Tuesday 16 August 2011

Phrases to Forget: “Why Me?”


This phrase is born from disadvantageous situations where the individual feels personally victimised, probing themselves in search of emotional validation. Such examples could be “Why did this have to happen to me?”, “What have I done to deserve this?” or even “Someone up there hates me!”. Such an introspective thought often leads to a spiralling of negative feelings, resulting in an emotional malaise that breeds a temperament made of dis-empowerment, despair, contempt and self-righteousness. This is upheld by a stream of conscious justifications for this state; I didn't deserve this; the world is cruel; I deserve pity. This continues, seemingly feeding off each other as the individual wallows in their despair; the phrase ‘Why Me’ imbuing them with thoughts of victimisation and seeking emotional validation from their mental probing.


Wednesday 1 June 2011

“¡Democracia Real YA!”

Puerta del Sol, Madrid.
On May 15th Barcelona and Madrid were plunged into dissent as the Spanish population voiced their objections against the reigning government, ruled by a unrepresentative two-party system, and protesting for basic human rights and fair economic policy which the current political class have failed to address. Designated 15-M, the movement began with an initially youthful crowd organised through social media networks and the ¡Democracia Real YA!, or ‘Real Democracy NOW!’, group. However on May 17th 15-M transcended social and cultural boundaries, with peoples deriving from a diverse range of ages and backgrounds becoming involved. Since then it has exploded into protests across Spain in 58 cities, however despite this Spanish politicians have somewhat disparaged the protests, labelling them as ‘leftist’ or ‘just students’ in an effort to diminish their significance; a notion that has been somewhat absorbed by international media. The next few weeks will prove crucial to the movement; however its non-party political orientation may prove to be a disadvantage without any significant governmental support.

Sunday 1 May 2011

The Bible and Homosexuality: 1 Corinthians 6:9 & 1 Timothy 1:9-10

This is the final post in the ‘Homosexuality and The Bible’ series that deals with passages often directly quoted by various Christian conservatives to be used as ammunition against homosexuality. Such denominations and movements, especially Evangelicals and Fundamentalists, take biblical scripture at face-value believing it to be inerrant. However such interpretations are often erroneous and liable to errors in translation, and ignore the influence of historical context and author bias.

The passages of 1 Corinthians 6:9 and 1 Timothy 1:9-10 in particular are the subject of debate because the words used to condemn homosexuality are wholly based on modern interpretation and could well be misinterpreted. Whilst not as influential as Romans 1: 26-27 and Leviticus 18:22 and 20:18, they are no less significant. Indeed, similarly to Romans, these letters are claimed to have been written by the apostle Paul; a highly influential figure in Christendom renowned for his pre-conversion background of a zealous, antichristian Jew. Due to the similar themes addressed within the two passages both will be discussed together. All quotes below are from the English Standard Version (ESV).

Thursday 28 April 2011

Immortality

Photography by Nick Clark
This week was my birthday and, inevitably, the subject of aging arose. At the time it was treated jovially, but I find that it’s all too common that people express their fear of growing old, and in turn this fear is oft extended to death. I lightly touched upon this subject in my previous post, where I explained my reasoning that because death is inevitable there is no point to fearing it, and such a fear is only restrictive to an individual’s productive achievement. That is not too say death itself is insignificant; it’s finality certainly brings purpose to life, and obviously the death of someone is sorrowful. The fear of old age holds more merit; I’m certain no-one likes the idea of becoming dependant or their flesh aging. However associated health issues are best prevented in living a healthy lifestyle before reaching such an age; senescence is of course inevitable and thus, through a similar reasoning used above, should be taken in stride; whilst other, inescapable aging problems are left to fate, although that’s not too say they shouldn’t be contended with all your spirit.

When this topic of conversation occurs one notion invariably materialises; immortality. If the chance arose for you to become immortal would you take it?

Thursday 21 April 2011

Chevin Adventure A GoGo!

The Destination.
The other day I awoke to a rather glorious sight; the sun was in ascendant through an azure sky, its light burnishing the vegetation throughout my valley with a resplendent green. Immediately I thought of one thing: photography. There was no way I was letting such a wonderful day go to waste, especially since the previous days I had encarcerated myself within the confines of my house in order to prepare for my university finals.

