sindre-almost

There was an obscure article in a newspaper a few days ago about a christmas celebrations, normally this would not be featured on the front page of any newspaper, unless it’s being hosted and preformed by transvestites, now suddenly it is controversial and front page news. Now I’m going to resist commenting the obvious here, but in the article there was a small comment.

Christians for Truth, an independent religious group, had asked the city council to cancel the “Pink Christmas,” [...]

source: The Associated Press also seen at Verdens Gang

the Christians for Truth sounds a bit redundant doesn’t it , considering that one of the ten commandments is “thou shalt not lie” [1] So are christians who are not a member considered to be frivolous when it comes to this particular commandment, to such an extent that some of them (christians) felt they needed an organization to make a stand against it. If so what’s next “Christians against killing” well maybe not, one never knows when the next crusade will happen and it would be a bit stupid then to be a member of a group that was in direct conflict with the actions of a crusade.

Now on to the obvious commentary; the transvestites put on what can be readily described as a nativity play, the event was sponsored by the city council of Amsterdam (someone in that council deserves a thank you card), with the not so insignificant amount of 15,000 euro. This of course made it even more controversial. the Christians for Truth demanded that the city council withdrew the support.

What I don’t get is that there are so many fractions of christianity, and they all seem to be quite tolerable when it comes to other fractions. Even those who used to be a bit controversial themselves, such as the mormons which at one point allowed men to have more than one wife (as of 1890 this was no longer accepted). But there are others, and they are for the most part tolerated by other fractions. However as soon as persons from the gay side of life starts doing something remotely religious it does have a tendency to get mentioned in the press, and some organization will comment on how it is perverting their religion. Now if it was their religion as in implying ownership of it, I think there might be some other religious groups out there who might want to make a note of that. Because they are not saying that it is perverting their fractions interpretation of the religion. No, they usually just mention christianity as a singular identity, as in the christian way of life or other such phrases, usually also mentioning core family values and tradition.  

There is no singular christian identity, there are a multitude of them, and like it or not, some christians are gay, and if there is to be a singular christian identity, these will be included in it. (This was not the exact point I was going to make, but to be honest, there racket here at my parents house makes it difficult to concentrate)

I will simply conclude that the christians for truth and other organizations should let things like this pass them by uncommented and unless it causes them harm directly, tolerate it. There is room enough for everyone in this world (at least for now)

Notes:

[1] Actually it is “[...]Neither shall you bear false witness against your neighbour.”

Today is christmas eve, which in most european countries implies that presents have been opened and scrutinized , for my part I can honestly say that the anticipation I had was not for the presents. It was for the food, and it did not disappoint me.

After a lavish meal, in which there was a fair few interruptions by my younger siblings, it was time for their big moment of the evening.. the opening of gifts. Now I did not have any great expectations for these presents as they are from relatives. The ones I look forward to, those from my friends are back in my apartment eagerly awaiting my return. 

Now after opening all the presents I have no less then 3 sets with shampoo and aftershave, two sets of towels and other assorted toiletries. As does my brother…. so either there is a consensus amongst relatives that me and my brother needs to shower more, or they went for the easy and fail-safe option. Nothing wrong with that, but…. as Tom Lehrer puts it “Sentiment will not endear it, what’s important is the price.” The thing is, I don’t mind these presents, but at some point when I have gotten the same thing 3,4,5,6 times in a row they might as well spend the money, energy and time in buying someone else a better present I really don’t mind. 

Now I still do enjoy christmas, but in this area I must say I think I have matured somewhat, I still watch the early morning cartoons and such, but the presents doesn’t give me the same thrill as it used to when I was a child. Maybe the shampoo has gone to my head ?