CHRSITIANOPHOBE
Christian - A word that describes a person who believes in the deity and ascribes to the teachings of the CHRIST (of Latin Christus or Greek Christos origin. Originally translated from Hebrew Messiah or Mashia meaning 'annointed').
PHOBE - A suffix from of the word PHOBIA of Greek origin. Meaning a person who suffers a specific persistent, abnormal, and/or irrational fear of the preceding word.
So a Christianophobe is a person with an irrational fear or aversion to Christians.
2010-09-15
National Poetry Month
For the uninformed, April is National Poetry Month. The idea being that
First up we have the old stoggy crew,
Focused on dictating to me & you.
But even before keyboards, pens, quills, and chisels we had a voice.
Would the real poets please stand up?
Now we have those who use the spoken word,
To espouse on things they've lived & heard.
But before rants, activisim, politics, and religion we had words.
Would the real poets please stand up?
It doesn't matter if you write on pages or rock stages,
Self-expression is beyond genres and outlasts the ages.
Now they call it freedom of speech, but watch what you say.
Would the real poets please stand up?
Please! Stand up and fight haters and their foul nonsense,
Like my man Made Wade who's stomping out ignorance.
But just because you have an opposing view
Doesn't mean I need to or ever hated on you.
Enough of this junk about who is or isn't legit.
Let's just battle, shake hands, and get over it.
2010-09-02
I Believe
I'm thinking of starting a new series called "I Believe". In my last post on Atheism I got ALOT of response. But there was some confusion over terms and definitions. I think this is due to the fact that my beliefs don't fit into the mold most people think of a Christian. So, I figured it would be a good idea to explain myself. To explain what I believe and why. For that reason I will NOT be allowing comments on these posts.
This isn't an attempt to bury my head in the sand while blasting my views from the soapbox. I love honest discussion. But in an honest and fruitful discussion you need to understand where the other person is coming from. And that what this series is about. Letting you know where I'm coming from. Agree, disagree, whatever. I just don't want this to become some sort of horrendous debate.
That being said, I may say some things that come across mean-hearted or antagonistic. Please don't take it that way. I'm just saying what's on my heart and mind. I'm not trying to attack you personally or the views you hold to be true. I'm simply going to be explaining why I don't hold them to be true.
This isn't an attempt to bury my head in the sand while blasting my views from the soapbox. I love honest discussion. But in an honest and fruitful discussion you need to understand where the other person is coming from. And that what this series is about. Letting you know where I'm coming from. Agree, disagree, whatever. I just don't want this to become some sort of horrendous debate.
That being said, I may say some things that come across mean-hearted or antagonistic. Please don't take it that way. I'm just saying what's on my heart and mind. I'm not trying to attack you personally or the views you hold to be true. I'm simply going to be explaining why I don't hold them to be true.
2010-08-27
Atheism is a religion
The other day a friend on Facebook posted an article from the Ottawa Citizen titled "Atheists have a place in discussions on faith". The article basically says that atheists are unfairly being excluded from discussions of faith despite the fact that they would have unique perspectives on the issues at hand.
The author contradicts himself. In one paragraph he encourages "a messy process that may at times appear to engender disrespect" and then in the next paragraph says that "The idea that atheists are arrogant or shrill needs to be put into some perspective", implying that atheists are unfairly portrayed as screaming idiots. Which is it? Do you want be invited to a panel only to say everyone else on the panel is wrong? Or do you want to engage in discussion with other faiths by offering your own unique perspective?
Personally I would welcome an honest and professional discussion on faith by inviting atheists along because, whether atheists like it or not, Atheism is a religion. But what is religion? Simply put, religion is a set of beliefs (world-view) origin, nature, and purpose of the universe. Isn't that what Atheism is? It's a belief that the universe began with a big bang from which all things evolved, the universe changes over time through undirected processes like natural selection and survival of the fittest, and since the universe is just a gigantic accident then there is no purpose.
