OT. The futures Bright, the Futures Brexit!!!

[Geoff Parkstone]

I completely agree, as I do with another of his suggestions when he says, ‘As we approach Christmas and recall the Holy Familys’ own flight as refugees, we reaffirm our commitment to stand alongside others in working for an asylum system that is fair, compassionate and rooted in the dignity of being human.’

Well said that man.

I didn't know Swale was the Bishop of Kirkstall

[ramAnag]

I didn't know Swale was the Bishop of Kirkstall

Thanks for that further example of your wit and wisdom, GP. Nice to see such originality from you and not a trace of tedious repetitiveness at all.

[Ram Pant]

Religion. Quite possibly the most divisive thing ever invented by man. Closely followed by politics?

You all know my views, I know most of yours.

[swaledale]

I didn't know Swale was the Bishop of Kirkstall

There is a lot you seem not to know, not that stops you from having an opinion!

[swaledale]

Religion. Quite possibly the most divisive thing ever invented by man. Closely followed by politics?

You all know my views, I know most of yours.

Indeed, though every from of human civilisation has it in one form or another. It seems an innate human need to provide answers to questions that nobody has answers for! Plus many people seem to need something "to follow" and of course its role as "opium for the masses" and a way of subjugating "the proles" is well known.

Also is it divisive, or is it the individual application of a common belief that is divisive? I mean take Northern Ireland, Catholics and Protestants ostensibly believe in the same God, but man and man alone has devised a different set of rules for the worship of this God.

If one traces back through history, then its obvious that religion and differences thereof, has been a basis for the gaining and implementation of power. Its not religion per se that's the issue, its the human propensity to want to have and use power over other humans and the ease with which people can be persuaded to join "tribes" in support of whatever cause is being promoted.

Hence the use by Tommy whatever name he has adopted now, of Christian belief to further his far right political aims, mirroring the Christian nationalists that are so influential in the US. It provides a cover, a veneer of respectability over quite reprehensible political views.

All the time they rant about foreigners and immigration under the symbol of "St George", a person certainly of middle eastern descent who never set foot in the UK! Ah the irony!

I defend the right for anyone to believe in whatever fantasy they want, but religion and government should be entirely separate and the beliefs, rules and "traditions" of any religion should not be imposed on others in any manner.

Mind you if those that claimed to follow the teachings of Jesus actually did so, then the world would be a much nicer more peaceful place.

[Ram Pant]

No arguments from me. The earthly representatives of the various Gods always seem to be almost as powerful as the local "top man", be that Emperor, King, Chief, President or whatever title.

Explain away things you don't understand led to various Gods, sun, moon, wind, rain etc etc ad infinitum. Also, if everything is all part of some "divine plan", then nothing is ever our fault, which can be comforting. The flip side of that is that no achievement is ours either, so why bother with all the effort?

I have no beef with others believing in God, Allah, whoever until their beliefs start to impinge on my freedoms, then they have a problem.

[Andy_Faber]

I have no beef with others believing in God, Allah, whoever until their beliefs start to impinge on my freedoms, then they have a problem.

Then prepare yourself, or at least tell your offspring to

[ramAnag]

Indeed, though every from of human civilisation has it in one form or another. It seems an innate human need to provide answers to questions that nobody has answers for! Plus many people seem to need something "to follow" and of course its role as "opium for the masses" and a way of subjugating "the proles" is well known.

Also is it divisive, or is it the individual application of a common belief that is divisive? I mean take Northern Ireland, Catholics and Protestants ostensibly believe in the same God, but man and man alone has devised a different set of rules for the worship of this God.

If one traces back through history, then its obvious that religion and differences thereof, has been a basis for the gaining and implementation of power. Its not religion per se that's the issue, its the human propensity to want to have and use power over other humans and the ease with which people can be persuaded to join "tribes" in support of whatever cause is being promoted.

Hence the use by Tommy whatever name he has adopted now, of Christian belief to further his far right political aims, mirroring the Christian nationalists that are so influential in the US. It provides a cover, a veneer of respectability over quite reprehensible political views.

All the time they rant about foreigners and immigration under the symbol of "St George", a person certainly of middle eastern descent who never set foot in the UK! Ah the irony!

I defend the right for anyone to believe in whatever fantasy they want, but religion and government should be entirely separate and the beliefs, rules and "traditions" of any religion should not be imposed on others in any manner.

Mind you if those that claimed to follow the teachings of Jesus actually did so, then the world would be a much nicer more peaceful place.

Much to GP and AF’s probable chagrin I am going to unapologetically say that I totally agree with the above post and the last sentence in particular.
Couldn’t care less if it earns yet another childish ‘rat-a-tat-tat’ rebuke from the usual suspect/s, it is, imo, spot on and a further irony is that the story we celebrate/commemorate at this time of year is actually a story about a family of refugees/asylum seekers.

[SithHappens]

Santa was an asylum seeker?

[ramAnag]

Santa was an asylum seeker?

Lol! No, but I suspect he may be an illegal immigrant.