops up in those moments of deep philosophical discussion. They, I feel, are the people who deserve to be called Christians.
So, therefore, how can you tell if I am slagging of "christians" who I mean? It is
quite simple. The lies, the rhetoric and the astounding bigotry come from one source. The first
lot. Those with the small 'c'. It is obviously going to be really unfair of the true Christians
(the ones with the big C), but what can you do? Both groups think of themselves as Christians,
though only one lot are "in it" for what could be construed as "the right
reasons".
Both groups suffer with the same affliction, namely The Bible, which has very many flaws. I feel
most of the flaws were done in the days when the bible was translated, and then successive edits
tweak things to keep it up to date with the thinking of the day. For man to edit the supposed
Word of God (using divine intervention - how's that for a classy excuse) isn't too far removed
from those who twist religion to suit their own purposes.
But the capital C people, they do it by their heart for the good of all, not by their wallets for
the good of themselves.
Or, as Savage Garden say (in Affirmation), "I believe that God does not endorse TV
evangelists".
Well, that's enough explaining. :-)