A World of Cheese, For your Pleasure

Y'know how many people in the Middle East frown upon women in North America? Yeah, well, I kinda feel that way about covering up women, restricting their rights and freedoms and pitching it as God's Will in order to keep them shackled nice and tight. So, no, I wouldn't buy this for my daughter. In fact, I want one of these like I want a knife in my eye.

Of course, I feel similarly about hispanics and African Americans embracing Christianity or Catholicism.

Care to explain how you feel about "hispanics and African Americans embracing Christianity or Catholicism"?

Sure.

Christianity was brought to the "New World" along with oppression, slavery, and all kinds of polished human darkness. While entire cultures were raped, pilaged, and eventually wiped out, others were dragged a world over to become slaves for white men and then told to give up their own religion/faith/spirituality to worship Christ.

So it burns me just a little bit to see a people who are descendants of the persecuted wearing a cross around their neck, praising God and going to church, when the people that introduced that very same religion were guilty of treating their ancestors like dirt.

"If we shadows have offended, Think but this, and all is mended, That you have but slumber'd here While these visions did appear. And this weak and idle theme, No more yielding but a dream, Gentles, do not reprehend: if you pardon, we will mend: And, as I am an honest Puck, If we have unearned luck Now to 'scape the serpent's tongue, We will make amends ere long; Else the Puck a liar call; So, good night unto you all. Give me your hands, if we be friends, And Robin shall restore amends."

So it irritates you that people are able to separate their faith - which you are under no obligation to agree with and which gives them hope - from the actions of men who used the same faith to justify persecution?

That seems a little heavy-handed of you.

With respect, I don't recall saying anything about people separating their faith from the actions of early invaders and settlers bothering me. What bothers me is seeing so many people rushing off to church with nary an idea of its long and terrible history of persecution (especially to their own ancestors).

In a nutshell, I don't advocate that people bail on their faith based on how it was introduced to their culture. One would have to live as a hermit to avoid everything that was tainted by violence and corruption. Rather, I advocate being aware of history and making conscious choices to worship--or wear a hijab--and not simply because that way of life was handed down to them.

Besides, we aren't so different from those days of conquest. Certain cultures in North and South America suffered for hundreds of years, and, historically speaking, it wasn't long ago enough for people to easily separate European religion from those actions. The easy alternative is to ignore it, which is what most people do.

Let me ask you, what about that perspective offends you--if at all? Have you never witnessed people blindly worship on the basis of social pressure?

And you are so sure that "hispanics and African-Americans" are ignorant of the histories of their chosen religions or belief systems?

It's that distinction that bothers me.

To your last question, I'll merely inform you that I was raised a Jehovah's Witness and I'll let you draw your own conclusions. You seem happiest that way.

Yes, Elizabeth, that's how I feel. But I'm content to include MOST people in that ignorance, not just hispanics and African Americans. Most people tend to blindly do things from day to day, and I doubt that's news to you.

I was raised a Catholic and once I had a mind of my own I made a decision to switch to agnosticsim. I was taught ALL about my religion but the darker points were usually omitted. Odd isn't it? I was expected to be a Catholic because my family was. Solid reasoning that. How many other families do you suppose are just like that?

"Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from a religious conviction." - Blaise Pascal

In our current culture, we see continued restrictions to class, race, and gender and so many, while being angry and frustrated with these limitations imposed upon them, turn to the church for comfort. That's ironic to me.

I'll let you draw your own conclusions. You seem happiest that way.

Actually, Elizabeth, it was apparent from the outset that you had formed your own "conclusions" of me and my opinions. I've indulged your questions, and engaged you in conversation. I'd say I'm open to dialogue and learning. If you can say the same, I welcome a continued dialogue with you on the subject. You can contact me on my blog, or via my e-mail (immutablyme AT gmail DOT com).

I'll merely inform you that I was raised a Jehovah's Witness

And what did you surmise this would make me think?

Frankly, given that this blog and Jonas' subject matter have often encouraged open dialogue on touchy subjects I find it ironic that you would find issue with my remarks. In contrast to some of the things I've read here, this seems mild.

Speaking of; Jonas you're awfully quiet.

Well, Paolo, I suppose I could indulge. But it will have to be later. I have 4.5 hours to close a $13K deal.

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