This week has been a little shitty for me I have to be honest, i have been suffering with a bout of pneumonia for a week now and I think its put me in a bad mood. To all my friends both online and off I apologise for my tetchiness. Of course, being laid up in bed has given me ample time to follow the news…. wow…. it doesn’t get any better does it?
I see all this hatred in the world and see religion as the focus for it. Oh, how I wish they could stand in our shoes for a day or so and look in and see what a wasteland they are creating by their religious beliefs.
Apologies in advance if I seem to be ranting or re-hashing old arguments, but as they still hit my radar on a weekly basis they need to be continually addressed. Some may wish to describe me as an ‘angry atheist’ on some issues and I will answer with this “how can you afford not to be angry?” Theism is damaging at a greater rate than ever and possibly propelling us towards a war we cannot afford not to be a part of for our future to exist!
We cannot stand back and watch these atrocities around the world to continue. The terrors of Boko Haram, Islamic State and Al Shabaab.
A saddening article posted on BBC news this week was – http://bbc.in/1wnLEJr
ISLAMIC STATE – DIARY OF A LIFE IN MOSEL
Here are a few extracts but please read the whole article:-
5:11:14 – Most christians have fled Mosul. those left are told to convert to islam, pay a religious tax or are killed.
14:11:14 – male and female teachers are now banned from teaching the opposite sex. Geography, History and Art are now banned. No more Physical Education classes. Colours and coloured pens are now forbidden.
21:11:14 No water supply. We collect rain water in the garden and collect rain from the roof to wash our clothes.
All these religious terrorist groups are after one thing, the eradication of education, because as we know religion and ignorance go hand in hand. These men are setting the world back firmly in the dark ages, they want women subjugated and dumb.!
Religion cannot prosper where education is allowed, its as simple as that! which brings me to my next topic on the agenda.
ISLAMIC FAITH SCHOOLS
the headline this week was:-
RADICALISATION RISK AT 6 MUSLIM PRIVATE SCHOOLS – OFSTED
There were six emergency inspections and the Education Secretary Nick Morgan said that the schools would be closed down if changes were not made. At one school, inspectors found the pupils didn’t know the difference between Sharia Law and British Law. Please bear in mind there is no Sharia Law in Britain!
The inspectors were also concerned with the narrowness of the curriculum. the pupils were seen as vulnerable to extremist influences and radicalisation.
There has been a recent downgrading of several muslim schools which suggests a growing nervousness about Islam in the UK.
‘NO SHIT SHERLOCK!”
I will say again, lets get rid of faith schools. The word ‘faith’ and ‘school’ should never be linked. Religion should have no part in Education unless it is a subject in Mythology, go to your religious houses for prayer and instruction, leave intellectual learning in schools. Schools should be 100% secular…..
Humanist values should be taught – anything less thank that is indoctrination. If you wish to be brought up with sharia law I suggest you move to a muslim country.
The following schools have been given a warning by OFSTED:-
- Mazahirul Uloom School
- Ebrahim Academy
- London East Academy
- Al Mizam Primary
- East London Islamic School
These schools are missing the ideology we live by namely: the rule of British Law, individual liberty and mutual respect for each other.
Keep religion in religious houses and out of our schools!
SONGS OF PRAISE
Another story that interested me this week was the re-launch of Songs of Praise. To be honest I hadn’t realised it had left the building for a while but I’m not really a TV addict. However, it is now back, just in time for winter solstice no doubt. They do love a good pagan festival.
It has now dropped its Anglican format and will now feature a range of locations. It will however be a christian only show. It seems that its new format will incorporate gospel singers – wow I hear you cry – a truly new concept hahaha…. I mean gospel singers are such a new phenomenon right !
Now lets leave aside my view that religious programmes should be on their own dedicated channel and not on mainstream television. I mean 57% of the British population are atheist so your not really showing to the majority are you.
The BBC’s head of religion and Ethics Aazil Ahmed said ” a different form of christianity had emerged in the UK” ( interestingly he is a non- christian so I would like to see his proof of ‘a different christianity’ on this point)
I would say more of a “non-religion” has emerged in the Uk – however I digress
Let us consider two points:-
- The programmes average audience is in their mid 70’s
- We are a multi-cultural society
1. Is there really any need to a change of format. the now has a sell-by-date judging by its audience.
2. Should you not have a different religious service each week in line with the many religions practiced by the population? i mean as the BBCs head of Religion you would think he would be fairer no? And if you really want to throw a cat amongst the bloody pigeons maybe an episode of “Atheist Church?”