However I lacked a camera. Fortunately this rather major issue was quickly resolved; a quick Facebook message later and I had managed to persuade my friend Rowan to accompany me whilst I abused his substantial, Canon EOS 400D camera. My objective was to photograph the expansive vista, known as “Surprise View”, that provides a massive 60km panorama of West and North Yorkshire. However such a view is only accessible by hiking to the top of the Chevin, the more prominent hill of my valley that dominates the southern horizon. The Chevin, a name derived from Celtic ‘Cefyn’ or ‘Cefu’ meaning ridge, has been a constant character throughout my life with some of my earliest memories being me playing on its steep slopes. Despite forming the valley within which my town is situated I hadn’t visited the old hill for some time, so the beautiful day that presented itself to me was the perfect opportunity to rediscover its secrets.

Sunday 17 April 2011

The Bible and Homosexuality: Romans 1: 26-27

This epistle to the Church of Rome is probably the most influential passage in the entire Bible in regards to the Christian view of homosexuality, being the most oft quoted piece of scripture in the condemnation of homosexuals, even before Leviticus 18:22 and 20:18. Its power lays most prominently in the fact that it exists in the New Testament; the second section of the Bible which contains Christian teachings. Similarly influential for the passage’s prominence is its authorship; it was written by Paul upon whose words a large amount of modern church doctrine is based upon. Paul wrote other epistles referencing homosexuality, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 and 1 Timothy 1:9-10, however this passage is by far the most explicit in its condemnation.

Its literal interpretation is probably responsible for a large proportion of the negative opinion of homosexuality that pervades a considerable section of Christianity, especially evangelical and fundamentalist sects, and is seen by many as one of the most important references in the bible-gay debate. All quotes below are from the English Standard Version.

Wednesday 13 April 2011

France's Burqa Ban: Fighting Oppression With Oppression?


On Monday France’s lower parliament approved a bill banning the wearing of clothing that intends to hide the face in public areas. The ban itself appears to target the conservative dress worn by Muslim women; specifically Burqas, large garments that cover the entire body save for a mesh over the eyes, and Naqibs, all-covering garments which have a rectangular slit over the eyes.  President Nicolas Sarkozy justified the move by stating that it would help fight the subjugation of Muslim women who are forced to cover themselves up, however in the process the ban itself appears to remove the human right of religious expression and defies French ideals of tolerance and liberalism.

Monday 4 April 2011

The Bible and Homosexuality: The Books of Kings

In the context of discussion about the depiction of homosexuality in scripture Kings takes somewhat of a backseat, with debate more often focused on Old Testament passages from the books of Genesis and Leviticus, or on Romans from the New Testament. Despite being marginalised to some extent, Kings is used to support arguments that, at the very least, uphold homosexual acts as perverse.

Such arguments are often based on the literal interpretation of the Bible, a view which advocates the idea that the whole of scripture is true and without error. I grew up with such an opinion being from an Evangelical background; however through in-depth research I discovered that such interpretations are too narrow, are often blinded to the wider historical context and significance of the text, and can lead to very dangerous and radical beliefs.

As the passages from the books of Kings supposedly concerning homosexuality are short and reference the same issues they are all contended in this one post. All quotes below are from the English Standard Version.

Sunday 20 March 2011

Spring Benevolence


Today, in the Northern Hemisphere, is the first day of Spring. Celebrated in festivals across the globe the season of rebirth and renewal conjures up images of newborn, skipping lambs and fields blossoming with colourful flora that were deprived the Sun in the Winter months.

However despite the images of  rejuvenation that that pervade the season they appear bleak against the current suffering of Humanity. As fellow humans it is only right that we help alleviate such suffering, after all:
“What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal” - Albert Pike
It's comforting to see that such a sentiment still rings true even in the face of economic adversity: Comic Relief, a UK charity event organised every two years that aids development projects in the UK and across Africa, accomplished an on-the-night total of £74,360,207, breaking all previous records. However it's important to realise that your benevolence dosen't need to be limited to one night and donations can be made continually. So if you haven't donated yet or want to donate in the future I urge you to aim your charity here: https://donate.comicrelief.com/donation/.

