Pat Condell on Geert Wilders’ Fitna & Islam

Having been a fan of Pat Condell for quite a while now, I have to say that he hits a bullseye with his latest video: Religion of Fear. It’s refreshing to find somebody who’s willing to speak his mind without fear of retribution and, as a matter of fact, echo my own inner thoughts on the matter. I wish that he would run for Parliament ‘cos I would back him all of the way.

On a related note, I find the news story of the Muslim bus driver who insisted that the passengers on his bus get off while he prays completely ridiculous. Religious observance shouldn’t give anybody an automatic right to do as they wish at the inconvenience of others.

Curmudgeonly

Nailing a Filipino at Eastertime

I don’t understand why some Christians feel the need to take part in Easter crucifixion rituals in the Philippines. Anyone who is unsure of what it is that I’m talking about, then watch this video and witness the macabre activities that a number of, what can only be described as, maniacally devout Catholics are willing to subject themselves to, all in the name of God and religion:

Every Good Friday, in towns across the Philippines, people atone for sins or give thanks for answered prayers by re-enacting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ in every gory detail, sometimes on makeshift Golgothas. One such person named Mamangon, who continues the practice after inheriting it from his father who had been nailed to the cross fifteen times in his own lifetime, has described what he felt after being crucified:

“I feel so refreshed, like all my sins are washed away”

Unhinged is a word that comes quickly to mind. Mamangon added that he “will continue this until my son Alex is cured.” He almost seems to be saying that his son’s illness has come about as a result of his own sinfulness and that until he has performed this act enough times his son won’t be cured. So, in some roundabout way, he blames himself for his son’s condition. To be emotionally caught up in such a pointless and painful ritual is very sad. Considering that the Saviour has supposedly already paid in full for the sins of the world, I can’t help but think what a misguided waste of time this all is. Do these filipinos not think that his sacrifice was enough?

And surely a person of faith could express any thankfulness that they inevitably feel, because of something they believe God has done, in acts of service – feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, giving drink to the thirsty, visiting with those who are sick or any other compassionate act. After all, it was Jesus who said, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matt. 25: 40). The Bible suggests that it’s sufficient to honour Jesus’s commands, as in that way devotees will find themselves on the good side of God.

Because I was once ardently religious, I often find that I can comprehend, to some extent, the religious psyche, but flagellation and literally imitating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, complete with nails, is far, far removed from what I’m able to understand. I truly don’t get it.

Curmudgeonly

This tragedy is a miracle

No doubt you’ve heard or read about the 11-month baby who survived the tornado that occurred in the southern US earlier this week. As usual, God got the credit. The boy’s grandfather declared: “It’s a miracle they ain’t both gone. We’ve had some divine intervention.”

Now, I can well understand the joy and relief Kyson’s family must have felt to discover him alive. It’s wonderful that he survived. But his young mother died. And that’s a tragedy.

If God is to be thanked for protecting the baby, is he not also to be blamed for not protecting the child’s mother? You can’t have it both ways.

While the tornado was carrying Kyson to safety, little children all over the world were dying. On average, 26,000 children under the age of 5 die every day. Where was God when they needed him?

Isla

The Tom Cruise Scientology Video

I don’t know how long this video will be available, so catch it while you can…

Vodpod videos no longer available. from disembedded.wordpres posted with vodpod

 

 

If you’re wondering what the hecky-thump he’s talking about, then this article might help: Tom Cruise Scientology-Video Glossary: What Is He Talking About?

And make sure you watch “the other video Tom Cruise doesn’t want you to see” at To Try a New Sword on a Chance Wayfarer.

Curmudgeonly Yours