As such, atheism should be subject to the same rules as other religions. If they want to teach their religious views then they are free to do it in a school not subsidized by tax dollars. Teachers in public schools will be forbidden to teach atheistic material in the science, math, or other classrooms other than a religion class. They can form atheist organizations and get tax deductions for making donations just like any other church organization.
Perhaps then, they will think twice before claiming that Intelligent Design isn't real science just because the objective, observable, and repeatable experiments have metaphysical implications. At least I hope it would. Because let's face it, a belief in a lack of a metaphysical existence still has metaphysical implications.
The author contradicts himself. In one paragraph he encourages "a messy process that may at times appear to engender disrespect" and then in the next paragraph says that "The idea that atheists are arrogant or shrill needs to be put into some perspective", implying that atheists are unfairly portrayed as screaming idiots. Which is it? Do you want be invited to a panel only to say everyone else on the panel is wrong? Or do you want to engage in discussion with other faiths by offering your own unique perspective?
Personally I would welcome an honest and professional discussion on faith by inviting atheists along because, whether atheists like it or not, Atheism is a religion. But what is religion? Simply put, religion is a set of beliefs (world-view) origin, nature, and purpose of the universe. Isn't that what Atheism is? It's a belief that the universe began with a big bang from which all things evolved, the universe changes over time through undirected processes like natural selection and survival of the fittest, and since the universe is just a gigantic accident then there is no purpose.
As such, atheism should be subject to the same rules as other religions. If they want to teach their religious views then they are free to do it in a school not subsidized by tax dollars. Teachers in public schools will be forbidden to teach atheistic material in the science, math, or other classrooms other than a religion class. They can form atheist organizations and get tax deductions for making donations just like any other church organization.
Perhaps then, they will think twice before claiming that Intelligent Design isn't real science just because the objective, observable, and repeatable experiments have metaphysical implications. At least I hope it would. Because let's face it, a belief in a lack of a metaphysical existence still has metaphysical implications.
2010-08-21
The Ultimate Gadget Holster
So anyone who knows me knows I'm a bit of a geek. Ok ok, a BIG geek. Like any good geek I like gadgets.
But you can only carry around so much stuff in your pockets. Even your average guy has a wallet, a cellphone, a set of keys, and prolly some change. If you have a wife or girlfriend there is a whole extra set. I know, women are supposed to carry purses. But it's a lie. They buy them, put stuff in them, but make their boyfriends & husbands carry them.
So I've been trying to convince my wife for some time now that I need something to carry all this stuff. Not a purse but a man bag. But no matter where I go I can't find anything that would work. It's either a purse or a cheesy looking hip pouch or a mini backpack that doesn't fit over my shoulder. But finally I've found something that will not only work but looks kinda cool too!
It's called a tek holster. A leather holster that fits over your shoulder like a 80's TV cop but pouches that attach to it that fit cameras, phones, or iPods instead.
You buy the holster itself and then you get the attachments
It's perfect for every occupation
Check it out for yourself at www.tekholster.com. There are fancier more urban ones out there or knockoffs on geek sites. But I like these the best. Girls will even like'em cuz they can get them in pink.
But you can only carry around so much stuff in your pockets. Even your average guy has a wallet, a cellphone, a set of keys, and prolly some change. If you have a wife or girlfriend there is a whole extra set. I know, women are supposed to carry purses. But it's a lie. They buy them, put stuff in them, but make their boyfriends & husbands carry them.
So I've been trying to convince my wife for some time now that I need something to carry all this stuff. Not a purse but a man bag. But no matter where I go I can't find anything that would work. It's either a purse or a cheesy looking hip pouch or a mini backpack that doesn't fit over my shoulder. But finally I've found something that will not only work but looks kinda cool too!
It's called a tek holster. A leather holster that fits over your shoulder like a 80's TV cop but pouches that attach to it that fit cameras, phones, or iPods instead.
Check it out for yourself at www.tekholster.com. There are fancier more urban ones out there or knockoffs on geek sites. But I like these the best. Girls will even like'em cuz they can get them in pink.
