I like the concept of noting the division between those committed to politics and those who rely on violence. It is obvious that the Islamic faith is divided between those who use faith to justify certain religious beliefs and others who defend Sharia law, barbaric actions and primative views. Moreover some who take a literal reading of holy texts can and will use it to justify violence.
We in Britain can tolerate any viewpoint and commit ourselves to freedom of belief inside the boundaries of debate and politics. In this way we can draw a line between us, of any and no faith, who are commited to a peaceful society and those who seek to bring change through violence. This could overcome the major hurdle of where particular groups 'fit' in society. Looking at the Muslim faith in this way can also help to marginalise radical groups through open debate and deliberation of ideas.
Showing posts with label religion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label religion. Show all posts
Friday, 22 May 2009
Monday, 6 April 2009
A little Marx
Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people.
The abolition of religion as the illusory happiness of the people is the demand for their real happiness. To call on them to give up their illusions about their condition is to call on them to give up a condition that requires illusions. The criticism of religion is therefore in embryo the criticism of that vale of tears of which religion is the halo
- Karl Marx
Courtesy of Hitchens.
The abolition of religion as the illusory happiness of the people is the demand for their real happiness. To call on them to give up their illusions about their condition is to call on them to give up a condition that requires illusions. The criticism of religion is therefore in embryo the criticism of that vale of tears of which religion is the halo
- Karl Marx
Courtesy of Hitchens.
Tuesday, 24 March 2009
Haeinsa
Haeinsa is most noted as the home of the Tripitaka Koreana which became a UNESCO world heritage site in the 1990s. It consists of 80,000 wooden blocks engraved with ancient Chinese Buddhist scripture. It was completed in the mid 16th century and stored in a building specifically designed to avoid the rotting of wood. It was excellent to see and to catch up on a bit or Korean culture. However all of the blocks were locked in on shelves you could only glimpse through slated wooden walls. No photos are allowed either, so I've uploaded the diagram from outside the temple and a few sneaky photos I got in.
I find the walk round the temples always relaxing and interesting. They are usually built in the countryside overlooking Korea's mountainous but lush territory. This allows for fresh air, amazing scenery and an easy hike. The temples themselves allow for a little musing over religion, architecture and about the anecdotes painted on the outer and inner walls of the buildings
.
I get paid next week so time for something completely different. Seoul perhaps?
Thursday, 12 March 2009
Anglian Comment
I was planning to right a short piece about the protesters who hounded the Anglian regiment yesterday during their homecoming. However a quick look on youtube made me shudder. Was I now agreeing with far right organisations such as the BNP? Am I just adding fuel to the blatant misrepresentations propagated by neo-fascist, racist and thoroughly reprehensible hard liners?
Well I am still going to have a monologue and I hope the readers will judge that I am guilty of neither racism nor appeasement. I think we should bare in mind the context of the event first of all. There was no more than a dozen protesters. If you compare that to Glasgow's experience during the Orange Walks or the Friends of Ireland march we are talking about a very small number indeed. In fact no substantive violence broke out and no follow up vigilante activities have been reported. Which is a dam bit more civilised than inter-faith Glaswegian relationships.
I would label the men (yes all of hem were men) as anti-war protesters but I think that is being too impartial. These men are clearly Muslim and their protest is an Islamist agenda. This is not just about the war in Iraq but also the imposition of freedom and democracy over religious totalitarianism, the death of fellow Muslims and not the death of fellow human beings, and the publicising of an agenda which labels Islam as brave and courageous in the face of the decadent and morally corrupt (and lets not forget secular) west.
