iaink

Nothing wrong with skepticism about the motivations of everyone in the public eye, not just the outwardly religious!

It would be hypocritical in the extreme for a privately religious person not to be influenced in their public life by their faith, its not like you have a faith on / faith off switch, you either believe or you don't. What I find scarier is the prospect of a politician with little personal faith turning it on as necessary to prod the right political buttons (Im talking about you Dubya!)

It would however be wrong for a politician in a position of power to impose his religious view in spite of a majority with contrary views, so I have to say I was surprisingly impressed when Harper did not impose his will over the Gay Marriage issue. He said his bit and then accepted the decision regardless of his personal position.

pint princess

That other C-word comes to my mind.

( See you in hell. )

pint princess

That's assuming Harper's religious beliefs mean more to him than his need for power of others.

iaink

True, hes a very shrewd politician, but I still think he deserves a little credit for not frothing at the mouth too much

dbd33

I don't think that's the case at all. I doubt many people take the strictures of their nominal religion seriously. A few do, but for example, it's now quite rare to hear of families of fourteen children so we can say that less parents take their Catholicism seriously. I think it quite reasonable to expect people to keep their superstitions to themselves.

You cite Harper as an example of a man who can turn his religion off for the benefit of his career but I'm afraid I have a lower opinion of him than that, I think he has a religion of convenience.

Rich_007

With these PCon / former SC types I see it as a ghoul lurking in the backgound. Having worked with and spoken/debated with a few PC types here ('Bertans, natch) they appear outwardly different that their closet witch-hunt/cross burning deeply embedded true persona.

Beware of ghouls young Jedi. Hard to see in the dark, they are. :scared:

Rich.

iaink

Actually, that wasn't quite what I was arguing, I don't think he does turn it on and off for convenience, he still believes what he believes, and stated as much in public, but he has not gone and imposed his will against the views of majority on this occasion.

You would no doubt be amazed that all sorts of good christians pick and chose which parts of the overall doctrine they chose to apply to their daily life. People with faith do also have a brain and are able to make decisions regarding for example the wisdom of having a large family, without necessarily having to do exactly what the pope...a fellow unlikely to personally experience the cost and occasional hardships of parenthood, might decide to preach. I find it rather odd to have a bunch of celibate men offering advice on sexual relations at the best of time...walk the walk, talk the talk and all that.

I'm pretty sure its possible to subscribe to a set of christian values without having to necessarily literally believe in the parting of the red sea, walking on water, virgin birth, or even the resurrection, after all there are plenty of people who would subscribe to the view that friends and relatives live on metaphorically in our memories long after the flesh is gone. I dont believe in God, but I do try and live in what might be regarded as a christian way, only without the ceremonial nonsense and "superstition".

What you see as superstitions, other people believe to be articles of faith, and unfortunately a sincere faith cant be turned on and off at will. Even if some people cherry pick which bits they are going to believe in, they still believe in them 24/7!

Madmac

Can't see me going anywhere else: all my friends and family will be there.

Come on in. The water's lovely.

Gezza

O.K. I therefore finance (through taxation) an effort to eliminate me from any position of influence, and do it with a smile of contentment. I guess you would say my Religion is insane?

Grah

Does that mean the only place for C-tree and symbols will be at Non-christian places so they don't offend Christians by not showing their multiculture acceptance?


---- Another point ---
All from the Global and Mail site

Daedra

Personally I think the world today has gone mad on "not offending" particular minorities. If I were a minority religous group and the predominant religous group in the country I emmigrated to (or grew up in as second/third gen) were bending over backward to "not offend" me or my religion, I would find THAT in itself to be more offensive then the actual perpitiuation of religious holiday celebrations. There is nothing more exlsuive then changing your natural behaviour to "adapt" to the 'foreigners' in your midst, I far prefered being made fun of as speaking strange when I moved to Canada over being the cause of why so many Canadians need to hide or be ashamed of what the country is.

Hope that makes sense!

dbd33

I think belief in your religion would be irrational though not insane. Insanity exempts one from religion.

Novocastrian

Well you may hope so, but it doesn't make sense at all. What is it you're trying to say exactly (or even roughly)?

Daedra

Right rough draft of what I said... if I were classed in the 'minority' groups that might be offended by displays of religion in the country I moved to, I would find the exemption of religous items/traditions far more isolating and uncomfortable then just being a newcomer.

Hows that, better Novo?

Novocastrian

Much. See, it's also shorter.

But you still need to deconvolute religious practices from traditions.