Hidden Truths?

17 Apr 2014 Leave a comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , , , , ,

Pope FrancisI was dismayed to hear this morning, that the Catholic Church in England are refusing to publish the results of a recent survey of  sexual ethics of such subjects as contraception, cohabitation and homosexuality.

The German Catholic Church have published their results, but it seems that their English colleagues are sticking to Pope Francis’ request that they are not to be released until after further discussions on October.

What are they scared of revealing?  That their flock are completely at odds with the thinking of the clergy? It’s 2014 not 1814, the Inquisition is a thing of the past, people are allowed to have their own views, and have those views heard, aren’t they?

It’s none of my business, if I’m honest. I’m not, nor have I ever been Catholic, but I do strongly believe that honesty and openness are the way forward. If you don’t want to know the answer to something, don’t ask the question. But once it’s asked, let everyone know the outcome. To do otherwise simply encourages supposition and criticism.

Gay Marriage, A Step Forward

05 Feb 2013 Leave a comment

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , , , , ,

Gay Marriage, A Step Forward?I managed to listen to some of the Parliamentary debate regarding the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill from the House of Commons this afternoon. The arguments, both for and against, were generally quite eloquently put, but like oil and water, the two sides find it very difficult to come together in a peaceful understanding.

It is interesting to hear that some people arguing for the Bill accuse those arguing against the Bill of being bigots, homophobes and prejudiced. I think they should be careful, lest they become bigoted or prejudiced themselves. Whilst all parties will not agree, all parties have the right to express their views without being branded prejudiced bigots for so doing.

With regard to the argument itself, I can see no rational reason why two men or two women may not be joined in marriage. I understand, and have some sympathy for, the objections on the grounds of marriage being an institution for the procreation and education of children.

On those grounds, marriages without children, whether by intention or due to other reasons, could be deemed to be less valid on those with children. This, I believe, is a ridiculous way to ‘measure’ relationships. We all know that there are as many happy marriages with no children, as are there unhappy marriages with children.

As a Buddhist, I believe in inclusion, be that of race, colour or creed, religious belief, sexual orientation or indeed every other facet of human life. Naturally, I do not agree with all the beliefs of others, but I do strive to understand their viewpoint and would fight for their right to hold and express those beliefs.

If the Marriage (Same Sex Couples) Bill is passed, the UK will not suddenly fall into a state of Sodom and Gomorra, nor, should the Bill fail, will we find ourselves in a country of new-found homophobia. However, much of the world is watching the process carefully, wondering whether the country which shouts so loudly about the equality it upholds, will be brave enough to let equality be the greater prize in the fight of progress against traditional views.

I hope that the Bill is passed, that it puts another nail in the coffin of Prejudices of All Natures. I think all people should be deemed, and treated, as equal. The Bill needs to be debated at length and fully in all aspects and I have fears the it will not have been given the time required. A rushed Bill is a poor Bill, and surely we already have enough of those.

Whilst the members of the House of Commons are elected to represent the views of the electorate, I also fear that personal views will take the upper hand. I also wonder how many of the members will have the courage to vote against the most vocal elements of their constituents. I hope that common sense will prevail, that courage comes to the fore, and that the Bill is given a second reading with a resounding majority.

Late breaking news, the Commons voted for the Bill by 400 to 175, a majority of 225 votes.

Cardinal Sin?

05 Mar 2012 2 Comments

by Anupadin in Buddhism Tags: , , ,

Cardinal Keith O'BrienAm I just being picky, or is it a nasty case of double standards for the Catholic Church, the same church that condones, or at least covers up paedophilia in its clerical ranks, to be kicking up such a stink about same sex marriage?

Cardinal Keith O’Brien, leader of the Catholic Church in Scotland, has set out his opposition to the Government’s plans to legalise same sex marriage, likening it to reintroducing legalised slavery. Either the man has been spending too much time near the incense burners, or he is totally out of touch with our liberal modern society.

I did have a little chuckle to myself, listening to John Humphrys interviewing the Cardinal on Today on Radio 4 this morning. Cardinal O’Brien floundered around and sounded flustered by Mr Humphrys’ questions, but it seems rather two faced when compared to the Catholic Church’s bungled cover-up of a number of paedophile cases involving their own priests around the world.

Surely the principle of personal responsibility should come into play in all cases like these. Whilst I do not pretend to understand the nature of homosexuality, I am totally prepared to accept it as a fact of life, and would never condemn such relationships simply because they do not conform to my own views. If two people love each other and want to enter into an institution that shows their commitment to one another, does it matter whether they are both of the same sex?

Having said all that, I do think we have to be careful not to tar the entire Catholic Church with the same dogmatic brush, but incidences such as this cannot serve to promote respect of such institutions. Life has moved on in the two thousand years since Christianity was born and the church has to accept that. What will they want to bring back next, the burning of witches?