Where the BNP, other groups, and I depart is that I think the men have and should have the right to protest. Regardless of my opinion on the war, it is fundamental that the law protects the right to peaceful protest and to speak freely. However, if anything, this groups choosing of time, place and slogans show how utterly disgusting, base, and crude their opinion and teachings are. When the anti war movement began it was the biggest protest ever seen in the UK. Where were the anti-war protesters now? Definitely not on the side of the Islamist group. They recognise first and foremost the bravery of British soldiers and their sacrifice for the nation. There is no humanity, no decency, no moral code which sanctions turning up at a parade venomously chanting phrases such as 'Go to hell', 'Butchers' and 'Terrorists' when soldiers, having bled on the field- even died, return home. Where mothers greet their long departed sons and others mourn the loss of friends, siblings or even children, there should be time for reflection, sombreness and celebration; not drivel spouted by brainwashed youths and preachers one step away from terrorist activities. Let's not think lightly or wash away a phrase such as 'Go to hell!'. These people believe in the literal teaching of the Koran. For them hell is a real place. With torture and cruelty so unfathomed it takes the imagination of an supernatural diety to dream it up. They literally want to send soldiers who have spent what can only be approximated to hell on earth, to a real eternity of relentless torture. Who could ever or would ever want to inflict that punishment on any other human being? Their moral viciousness was exposed by their chants yesterday.
Secondly, I fundamentally believe in the freedom of speech but I do recognise that if someone is a direct threat to civil order or is indeed inciting civil order against his person then there may be the need for detainment (not arrestment) by authorities. However the right wing of the population jumped on the events of two arrests at the Anglian parade. The BNP advertised it as 'two white British men arrested for challenging Muslims'. Obviously it was not that simple. One man was detained for incitement to racial hatred because he chanted a base phrase 'no surrender to the Taliban' and 'scum'. I am sure the first phrase will be familiar to many old firm fans in Scotland. If the state must arrest someone for incitement to racial hatred then at least keep it consistent. To me the chants of the protesters were worse than that of the single man. I wonder; is this double standards or was it a tactic by the police to maintain order? Either ways it sends out a disturbing signal. An Islamic group can continue to protest in the most undignified and repulsive way, yet when another citizen (regardless of race, gender or social grouping) replies in kind then he or she may be silenced. That can not be condoned.
Lastly, related to the last point but maybe the most important thing I want to echo is a challenge to use of the phrase 'islamo-phobia'. The Muslim Council of Britain said in a statement it was appalled at reports of the abuse, stating the protesters provided "fodder for Islamophobes keen to drive a wedge between Britons". Now, yes thank you for condemning the protesters and let us hope, and I do agree, that these protesters do not represent the majority of Muslims. However this word which has found it's way into headlines, articles and conversation- islamophobia, or islamophobes- is a subtle but none the less wicked attempt at deflecting warranted criticism of an idea. How dare they make an attempt to label anyone who criticises and challenges their orthodoxy as a shameful and a Muslim hating person. Words such as homophobe are used to describe people who inherently hate someones private, individual choice which they are born with or choose. How dare they apply this to their religion. Are they seriously saying that anyone who doesn't agree with their theory which they openly propagate and recruit for, as I do, is an islamaphobe? Such wordplay cheapens the achievements of legitimate groups and seeks to silence critics and protect their own agenda. It is good to see that the British public will not stand for such treatment.
Comment? I dare you?
NB* Two viewpoints. Opposing views of the trouble that outbroke that day/
I like this one because it shows how a relatively small mob can seem intimidating and can enter and aggressive spiral on a calm day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_ygCc9qlWM
This is from the far right point of view. They use scenes from numerous other protests to blow this one out of proportion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCO963eCD5U
.
Well I am still going to have a monologue and I hope the readers will judge that I am guilty of neither racism nor appeasement. I think we should bare in mind the context of the event first of all. There was no more than a dozen protesters. If you compare that to Glasgow's experience during the Orange Walks or the Friends of Ireland march we are talking about a very small number indeed. In fact no substantive violence broke out and no follow up vigilante activities have been reported. Which is a dam bit more civilised than inter-faith Glaswegian relationships.
I would label the men (yes all of hem were men) as anti-war protesters but I think that is being too impartial. These men are clearly Muslim and their protest is an Islamist agenda. This is not just about the war in Iraq but also the imposition of freedom and democracy over religious totalitarianism, the death of fellow Muslims and not the death of fellow human beings, and the publicising of an agenda which labels Islam as brave and courageous in the face of the decadent and morally corrupt (and lets not forget secular) west.