2010-06-23
Am I A Racist?
To answer the question plainly: I'd like to hope not. I certainly try not to be. I'm far from perfect and I'm positively certain I've said and done things that are racist. But the important part is that I make efforts to avoid doing the same in the future.
I find that most racism is rooted in ignorance. The more you know about a person or group of persons the less likely you are to make ill informed generalizations about them. Or worse, believe and act on them. Personally, I like learning about different cultures and religions. It's helps me to understand people better and the motives behind their actions and words.
I think we've all fallen short of being understanding and sensitive to each others cultures, religions, and skin colours. I've even experienced reverse racism, where people who have had to endure racism turn around and do the exact same thing to me. In the spoken word scene I've seen ALOT of this reverse hatred. Women who've been abused by a man hating on ALL men. Visual minorities who are marginalized by society that gives preferential treatment to white males then hating on ALL white males. And then people who have been unjustly treated by a person in some form of authority now hating on ALL authority figures.
"The Man" is a term used to describe all those groups. Now, AS a white male, I don't ,can't, and have no way to fully understand depth to which being helplessly raped by a man I trust, being deemed a secondary citizen just because of my sex, religion, or skin colour, or being traded, hated, & killed because of the colour of my skin would affect someone. But just because I fit the "general description" of the person(s) who violated you doesn't give you the right to violate or hate on me. I did what any other slammer would do, I wrote a spoken word piece about it called Punctuated Hate For The Man.
But even still some people get it twisted. Calling people racist when they don't seem to even know what the word means. Just making sweeping generalizations because the person fits the general description of "the man". Calling someone racist for speaking out AGAINST ignorance. Saying someone is trying to control them by simply voicing their opinion. Calling somone ignorant of slavery while acting as if it has only ever happened to black people. Saying they are being oppressed, assaulted, and violated just because it happens to be a white person who disagrees with them. Who is REALLY the racist?
If voicing your disagreement with someones views in a private respectful way and then being motivated by those views to take a stand against ignorance makes me a racist, then please PLEASE call me one too and I will wear the title proudly.
I find that most racism is rooted in ignorance. The more you know about a person or group of persons the less likely you are to make ill informed generalizations about them. Or worse, believe and act on them. Personally, I like learning about different cultures and religions. It's helps me to understand people better and the motives behind their actions and words.
I think we've all fallen short of being understanding and sensitive to each others cultures, religions, and skin colours. I've even experienced reverse racism, where people who have had to endure racism turn around and do the exact same thing to me. In the spoken word scene I've seen ALOT of this reverse hatred. Women who've been abused by a man hating on ALL men. Visual minorities who are marginalized by society that gives preferential treatment to white males then hating on ALL white males. And then people who have been unjustly treated by a person in some form of authority now hating on ALL authority figures.
"The Man" is a term used to describe all those groups. Now, AS a white male, I don't ,can't, and have no way to fully understand depth to which being helplessly raped by a man I trust, being deemed a secondary citizen just because of my sex, religion, or skin colour, or being traded, hated, & killed because of the colour of my skin would affect someone. But just because I fit the "general description" of the person(s) who violated you doesn't give you the right to violate or hate on me. I did what any other slammer would do, I wrote a spoken word piece about it called Punctuated Hate For The Man.
But even still some people get it twisted. Calling people racist when they don't seem to even know what the word means. Just making sweeping generalizations because the person fits the general description of "the man". Calling someone racist for speaking out AGAINST ignorance. Saying someone is trying to control them by simply voicing their opinion. Calling somone ignorant of slavery while acting as if it has only ever happened to black people. Saying they are being oppressed, assaulted, and violated just because it happens to be a white person who disagrees with them. Who is REALLY the racist?
If voicing your disagreement with someones views in a private respectful way and then being motivated by those views to take a stand against ignorance makes me a racist, then please PLEASE call me one too and I will wear the title proudly.
