Friday, April 06, 2007

Great Good Friday Essay

The Star surprised me with this excellent essay (Religion in a Secular Society - by Michael Smith).

Lots of food for thought. I am heartened by his argument that secularism does not necessarily mean that religion must be excluded from society. Indeed, quite the opposite, as long as everyone has the freedom to discuss their viewpoint.

11 comments:

Brian in Calgary said...

Here, here, Joanne. Too many people cry out "Separation of church and state" without defining what they mean.

If people mean separation of institutional control, then most people of faith (I hope) would agree with it. Certainly I, as an evangelical Christian, do.

If people mean separation of influence, then I most emphatically do not agree with it. In fact, I would submit that to agree with THIS definition would be tantamount to faithophobia.

Joanne (True Blue) said...

Brian, that's right. Michael Smith's essay highlights what I have been hearing far too long - that too many people think that being in a 'tolerant' society means hiding and compromising your own beliefs. If fact, the opposite is true.

Sara said...

watch the star next week you might be surprised... they are coming around

Roy Eappen said...

This is surprising. Good for the star.
I listened to the Current with Avi Lewis this morning where they basicaally mocked Christianity. No surprise there.

Joanne (True Blue) said...

Sara, that sounds intriguing..

Dr. Roy - No surprise there. That's for sure. I just finished watching CNN - 'What would Jesus Really do?' Quite amazing for CNN. Lots of different viewpoints, but respectful all around.

Joanne (True Blue) said...

Happy Easter to you too Vicki, and all my fellow bloggers and readers.

Anonymous said...

SECULARISM MEANS INCLUSIVE OF ALL SECTS not devoid of religion as leftists who pretend to be inclusive would have you believe. Leftism is a lie and it's all founded on perverted and twisted meanings of words and sophistry. No, my friends, secularism is the inclusivness of all religions, not one sactioned by the state.

Mac said...

Have you ever read the wording of the First Amendment of the US Constitution?

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Pretty simple, isn't it? Most people skip right to the "freedom of speech" but the beginning has this simple expression keeping the US a secular nation without restricting religion whatsoever. It's too bad the US doesn't follow it's own Constitution.

Anonymous said...

I'm begining to question the validity of Marianne Meed-Ward from the Toronto Sun who claims to be a Christian as she spends most of her energy mocking Christians , the final nail in the coffin for me was her shamefull appearence on CH Live@5:30 where she mocked Easter as bunny rabbits and chocolate goodies .
The main debate was over the naked replica of Jesus that was molded from Chocolate , Ms.Ward actually argued with the head of a Christian College as if he was the enemy , by the time her rantings were over I wondered if there was any issue that prompted her to stand-up for Christ.
I think the PC media has diluted
Canada's history to not offend new comers and Ms.Ward seems to be either a feminist in sheeps clothing or plain ignorant of Christ's connection to Christmas and Christianity , and when she was challenged to opine about Muhammed being mocked in the same way she failed to answer it and ran off about Multiculturalism and the people that don't celebrate Easter .
I expected this tripe from the CBC because it's normal for them to drag in some fringe group yahoo
that already drank the cool-aid and helps the CBC mock Christ by the persons shear lunacy , but CH TV used to have pretty good standards for debates.

Even Jack Layton pretends to protect religious freedoms but only if they are pro-abortion and
same-sex marriage friendly , if not he makes everything a "Rights" issue rather than its actual Social value context .

Joanne (True Blue) said...

This is a fascinating discussion.

Regarding Marianne Meed-Ward, I can only say that everyone is entitled to express their opinion, but not everyone who professes to be a "Christian" is necessarily speaking on behalf of all Christians.

The dichotomy of beliefs between different Christian factions is as diverse as that of religious thought in general. The United Church for example, has no problem with gay marriage which is obviously counter to strict Roman Catholic dogma.

Sara said...

Yah, it wasn't me doing it. The reporter who called literally said to me "just being a mom is a good thing" I nearly had a heart attack. Not because it was the Star but many people I talk to I say "I'm just a mom" and no one has said what she said. We discussed Dr. Mustard and I told her how we felt and why without nailing him.
She said it would be out next week and I'm trusting her not to spin it, lets hope I'm not wrong.

Happy Easter all, I'm missing poker night just so I can play with the Easter bunny lol.