Where the BNP, other groups, and I depart is that I think the men have and should have the right to protest. Regardless of my opinion on the war, it is fundamental that the law protects the right to peaceful protest and to speak freely. However, if anything, this groups choosing of time, place and slogans show how utterly disgusting, base, and crude their opinion and teachings are. When the anti war movement began it was the biggest protest ever seen in the UK. Where were the anti-war protesters now? Definitely not on the side of the Islamist group. They recognise first and foremost the bravery of British soldiers and their sacrifice for the nation. There is no humanity, no decency, no moral code which sanctions turning up at a parade venomously chanting phrases such as 'Go to hell', 'Butchers' and 'Terrorists' when soldiers, having bled on the field- even died, return home. Where mothers greet their long departed sons and others mourn the loss of friends, siblings or even children, there should be time for reflection, sombreness and celebration; not drivel spouted by brainwashed youths and preachers one step away from terrorist activities. Let's not think lightly or wash away a phrase such as 'Go to hell!'. These people believe in the literal teaching of the Koran. For them hell is a real place. With torture and cruelty so unfathomed it takes the imagination of an supernatural diety to dream it up. They literally want to send soldiers who have spent what can only be approximated to hell on earth, to a real eternity of relentless torture. Who could ever or would ever want to inflict that punishment on any other human being? Their moral viciousness was exposed by their chants yesterday.
Secondly, I fundamentally believe in the freedom of speech but I do recognise that if someone is a direct threat to civil order or is indeed inciting civil order against his person then there may be the need for detainment (not arrestment) by authorities. However the right wing of the population jumped on the events of two arrests at the Anglian parade. The BNP advertised it as 'two white British men arrested for challenging Muslims'. Obviously it was not that simple. One man was detained for incitement to racial hatred because he chanted a base phrase 'no surrender to the Taliban' and 'scum'. I am sure the first phrase will be familiar to many old firm fans in Scotland. If the state must arrest someone for incitement to racial hatred then at least keep it consistent. To me the chants of the protesters were worse than that of the single man. I wonder; is this double standards or was it a tactic by the police to maintain order? Either ways it sends out a disturbing signal. An Islamic group can continue to protest in the most undignified and repulsive way, yet when another citizen (regardless of race, gender or social grouping) replies in kind then he or she may be silenced. That can not be condoned.
Lastly, related to the last point but maybe the most important thing I want to echo is a challenge to use of the phrase 'islamo-phobia'. The Muslim Council of Britain said in a statement it was appalled at reports of the abuse, stating the protesters provided "fodder for Islamophobes keen to drive a wedge between Britons". Now, yes thank you for condemning the protesters and let us hope, and I do agree, that these protesters do not represent the majority of Muslims. However this word which has found it's way into headlines, articles and conversation- islamophobia, or islamophobes- is a subtle but none the less wicked attempt at deflecting warranted criticism of an idea. How dare they make an attempt to label anyone who criticises and challenges their orthodoxy as a shameful and a Muslim hating person. Words such as homophobe are used to describe people who inherently hate someones private, individual choice which they are born with or choose. How dare they apply this to their religion. Are they seriously saying that anyone who doesn't agree with their theory which they openly propagate and recruit for, as I do, is an islamaphobe? Such wordplay cheapens the achievements of legitimate groups and seeks to silence critics and protect their own agenda. It is good to see that the British public will not stand for such treatment.
Comment? I dare you?
NB* Two viewpoints. Opposing views of the trouble that outbroke that day/
I like this one because it shows how a relatively small mob can seem intimidating and can enter and aggressive spiral on a calm day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_ygCc9qlWM
This is from the far right point of view. They use scenes from numerous other protests to blow this one out of proportion.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCO963eCD5U
.
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
Knock Knock
I ordered a guitar for my wii a few days ago so I could rock to guitar hero for the first time. As the door went this morning I got dressed like a kid on Christmas morning and in case I wasn't quick enough I shouted 'One moment please' in my best Korean.
I opened the door to another set of jehovah witnesses. What a let down. Imagine the disappointment right there.
Turns out it is the daughter of the Mr. Park the last person to knock my door. She was obviously well trained in English, maybe even schooled abroad. Similar age as myself and didn't seem too nervous about holding a conversation with a foreign stranger. I told her I was an infidel and at least an agnostic in technical terms. She understood and produced two more magazines, this time in English. I sigh and explain I have to go to work in an hour and have no time for a 'chat'.
