Re: Cross

ZAMM_Phaedrus · Sun, 31 Oct 1999 00:24:16 -0700

I suppose I feel obligated to respond.

I
happen to be an active, practicing Catholic, who takes
his faith seriously. That being said, I'm into
self-depricating humor. This translates into making fun of certain
groups to which I belong, hence my occasional
America-bashing, as well as my sarcastic remarks towards
Christianity in general, and Catholicism in particular, at
times. 

Christianity being the most prevalent
religion in the land, it is the most likely target for
religious jokes. Were we in a more pluralistic society, I'm
sure other religions would be targets. However, I do
think that there is occasional belittling of religion.
How many times have I heard a question which makes
fun of Scientology (which I consider as a valid
religion as anything else). Mind you, I have no problem
with making fun of Scientologists, but how many
questions present non-Christian religions as bizarre? Do
questions about Neo-Pagan movements treat those religions
seriously? Personally, I've detected a distinct
Judeo-Christian bias at times in certain quizbowl settings. This
may be part of the the whole Western Culture debate,
which I don't want to get into right now. I've worked
hard to make sure that high school tournaments that
I've worked with are devoid of this bias, and of a
Christian bias in general.

Politics, religion,
quizbowl. Frankly, I can't afford to take any of these
seriously 100% of the time. Otherwise, I'd die. So, no, I
don't want everything to be serious and intellectual in
discussions of any of these subjects. I want an occasional
opportunity to poke fun at certain Republicans who hate,
certain religious individuals, groups, and practices, or
certain Sherman Oaks-based companies, without having to
go through the rigamarole of rigid reason. I admit,
my overly sarcastic, and sometimes downright mean,
brand of humor is not quite for everyone.

On the
other hand, I have no problem with speaking out against
practices which are downright wrong, such as racism. If I
find a religion or a political view to be supportive
of rcial or gender bias, or any other position which
strongly disagree with, I will speak out against it. Do I
have problems with Christianity? Sometimes. With my
own particular brand of Christianity? Definitely.
With non-Christian religions? Of
course.

However, if people want serious, calm discussion of
religion, I am capable of that, and even willing most of
the time. If that's what you want, contact me.