ATHEIST CHURCH
I know, I know, I have discussed this before. its my bloody blog so shoot me. hehehehe. However it is in the news again as an Ex-Bishop of the Catholic church has been rumoured to be getting involved with the “Atheist Church services”.
I BET YOU DIDNT SEE THAT ONE COMING!
As I have stated before the “Atheist Assembly” is a worrying phenomenon, however, if the agenda is to encourage more ex-theists, then I guess that would make sense to give them their Sunday morning rituals. Seems like false advertising to me though.
Anyway it worries me on too many levels to even begin to delve into! You are falling into the trap of religion, you are creating a “religion” to appeal to the theists.
There are plans to build a network of “Atheist Churches” across the Uk starting with a £1 million monument in London. As Richard Dawkins says “Atheists don’t need Temples”. There are better things to spend this kind of money on. Improve secular education and build non-religious schools which teach rational, skeptical thinking.
We do not need to conform to fit in with a religious society in the midst of its death knell. If we do we will be creating an alternative religion – and we are not!
the originator of this £1 million “Atheist Church” network is the author Alain de Botton. Half the money has already been realised by the funds from his book “Religion for Atheists: A non-believers guide to the uses of religion.”
Oh dear – Alain!
The rumour is the plans to build a Temple of Love featuring rose tinted windows and a Shrine of Care – I hope this is just a rumour!
WE HAVE OUR TEMPLES – WE CALL THEM LIBRARIES
When you look back through the ages.. the trail of dead religions…. what has been the recurring theme? Religions have always been replaced by newer religions. Let us not be guilty of incorporating religious rituals into atheism and creating a religion that would replace theirs and be more accepting to new atheists. Lets not create a new form of religion.
Do not disappoint me when we are on the road to a secular society.
Lets not turn to people like Richard Holloway, the ex-bishop of Edinburgh, Leader of the Scottish Church from 1986. By his own admission he left the church only because of its stance on homosexuality.
He describes himself as an “after religionist” He admits he still loves the ritualistic aspects of religion, he likes the music and latin prayers. he like the doctrine of original sin and the notion that we are all in need of confession and forgiveness. Does he sound like an atheist to you?
He says he wants a world without religion, or at least religion as we know it – you see where I’m going with this? hmmm?
This is the very reason the “new atheists” need to re think what they actually believe, and stop making us feel we need to change ….. and jump on the band wagon of pseudo religious doctrines and Sunday services
NO TEMPLES OR CHURCES REQUIRED!
Find out more about SON and the shows that make up the network at Secular Outreach.com
Absotively posilutely agree! We don’t need to worship anything, even education and scientific knowledge.
Facts, evidence and truth need no bolstering or ridiculous and meaningless posturing.
They simply are what they are… Tools at our disposal to enhance the human world, not hinder it.
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So simple when you know how!
Just which the rest of the theist world would catch up….
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First of all, a wish for your rapid recovery from illness, we’re missing you, grumpy or not ! I agree with every point you make.
It’s time we stopped mollycoddling the various churches and removed ALL of them from our education system. Children should be taught HOW to think not WHAT to think.
We probably need first to teach the teachers.
All religions are terrified of education, have been for millennia.
Keep the pressure on, you’re doing a great job.
and so it goes ( KV )
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Thank you so much David. I must admit I am a lousy patient 😦
Makes me mad to see our governments pandering to the theist presence no matter how small it becomes. They have to realise when they assume to push tolerance they should also realise it means a tolerance towards the atheist community too. We should be allowed to have our feelings respected. Alas this is still not the case and if you mention religion you are immediately given a free pass with your bigotry and bullshit!
Ps… I wont shut up till they go away for good!!!!
And so it goes (KV)
awesome author! btw
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Haven’t noticed you being remotely grumpy, as you keep me and a few others safe and sane in an ever turbulent world!! As David says, speedy recovery sis!