Her father may not of outright lied but surely having twice twisted English to suit his needs, it goes against the spirit of truth. First off he claims to be my 'neighbour'. Well only in the sense we live in the same city, or does he regard everyone as a neighbour? Then he has defined the word in his own terms. Secondly when he asked if I could give his daughter an English lesson it is all too evident that he was seeking a way to spread his views through his English speaking daughter. Her English was pretty much perfect and she made no pretence that she was at my door to proselytise her faith.
I opened the door to another set of jehovah witnesses. What a let down. Imagine the disappointment right there.
Turns out it is the daughter of the Mr. Park the last person to knock my door. She was obviously well trained in English, maybe even schooled abroad. Similar age as myself and didn't seem too nervous about holding a conversation with a foreign stranger. I told her I was an infidel and at least an agnostic in technical terms. She understood and produced two more magazines, this time in English. I sigh and explain I have to go to work in an hour and have no time for a 'chat'.
Her father may not of outright lied but surely having twice twisted English to suit his needs, it goes against the spirit of truth. First off he claims to be my 'neighbour'. Well only in the sense we live in the same city, or does he regard everyone as a neighbour? Then he has defined the word in his own terms. Secondly when he asked if I could give his daughter an English lesson it is all too evident that he was seeking a way to spread his views through his English speaking daughter. Her English was pretty much perfect and she made no pretence that she was at my door to proselytise her faith.
Monday, 16 February 2009
Excerpt from a letter
Anyways a few things that have been on the news that either got me thinking or reaching for my mental affiliation with labour and dousing it in petrol (the match will come soon enough I fear). Firstly, and I think most easily criticised would be the visit of that vile Dutchman Geert Wilders. I wasn't very interested in what a bigot had to say until it turned out he was banned from saying it. The story had been floating around for a few days and I had already formed my opinion. I was glad to see that a majority of comments on the guardian website regarding the incident were criticising the home office's stance on the matter. However after watching Question Time it was clear that 4 out of the 5 panelists thought the immigration ban an excellent thing. The only one who disagreed was a Gardener (no disrespect but he doesn't hold sway over public opinion unlike the editor of The Sun). Geert Wilders' movie which was about to be shown to an invitational audience has probably increase it's viewing figures by hundreds of thousands. I was actually about to youtube it myself but decided that nothing can be gained by watching the documentary/film equivalent of gutter press and BNP propaganda. I just did a quick search in youtube and a recent speech of his has almost 700, 000 views whereas one copy of his movie on youtube alone has 100,000. The government has promoted his career beyond his dreams, and knowing he would be turned away from Heathrow he capitalised on the publicity. Furthermore the government has once again shown it's disregard for free speech and individual liberty. I do not agree with Wilders for one second, and you know my feelings on Islam and religion, but he has the same right to free speech as any man is endowed with by nature. If we simply ban opinion we do nothing to counter it and instead of being blasted away by superior argument it seeps into the public imagination, creates xenophobic outcries by minorities which then play on the minds of more sensible folk when times become hard.
Wednesday, 4 February 2009
Door knocking and Street Stopping.
Interestingly Korea is one of only a hand full of countries where Christianity is increasing. Not due to a spat of revelations cascading Korean society as some might hope. It seems that as the tribal religions of shamanism and ancestor worship fetter away, in the countryside and urban areas Christians are actively out on patrol to snap all those who seem disaffected with modern liberty. The present democratic freedoms were only installed in 1988, and as far as I can tell the christian church prior to this was significant in it's support for greater individual freedom.
Last year I would return home from work to find posters stuck to my door of either Jesus's flailed carcass, blood streaked face or his playful adventures with rabbits, birds, and children. On entering the subway I would be handed coffee sweets along with the latest leaflet on reasons to join the church. I happen to dislike both coffee sweets and junk-mail. So I knew what to expect on my return.I have been in Korea less than one month and I have had Christians at my door numerous times, and on Monday it was the Jehovah's' turn. :S.
