Archive for the ‘religion’ tag

Jesus and friends versus the big, bad airport

Eminent domain is a pretty fucking brutal concept.

For those of you who were asleep, stoned or absent during eight-grade social studies class, I will explain.  Eminent domain grants governments the right to seize private property against the owner’s consent, as long as the property will be used to benefit the general public.

While property owners are compensated for their loss, this is an excellent example of the government flexing its muscle like one of the tanned Italian lads on Jersey Shore.

Property may be claimed for a variety of reasons, for example, to build highways, railroad, infrastructure, or a statue of Barack Obama. 

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boqueen, the unwilling Baha’i.

I find that one of the most enjoyable parts of the average week is a lazy, hung over Saturday afternoon spent at my girlfriend boqueen’s apartment.  While we have developed a regular routine, Saturday mornings are devoid of the tedium of monotony. After I caffeinate myself and suck down a few cigarettes, we shield our bleary eyes with dark sunglasses and pick up lunch.  When we are done with our meal, we clean up any stray beer cans from the prior evening, and spend a few hours at our laptops, usually writing for our respective blogs.

A few weeks ago, as we ventured out to pick up lunch, I noticed a large piece of mail at the entrance of her palace.  The hefty envelope was addressed to boqueen, and the return address indicated that it had been sent by the Chicago Baha’i Center.

The Baha’i faith is the youngest of the major religions and is spreading quite rapidly.  Baha’is can be found in countries and territories across the globe, second to only Christianity.  The Baha’i faith emphasizes the unity of humanity and all religions.

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If God has a plan, you’re not in it

When a religious-type is confronted with strife or tragedy, they often attribute the event to “God’s Plan.”  Grandpa was diagnosed with cancer?  Puppy was run over by a car?  Terrorists flew two airplanes into the World Trade Center?  It’s all part of the Lord’s divine plan. 

This phenomenon is emblematic of the popularity of religion as a whole.  Followers take solace in the fact that there is a higher power at work, governing the workings of the world.  If God wasn’t calling the shots, the world would descend into chaos, threatening the sheer existence of humankind.

I believe that this is complete bullshit. I cannot fathom the concept that we are all pawns in an omnipotent being’s master plan. 

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What’s up with all the Jesus schwag?

I fail to understand the purpose of religious trinkets, such as “What Would Jesus Do?” bracelets, plastic Jesus Fish emblems and the Christian-themed candles that Mexicans are so fond of. 

I am not a religious person – that is a topic for another post – but I do find these cheaply produced tributes to a higher power somewhat disturbing.  I will not explore the topic of idolatry deeply; the Wikipedia entry on the topic is over 4,000 words long, making research far too time-consuming for my tastes.

Both Islam and Judaism forbid the artistic representations of their respective Gods.  I can understand the Islamic and Judaic stance on this issue.  If one is to believe that the world was created by an omnipotent and all-powerful being, how could a mere mortal fully understand the concept of the higher power, let alone create an artistic rendition of their God?

Aside from the concept of false idols and “graven images,” I cannot understand how inexpensive, mass-produced tchotchkes are a worthy tribute to one’s God.  If I was the most powerful entity in the universe, I would not be impressed by the fact that you proudly wear a two dollar “WWJD” bracelet.  I created the universe in six days, after all – trivial junk manufactured in a Chinese factory simply would not move me. 

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