It’s all too much for a theist like me to take in! However, I do agree with the education element! If I’d not had my convent education I might have been clever like you lot! 🙂 Instead we had nasty old nuns lording it over us, trying to keep our skirts at a respectable level! Not pleasant and probably part of the reason I wanted to be one….to prove they could be nice!! My experience of religion is far removed from this fear/hatred/loathing of those different from me. Indeed I was taught from a very early age by old-fashioned Catholic parents to do my best for others! I still do it today! I’ve watched many good people walk away from my faith because they have been overtaken and hurt by man-made rules and regulations! I’m not completely dumb and know some rules need to be in place, but if they bust the balls of good people trying to live a decent life and torture their souls then “Fuck it”! It’s not right!! I know you frown on the free will and conscience theory but practising my faith is as much using these and a jeg of common sense!!
It wld be really strange from a theists perspective to have an “atheist church”….. please don’t! I love you as you are! Different, educated, funny and compassionate! Hurry up and get well…candles lit all over the feckin place for you!! Maybe it just makes me feel better but couldn’t think of anything more appropriate for a lady who fans my flame!! Fx
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thanks Frankie you are as kind as always 🙂
I always imagine Nun’s in Catholic Schools as the scary Matron’s we used to see in Carry On Films… am I way off?
On the plus side at least Catholic Schools are not preparing their charges to hate western civilization and push them to fight in Syria when they are done. I’m also sure they are not teaching the girls to feel inferior and lesser human beings because of their sex!
Ps.. Atheist Church… it coming to a church near you… be careful… I wouldn’t go into one either!!!! The cheek of stealing your theist ideas…ufff
😉
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You make me smile sis,oh for Barbara Windsors tits!!
Scary, yes but Matronly, definitely not!!! At least not in school!! They were nasty, wee, wizened up old cronies who enjoyed putting the fear of God in you!! I’m sure you won’t be surprised to know I have them a run for their money!!
The order I was to join was one that put humanity first and prayers came after!! Maybe that’s what appealed to me!! They were just ordinary women who wanted to change/help this world, hopefully get to the next one (but not in a particular hurray) and said a few prayers!! They even talked about sex and boys!!! Alas, it wasn’t meant to be!!
There’s just something so wrong about an “Atheist Church”…. But imagine the craic at your Ecumenical services!!!
Hope the chest clears up, you could probably do with a rub!!
A menthol one, to help you breathe! :)) Like I’d walk away from that one!! Frankie x
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It appears it always gets worse before it gets better. Believe me, it is crumbling down here. People are going secular, comments and messages I receive are encouraging. But millions are still way off the grid. The Borno school govt is begging people across the state to send their kids back to school. All to deaf ears. It will take years before everyone gets educated here, ripe minds for indoctrination. But you guys are safe from Boko Haram, they hardly know anything like airports, nor English, so they will remain local forever, methinks.
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Relision can kick and fight all it wants M there is no stopping the progress of truth, reality and learning. Boko Haram will die a death if the dont progress and with progression and accepting education their beliefs will disintegrate.
Only a matter of time……
☺️☺️☺️☺️
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It looks like this topic is on everybody’s lips at the moment. Even I have dropped the fluffy, cuddly Mr. Mooshy for a rant on the UK education system in my last blog.
Strikes me a crazy, that they have threatened to close down the latest six schools unless they sort their shit out. Religion aside, they should be shut immediately on the grounds of health and safety, “no first aid facilities,” “no washing or changing facilities,” “rubbish and broken furniture laying around in stairwells,” “plug points not secured to walls and wires exposed,” and probably worst of all, “sharing space with public,” I can only imagine some idiot walking in wearing a niqab and stealing children. Deplorable.
Anyhow, great blog as usual, and get well soon.
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Good Morning Mr Mooshy
I couldnt help myself your blog on Uk Education just had to be re-blogged!
I dont understand why OFSTED pander to religious faith schools. They are given a free pass because they are afraid of not being PC. We need to be vigilant and stop all the pussy footing around. These schools bread radicalisation and are the food that feeds ISIS.
Political correctness be hanged… schools are for education…. end of!
If the schools can be closed for reasons of health and safety alone, we need to get in there and close them. No PC needed right?
Try to have a splatter free day today.. look forward to your next blog post Sir 🙂
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Thank you for the re-blog, not expecting that, that’s for sure!
I think all of us in the community are on the same page when it comes to religion and education, at best the only reason for religion to be in school is anthropology.
Too late on the muddy splatters, next post is at final proof, and there’s lots of mud 😃
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