The first time the Christians came I was happily lounging in my underwear and playing computer games on a slightly hazy Saturday afternoon. I'm pretty sure it was Mario Kart, although I can't be precise on that detail. I heard the 'ding-dong-rat-ta-tat-tat....ding dong' of my neighbour's door. I know there are only two sets of people who ring doors like that in Korea. Gas readers and bible-bashers. I contemplated muting the TV and moving into the bathroom to dispense of last nights festivities but I decided it could be the gas-man or I could just pretend I don't speak any Korean. I got dressed just in time to hear the ding-dong and the preceding knock that suggests 'I know you are in there so don't even try to pretend your out'
'Anyoung Ha-seyo' I attempt as I open the door. First mistake, my plan of no speeke hangook-eee has been undermined by my own friendliness. 'ooo-ooo' then a pause. The two cheerful old bats look at each other for a few seconds before the smaller one with a top knot uses the international form of making a question. Using one word, raising her eyebrows and nodding in encouragement. 'Krish-jan???' (Christian???)
I politely decline the offer of a theological debate in a language in which my small vocabulary consists of crude body parts, 'banana milk' and the verbs; go, come, and give me. 'No, but thank you!'. Before I can close the door she thrusts me a leaflet and smiles. 'Ok, thanks, maybe next time'
'Next time' she responds ',,,,ok'
Ah shit...the one word she understands in English she has interpreted as come back next time. Ah well I'll just have to be out when they call again.
Unluckily, on the way to work the next day I ran into them at the apartment entrance. However after the previous encounter I did some homework. Uncomfortably atheist and infidel mean the same thing in Korean. They giggle together like two schoolgirls, which was quite fun actually, before one of them stopped me and asked me to read from their book. It was happy Jesus with a baby girl this time. I'll be polite and entertain them for a few minutes before trying out my new phrase. The passage was about how traditionally women have been undermined in society but the Lord created both men and women equal and gave the Earth to both men an women to enjoy. With the love of Christ we can bring both sexes together in harmony.
Wow, what a potent message for Korea. In my personal opinion I think there continues to be some inequality between the sexes in Korea. I personally believe in the equality of right for all people. However I have never found this message in the Church. Just look at it's present echelons. It not only completely disregards the opinion of women but in many ways seems to have a deep seated mistrust of the female sex. Anyways, moving on. I try my new phrase. 'Cho noon moo shin ron ja imnida'. Well they took it well. A sad 'awww-ing' noise followed by more leaflets. I try to explain that I agree men and women are created equal but it doesn't seem to garner me any less pity.
The following Sunday it was the Jehovahs' turn. I open the door to two older men in black suits. At first I'm not sure who they are and it's made worse by the claim that they are my neighbours. As the younger one at the front, in his 40s, steps forward in attempt to enter my flat, before i have said much more than 'Hi' I decide to stand my ground.The buffeting of his entrance is made more awkward by the rebounding of the older man who was trying to follow him in. I ask them if they are a business to which they reply 'kind of' and hand me two magazines which I can already sense will offer me salvation, magazines!!!! In Korean!!! I ask them again, can I help you?'
The novice steps back and the older man takes the lead. 'Are you US army?'. I explain I am an English teacher and offer no more insights to end the impending silence. 'We are Jahobasss witnessuu'
'Ok that's it, I'm done. It's Sunday I'm relaxing, you have no right to come knocking on my door, least of all to try and walk inside without my permission.' I thought. I said nothing actually. In hope they were finished after gaging my reaction. 'I send my daughter for English lesson?'
Now your talking, business. I will happily teach anyone who needs it. 'Ok' I say,and he offers to send her round the next day.
Well she hasn't come yet, and if she does I hope she doesn't think I'm running a charity here. I wish I could but I got bills to pay.
NB* I suppose if someone really did believe everyone would burn in hellfire for all eternity unless they agreed with them, then they would do everything they could do to save them. Unfortunately, these claims to extraordinary revelations need extraordinary evidence. Until then it doesn't give them the right to disturb peoples private lives and use eternal damnation as a threat to gather funds and followers.
Last year I would return home from work to find posters stuck to my door of either Jesus's flailed carcass, blood streaked face or his playful adventures with rabbits, birds, and children. On entering the subway I would be handed coffee sweets along with the latest leaflet on reasons to join the church. I happen to dislike both coffee sweets and junk-mail. So I knew what to expect on my return.I have been in Korea less than one month and I have had Christians at my door numerous times, and on Monday it was the Jehovah's' turn. :S.
