I read a piece in the Stranger today that discussed this article. Apparently this douche (classy dig, I know, but whatever..I just like that the link to the story about him is to click on the word douche!) who is an anti-gay activist, going as far to be a member of NARTH (not worth a link, sorry), which is a group that does "research" surrounding the evils of homosexuality and how to "cure" it (gag!). Anyways, it was recently discovered that he had a "luggage boy" (hehe) travel with him on his publicity tour because he "couldnt lift his own luggage"....right, because the first place I look for someone to carry my luggage is a male escort site too! Back to the Stranger article, the author was proposing that the term "whatever floats your boat" be changed to "whatever lifts your luggage" as a way to pay ironic homage to this guy's hypocracy. I think it is hilarious!!
On a somewhat side note, Newbo shared a story about the Pope's rant against the new gay marriage in Portugal. Which I also was enraged by. Shouldnt the Catholic faith be more concerned with their own internal problems than waste their time on something as benign as gay marriage?!
Come on people, loosen up! If it doesn't affect you...it shouldnt affect you!!! Live and let live, even when you don't agree or understand something, thats ok but don't judge and ridicule, just say, "whatever lifts your luggage" :)
Showing posts with label religion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label religion. Show all posts
Friday, May 14, 2010
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Eavesdropping in Starbucks
I was at Starbucks last night doing homework. I was enjoying my corner all to myself for the first hour or so that I was there, then 2 women came in and took the table next to mine. 
As it turns out, they were having some sort of a weight watchers/bible study meeting. The client (we will call her Pam) and the leader lady (we will call her Sue) sat down and pulled out their manuals. I was immediately annoyed with Sue as she was a constant gum chomper! This is my biggest pet peeve, it makes my skin crawl! Anyways, Sue asked Pam to tell her how the holiday went and basic information on how her eating was going. It was a little weird. I won't go over the entire conversation, but I feel the need to mention some of the key points.
At one point, Pam stated that she had made some dinners from her healthy recipe book. Sue stated that she was supposed to "throw out all recipe and diet books" as they were "too tempting to stray from what God is telling you to eat." Sue also made statements about the lies that research and "the world" tell you about eating healthy. Pam had mentioned that she likes to buy her snacks at Trader Joes. Sue said that this was wrong because she was listening to "the world"...Im not sure what that even means. From what I could gather the point of this diet is that it is not a diet, that there are no real rules, you just eat what God tells you to.....oh and what Sue tells you to, she was awfully bossy!
The thing that bothered me the most about this conversation is that Pam kept mentioning that one of her biggest struggles was that she was alone and she felt lonely and depressed about this which made her eat. Every single time she said something along these lines, Sue would say something about her husband; "yeah, my husband is great, he is my biggest support" or "my husband cooks me wonderful healthy meals." How rude is that? She was obviously supposed to be Pam's support, not make her feel worse!
I just thought this was really weird. I am not particularly religious, but I have no problem with a religion based diet program, I actually think that it could be very beneficial for someone who has a strong faith. This one just seemed a bit ineffective. Just eat what God tells you? What is wrong with a healthy cookbook or something. I could tell Pam felt a little lost and confused and she definitely wasn't getting any answers from Sue!
I am rambling though, I do have 2 main points out of this story. First, Sue quoted a lot of scripture during this meeting (usually when Pam asked a valid question and she obviously didn't have an answer!). One of these quotes was devotional that Pam was supposed to say when she felt like eating (as a way to speak to God I think); "see how I hate those who hate you" Um.....a) what does this have to do with warding off hunger?! and b) this is my problem with organized religion. It just seems so oxymoronic to me that hate is a part of any religion! Does anyone know of a religion that honestly promotes equality and an open mind?! In my mind, this should be the norm. What good can come out of promoting hate?
The second thing that bothered me about this was that Sue kept making statements against Pam's habit of eating alone. She said it was the path to mistakes (or something along those lines) and that it should be avoided, even at home! She even mentioned that "when I was a single lady, I used to eat my dinners on webcam with a friend or family member" Yeesh, what is wrong with eating alone?! I love to do things alone! What good is this going to do for Pam? I actually think it would just harm her by giving her even more shame about being alone. What are your thoughts on this? Am I the only one who loves to eat/go to movies/etc alone?!