I'm sure you are also aware of the crises facing the citizens of Japan from the March 11th earthquake,so to help its recovery donations can be made here: http://www.google.com/crisisresponse/japanquake2011.html, or alternatively here if you're in the UK: http://www.redcross.org.uk/Donate-Now/Make-a-single-donation/Japan-Tsunami-Appeal

In this season of rejuvenation it's important that we keep in mind the less fortunate and get in the spirit of the season, and help life flourish. So before you settle down to watch the new series of The Only Way Is Essex please help. I leave you with this quote the next time you're unsure on what to spend your money on: 
Every time you spend money, you’re casting a vote for the kind of world you want.” - Anna Lappe.

Thursday 17 March 2011

On Transgender

When I was younger, and more naive, I saw little difference between an individual who dressed as a woman, and someone who was a woman but in a man’s body. I remember my first trip to a gay club for a uni’ mate’s birthday and seeing a drag queen; at the time I was unsettled, however now I don’t bat an eye. Of course a drag queen is someone who dresses up for occasion and is completely different from someone who is transgender. Between then and now I have gone on my own journey of discovery, and struggled with the realisation of my own identity.

However as much as I struggled with my own personal acceptance I can’t imagine what it is to feel like to be born as the wrong sex.

Recently I was forwarded this video:

                                                             

Friday 11 March 2011

The Bible and Homosexuality: Genesis 19: 4-14

The place homosexuality has in Christianity has been a controversial topic for generations, a debate amplified by the many different Christian denominations and various interpretations of the Bible. I come from an evangelical background; a movement which believes in the literal interpretation of scripture and relates closely to, although not exactly the same as, fundamentalism. I believe this take on such an old and influential book is ignorant to the significant finer details; disregarding the importance of historical context, author’s bias etc. Such a literal focus on the words of ancient men undoubtedly has had, and will continue to have, a considerable impact on the unanimity of modern humanity.

These posts attempt to summarise my research into a 'bite-size' pieces and show how important it is to look beyond words written over a millennia ago. Previously I looked at one of the most popular passages used to illustrate Biblical damnation of homosexuality; this post will look at one of the most popular passages exemplified as why homosexuality is detested by God and thus should be considered a sin.

The passage dwells on the punishment of the ancient Canaanite cities of Sodom and Gomorrah from verses 1-19, however due to the size of the passage the quote below focuses on verses that suggest homosexuality is condemned by God. In the previous verses (1-3) God sent two angels to Sodom who met Lot at the city gates, Lot then pressed them to stay at his house. All quotes below are from the English Standard Version.

Monday 7 March 2011

Future Fear, Future Plans

Photography by Nick Clark.

‘Nervous’ is undoubtedly how I, and many others, felt today. I didn't sleep well. My heart beat furiously. The only thing that calmed me down was the copious amount of drinks I had beforehand. Today was when my entire year got feedback on their dissertation; a year’s worth of research amounting to 25% of the final grade something that obviously holds some significant sway on the quality of my degree.

Of course I could still build upon the foundations set by a bad mark, but it would hinder my progress greatly. A better dissertation would mean a better degree, a better degree would help me to prove myself more qualified for a job and escape the country.

Seeing as ‘escaping the country’ is the name of my blog I probably owe some explanation. 

Thursday 3 March 2011

The Bible and Homosexuality: Leviticus 18:22 & 20:18

For the majority of my life I've believed that if you were gay you were condemned to hell. This toxic thought was nurtured in my mind by the evangelical church I attended in my small hometown. They weren't bad people but I believe their literal take and belief of an inerrant scripture lent them a restricted perspective on life. Due to the small size of my town I was never exposed to the bigger, multicultural world that lay outside and, being a churchgoer since I can remember, I let myself be spoon-fed these ideas. Sure, I read the Bible but I never properly studied it.

When I was older I started to properly read the bible by reading a wider range of interpretations, placing each passage in its historical context and weighing the author’s bias. It started as an honest attempt to be better follower but it ended up completely revolutionising my view of Christianity. What scares me the most is that it took so long to have this epiphany.

The Christian/Gay debate has been raging for years, and by no means have I finished developing my understanding. Here I attempt to address the issue passage by passage, summarising my understanding in a bitesize post. Of course these debates are not limited to Christianity, but the majority of my research has been focused on the Bible. All quotes below are from the English Standard Version.

This post will look at one of the passages most used against homosexuality:

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