The first time the Christians came I was happily lounging in my underwear and playing computer games on a slightly hazy Saturday afternoon. I'm pretty sure it was Mario Kart, although I can't be precise on that detail. I heard the 'ding-dong-rat-ta-tat-tat....ding dong' of my neighbour's door. I know there are only two sets of people who ring doors like that in Korea. Gas readers and bible-bashers. I contemplated muting the TV and moving into the bathroom to dispense of last nights festivities but I decided it could be the gas-man or I could just pretend I don't speak any Korean. I got dressed just in time to hear the ding-dong and the preceding knock that suggests 'I know you are in there so don't even try to pretend your out'
'Anyoung Ha-seyo' I attempt as I open the door. First mistake, my plan of no speeke hangook-eee has been undermined by my own friendliness. 'ooo-ooo' then a pause. The two cheerful old bats look at each other for a few seconds before the smaller one with a top knot uses the international form of making a question. Using one word, raising her eyebrows and nodding in encouragement. 'Krish-jan???' (Christian???)
I politely decline the offer of a theological debate in a language in which my small vocabulary consists of crude body parts, 'banana milk' and the verbs; go, come, and give me. 'No, but thank you!'. Before I can close the door she thrusts me a leaflet and smiles. 'Ok, thanks, maybe next time'
'Next time' she responds ',,,,ok'
Ah shit...the one word she understands in English she has interpreted as come back next time. Ah well I'll just have to be out when they call again.
Unluckily, on the way to work the next day I ran into them at the apartment entrance. However after the previous encounter I did some homework. Uncomfortably atheist and infidel mean the same thing in Korean. They giggle together like two schoolgirls, which was quite fun actually, before one of them stopped me and asked me to read from their book. It was happy Jesus with a baby girl this time. I'll be polite and entertain them for a few minutes before trying out my new phrase. The passage was about how traditionally women have been undermined in society but the Lord created both men and women equal and gave the Earth to both men an women to enjoy. With the love of Christ we can bring both sexes together in harmony.
Wow, what a potent message for Korea. In my personal opinion I think there continues to be some inequality between the sexes in Korea. I personally believe in the equality of right for all people. However I have never found this message in the Church. Just look at it's present echelons. It not only completely disregards the opinion of women but in many ways seems to have a deep seated mistrust of the female sex. Anyways, moving on. I try my new phrase. 'Cho noon moo shin ron ja imnida'. Well they took it well. A sad 'awww-ing' noise followed by more leaflets. I try to explain that I agree men and women are created equal but it doesn't seem to garner me any less pity.
The following Sunday it was the Jehovahs' turn. I open the door to two older men in black suits. At first I'm not sure who they are and it's made worse by the claim that they are my neighbours. As the younger one at the front, in his 40s, steps forward in attempt to enter my flat, before i have said much more than 'Hi' I decide to stand my ground.The buffeting of his entrance is made more awkward by the rebounding of the older man who was trying to follow him in. I ask them if they are a business to which they reply 'kind of' and hand me two magazines which I can already sense will offer me salvation, magazines!!!! In Korean!!! I ask them again, can I help you?'
The novice steps back and the older man takes the lead. 'Are you US army?'. I explain I am an English teacher and offer no more insights to end the impending silence. 'We are Jahobasss witnessuu'
'Ok that's it, I'm done. It's Sunday I'm relaxing, you have no right to come knocking on my door, least of all to try and walk inside without my permission.' I thought. I said nothing actually. In hope they were finished after gaging my reaction. 'I send my daughter for English lesson?'
Now your talking, business. I will happily teach anyone who needs it. 'Ok' I say,and he offers to send her round the next day.
Well she hasn't come yet, and if she does I hope she doesn't think I'm running a charity here. I wish I could but I got bills to pay.
NB* I suppose if someone really did believe everyone would burn in hellfire for all eternity unless they agreed with them, then they would do everything they could do to save them. Unfortunately, these claims to extraordinary revelations need extraordinary evidence. Until then it doesn't give them the right to disturb peoples private lives and use eternal damnation as a threat to gather funds and followers.
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