Any other thoughts on this odd "non diet" diet?!
As it turns out, they were having some sort of a weight watchers/bible study meeting. The client (we will call her Pam) and the leader lady (we will call her Sue) sat down and pulled out their manuals. I was immediately annoyed with Sue as she was a constant gum chomper! This is my biggest pet peeve, it makes my skin crawl! Anyways, Sue asked Pam to tell her how the holiday went and basic information on how her eating was going. It was a little weird. I won't go over the entire conversation, but I feel the need to mention some of the key points. At one point, Pam stated that she had made some dinners from her healthy recipe book. Sue stated that she was supposed to "throw out all recipe and diet books" as they were "too tempting to stray from what God is telling you to eat." Sue also made statements about the lies that research and "the world" tell you about eating healthy. Pam had mentioned that she likes to buy her snacks at Trader Joes. Sue said that this was wrong because she was listening to "the world"...Im not sure what that even means. From what I could gather the point of this diet is that it is not a diet, that there are no real rules, you just eat what God tells you to.....oh and what Sue tells you to, she was awfully bossy! The thing that bothered me the most about this conversation is that Pam kept mentioning that one of her biggest struggles was that she was alone and she felt lonely and depressed about this which made her eat. Every single time she said something along these lines, Sue would say something about her husband; "yeah, my husband is great, he is my biggest support" or "my husband cooks me wonderful healthy meals." How rude is that? She was obviously supposed to be Pam's support, not make her feel worse!
I just thought this was really weird. I am not particularly religious, but I have no problem with a religion based diet program, I actually think that it could be very beneficial for someone who has a strong faith. This one just seemed a bit ineffective. Just eat what God tells you? What is wrong with a healthy cookbook or something. I could tell Pam felt a little lost and confused and she definitely wasn't getting any answers from Sue!
I am rambling though, I do have 2 main points out of this story. First, Sue quoted a lot of scripture during this meeting (usually when Pam asked a valid question and she obviously didn't have an answer!). One of these quotes was devotional that Pam was supposed to say when she felt like eating (as a way to speak to God I think); "see how I hate those who hate you" Um.....a) what does this have to do with warding off hunger?! and b) this is my problem with organized religion. It just seems so oxymoronic to me that hate is a part of any religion! Does anyone know of a religion that honestly promotes equality and an open mind?! In my mind, this should be the norm. What good can come out of promoting hate?
The second thing that bothered me about this was that Sue kept making statements against Pam's habit of eating alone. She said it was the path to mistakes (or something along those lines) and that it should be avoided, even at home! She even mentioned that "when I was a single lady, I used to eat my dinners on webcam with a friend or family member" Yeesh, what is wrong with eating alone?! I love to do things alone! What good is this going to do for Pam? I actually think it would just harm her by giving her even more shame about being alone. What are your thoughts on this? Am I the only one who loves to eat/go to movies/etc alone?!
Any other thoughts on this odd "non diet" diet?!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Happy Whateveryouwanaka!!!
I love the Gap commercial! The first time that I saw it I thought of the coexist stickers that always make me smile. I didn't see any reason for controversy....Then I went to find a link to the video so I could write this blog. I realized that there is a big controversy and even a boycott! Apparently using the term "whateveryouwanaka" while singing and dancing in a joyful manner is disrespectful! Who knew?!
I just feel so strongly that everyone deserves the right to their own beliefs. I hate hearing religious teachings that say they are the only possibility. (I will fight the urge to step up on my soap box again by just providing the link to the last time!) Why can't everyone just believe in what they feel comfortable believing in and celebrate accordingly?! I think that singing "Happy Whateveryouwanaka" is a perfect way to get that point across!!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Just say no to proselytizing!!
Proselytizing is defined as; "To induce someone to convert from one belief, doctrine, cause, or faith to another."
Lets look at the verb in this definition, it is the basis of what drives proselytizing. Induce means "to lead or move by persuasion or influence, as to some action or state of mind."