2010-06-17
Flag Etiquette
"World Cup Flags" Haiku
But I do understand the passion many fans have for their teams. Sometimes to an extreme, like football fans in December painting letters on their torso while attending an outdoor game. So when it comes a competition like World Cup soccer the emotions are even higher. Not only are they excited about their team, but now their national pride is on the line too.
Let's face it, the World Cup is truly a global event, with so many countries competing and watching. It's understandable that World Cup is a big deal to many Canadians since we are a very multicultural society. People are changing their lives so they can watch their favourite games. The city has changed the liqour laws to accommodate fans. I've seen many people take time off work, come in early, & stay late so they can watch a game. My wife, who works in child care, sees entire families wearing the jersey of their favourite team and/or country of origin/heritage. Look around any parking lot these days and you would think we are being invaded by foreign dignitaries. What with all the flags on peoples cars.
But here is my problem, there is a proper etiquette when it comes to flying flags in Canada. In fact, many countries make flag etiquette a law. The basic rules are that if you want to fly the flag of another country you must also fly the flag of the country you are in and fly it in a position of honour (highest or on the left).
It's a simple thing to do & most Canadians are proud to fly their flag. I know this because every Canada Day I see the Canadian car flags all over the place. So what does it take to pull it out a little early? Or buy one from the guy selling them out of the back of his van at the side of the road or in the parking lot? Especially when we've already spent so much on jerseys, parties, drinks, and even time off from work.
Now this is just etiquette. There is no flag law in Canada. Even in the U.S., where flag etiquette IS the law, there is no penalty for failure to comply with it. Demanding or forcing people to abide by it would be both silly and unconstitutional (violating the right to free speech). But it really just boils down to a matter of respect that requires a bare minimum of effort and cost.
So family, friends, & soccer fans,
If you're flying the flag of another country please also fly the Canadian flag.
Because, let's face it, being polite is the Canadian thing to do!
Car window flags plusI'll admit I'm not much of a soccer (football) fan. It involves lots of running (which I'm OBVIOUSLY not into) and is largely a scoreless game. In fact, I'm not much into sports on a whole. I do enjoy watching football (live or televised, NFL or CFL) and hockey (as long as I'm actually THERE), but I don't schedule my life around it nor do I make it a priority.
Ignorant soccer fans
Poor flag ettiquette
But I do understand the passion many fans have for their teams. Sometimes to an extreme, like football fans in December painting letters on their torso while attending an outdoor game. So when it comes a competition like World Cup soccer the emotions are even higher. Not only are they excited about their team, but now their national pride is on the line too.
Let's face it, the World Cup is truly a global event, with so many countries competing and watching. It's understandable that World Cup is a big deal to many Canadians since we are a very multicultural society. People are changing their lives so they can watch their favourite games. The city has changed the liqour laws to accommodate fans. I've seen many people take time off work, come in early, & stay late so they can watch a game. My wife, who works in child care, sees entire families wearing the jersey of their favourite team and/or country of origin/heritage. Look around any parking lot these days and you would think we are being invaded by foreign dignitaries. What with all the flags on peoples cars.
But here is my problem, there is a proper etiquette when it comes to flying flags in Canada. In fact, many countries make flag etiquette a law. The basic rules are that if you want to fly the flag of another country you must also fly the flag of the country you are in and fly it in a position of honour (highest or on the left).
It's a simple thing to do & most Canadians are proud to fly their flag. I know this because every Canada Day I see the Canadian car flags all over the place. So what does it take to pull it out a little early? Or buy one from the guy selling them out of the back of his van at the side of the road or in the parking lot? Especially when we've already spent so much on jerseys, parties, drinks, and even time off from work.
Now this is just etiquette. There is no flag law in Canada. Even in the U.S., where flag etiquette IS the law, there is no penalty for failure to comply with it. Demanding or forcing people to abide by it would be both silly and unconstitutional (violating the right to free speech). But it really just boils down to a matter of respect that requires a bare minimum of effort and cost.
So family, friends, & soccer fans,
If you're flying the flag of another country please also fly the Canadian flag.
Because, let's face it, being polite is the Canadian thing to do!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)