Now if you want someone to believe in, cherish, obey, love, and generally give their life to someone would you expect that coercing someone to convert by means of persuasion is the best way to go?! Before I get too far into this I want to lead with the statement that I am not against religion. I believe fully that everyone has the right to believe in and worship whatever entity they so choose. I know that organized religious practices and beliefs help many people out and give them something to hold on to and a purpose in life. I think that this is great and should be a basic human right to pursue if so desired. (Ok, that is my preface)
But (you knew it was coming!), I do not believe that anyone has the right to push their belief on others!! Ever! Just because you are amazed by the wonderful things that your religion has bestowed on you, does not mean that everyone needs to follow that belief in order to lead a happy and fulfilled life! I view the act of proselytizing as an ignorant display of egocentricism with a front of fake altruism. It is absurd to assume that your views are the only ones that should be acceptable and the only path to righteousness! Whatever happened to equality?
Why am I posting this? I have been literally stalked by a certain religious group that goes door to door and doesn't take "I am busy" or "I am not interested" as a good enough reason to turn around and ride their bikes away. And no, I am not exaggerating with the stalking comment; they came by at least 3 times a week for a good month! Near the end they would park their bikes behind the house to hide and even tracked me down in the mall one time! How can anyone believe that getting someone into their religion in this manner could be beneficial to any party involved?! I have also witnessed the direct display of proselytizing in the prison system through my internship. There are certain religions who hound offenders to "find the light" or "right their wrongs through verse" while others simply provide an outstretched hand. This says, "I am available if you decide to talk" and guess which method attracts the offenders who really want religious help through their life change? I think that it is a terrible mistake to undermine the power of an outstretched hand. It is much more effective to be available to those who want to listen than to waste time speaking to a distracted and disgruntled audience.
Anyways, this topic has come up for me a lot in the last few years of my life and it always leaves me with a sour taste in my mouth and a very uncomfortable feeling. I am open to any thoughts on the topic though (just no stalking on bikes!) so...thoughts?
Lets look at the verb in this definition, it is the basis of what drives proselytizing. Induce means "to lead or move by persuasion or influence, as to some action or state of mind."
Now if you want someone to believe in, cherish, obey, love, and generally give their life to someone would you expect that coercing someone to convert by means of persuasion is the best way to go?! Before I get too far into this I want to lead with the statement that I am not against religion. I believe fully that everyone has the right to believe in and worship whatever entity they so choose. I know that organized religious practices and beliefs help many people out and give them something to hold on to and a purpose in life. I think that this is great and should be a basic human right to pursue if so desired. (Ok, that is my preface)
But (you knew it was coming!), I do not believe that anyone has the right to push their belief on others!! Ever! Just because you are amazed by the wonderful things that your religion has bestowed on you, does not mean that everyone needs to follow that belief in order to lead a happy and fulfilled life! I view the act of proselytizing as an ignorant display of egocentricism with a front of fake altruism. It is absurd to assume that your views are the only ones that should be acceptable and the only path to righteousness! Whatever happened to equality?
Why am I posting this? I have been literally stalked by a certain religious group that goes door to door and doesn't take "I am busy" or "I am not interested" as a good enough reason to turn around and ride their bikes away. And no, I am not exaggerating with the stalking comment; they came by at least 3 times a week for a good month! Near the end they would park their bikes behind the house to hide and even tracked me down in the mall one time! How can anyone believe that getting someone into their religion in this manner could be beneficial to any party involved?! I have also witnessed the direct display of proselytizing in the prison system through my internship. There are certain religions who hound offenders to "find the light" or "right their wrongs through verse" while others simply provide an outstretched hand. This says, "I am available if you decide to talk" and guess which method attracts the offenders who really want religious help through their life change? I think that it is a terrible mistake to undermine the power of an outstretched hand. It is much more effective to be available to those who want to listen than to waste time speaking to a distracted and disgruntled audience.
Anyways, this topic has come up for me a lot in the last few years of my life and it always leaves me with a sour taste in my mouth and a very uncomfortable feeling. I am open to any thoughts on the topic though (just no stalking on bikes!) so...thoughts?
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