For The Bible Tells Me So

Listening to: "For The Bible Tells Me So" (film)
Mood: Annoyed

As I sit here watching "For The Bible Tells Me So", I can feel my blood boil. Literalist readers of the Bible really sparks anger within me, but it's not only the literalist readers, but also literlist believers. People need to understand that the Bible must be interpreted and applied within context and not taken out of context, which it is frequently done, especially with the Sodom and Gomorrah passages.

I have no problem with Christianity and all other religions, I don't have a problem with the Bible either. I grew up going to first an Anglican school followed by a Methodist then to another Anglican school. However, the fact that Christians think that they are better than everyone else because they ARE Christians is ridiculous. By no means am I saying that all Christians are like this, they're not, but some are and I really wonder why. Because they're Christian they believe that they have better moral and ethics than the rest of us simply because it's outlined in the Bible, but wake up, these moral and ethics are pretty much common sense.

Today marks another day for gay activists to protest against the Marriage Act 1961 which prevents same-sex couples from marrying and recognised under the law as a married couple. It's a pity I won't be able to attend yet another protest. This protest follows the denial of another Bill from passing that would've enabled same-sex couples to be lawfully wedded.

One article that I read really struck a nerve. The author of that piece quoted someone who said that same-sex marriage is like incest, that a man should not marry his brother and a woman shouldn't marry her sister. Wake up, same-sex couples aren't half as bad as those who marry their second cousins, or married in uncles and aunts. That is much much worst, yet same-sex couples are being put on par with those who practice incest.

Despite more than 60% of Australians approving of same-sex marriage, the Government still denies those wishing to marry from doing so. Sure, same-sex couples are a minority, but shouldn't every member of society receive equal rights?

Though, I must admit, I'm glad that at least the ACT has a ceremony for Civil Unions, but honestly, how can such an "accepting" country only have one state allow this to happen? And even then, it's only a Civil Union and not a lawful marriage.

There are also many misconceptions about gay people. Sure I'm not one to approach, I wouldn't know the first thing about being gay, as my girl puts it I'm a straight-gay. But it's not a choice, but something that happens naturally. I didn't wake up one morning thinking, "hey I'm just going to be gay now and pursue this girl", it was more instantaneous and spontaneous. However, "flaming gays" as my girl puts it, live their life feeling that they don't fit the mold of liking the opposite sex. Think about it this way, how do you know you're a heterosexual? It's because that's the way you've been brought up to believe. This goes for everything else, society dictates what's right and what's wrong, using the Bible to back up their arguments. That's all the Bible is these days in situations like these, the Bible is used to back up inappropriate arguments.

By no means am I accusing all Christians, hell I know many Christians who don't think they're the only ones going to heaven simply because they attend church and pray everyday. But there are many I've seen who try to force people into Christianity and don't understand, can't comprehend that we simply just don't believe the same beliefs as them. Though all the same following the same code of conduct.

If God was really the creator of everything and accepts everyone, then he should have no problem with gay people, because he created them too.

All these arguments saying that the Bible says that homosexuality is an "abomination" is ridiculous, the word homosexuality didn't come about until much later. And people much remember that the Bible is a collection of stories, parables from FOLLOWERS of Christ, and not from God or Christ himself, so the accuracy could also be questioned.

I also despise the fact that churches believe that they can "get rid" of someone's homosexuality. It's part of them, and you can't change it. It's inevitable that they'll remain that way. And who's to say that homosexuals can't be Christian's too?

It's because society is so close minded and not accepting of homosexuality that many have sought only one release; suicide, another abomination in the Bible. Society and the Bible creates and induces a fear of not being accepted because of differences which creates tension and sees problems arise. Hopefully today's protest would show that despite differences, everyone should still be treated equally.

Perhaps I'll be here for the next protest to stand up for my rights.

xx

Ambitions

Listening to: "Pruit Igoe & Prophecies" - The Philip Glass Ensemble

Mood: Exhausted

As the high school chapter of my life came to a close, I was told life truly began. For me that meant new ambitions had to be fulfilled. I have a long list of things I want to start again or begin as of 2010 as I now have all this free time on my hands, because school is no longer a hindering factor and no longer a reason to prevent me from completing what I want. However, as I reviewed my list of ambitions I had a reality check, it's almost impossible to do everything on that list. I guess you're wondering what's on this ridiculous list of mine, well this is what I have thus far:

• go to Uni
  
• go to work, and earn some monies
  
• begin ballet again
• go to French Patisserie classes
• start cooking
• continue with my clothing projects
• get the next piano diploma; A-Mus
• begin to learn the guitar again

I think there might be more that I can't think of at the moment, but that's the list thus far. Not only will I struggle to fit this all into my timetable, but I will definitely struggle financially to pay for all the tuition and side-projects I have going.

On top of all this I have to stay healthy, and keep in touch with outside world. Not to mention now that I'm in a relationship, I must make time to see my beautiful girl. Though I'd be more than happy to drop something to see her, like she has done for me. Though these things are a given, looking at that long list, I wonder where everything would fit? I'm sure many of you have noticed that in one week we have 7 days, and in each of those 7 days we have only a mere 24hrs. However, if you're like me and need at least 6-8+ hrs sleep then you would have a lot less than 24hrs.

I guess at the moment I've realised how unrealistic these ambitions are and that I quite honestly do not have enough hours, or days to do everything. I think it's time for me to reconsider what's on my list and what the most to accomplish before the end of 2010. Though many of these are beginnings of something that will last beyond 2010, and some will be useful for a lifetime. They say the sky's your limit, but have limits come in many different forms.

xx

Confrontation

Listening to: "Man Eater" - Nelly Furtado

Mood: Happy

Recent changes to my life has thrown my mind into overdrive. One major thought that has crossed my mind time and time again in the last couple of weeks is why people can't seem to confront a situation head on. People would avoid confrontation at all costs, they would rather wonder for 500 miles rather than taking a direct, shorter route. It is this fact that puzzles me.

I hear from friends of mine who are like, "people are talking, their confused and wondering". Well if they're wondering, come and confront me. Ask me, the source of the talk. Sure, confrontation can get awkward, or whatever, but grow some balls and speak up.

The problem of confrontation isn't only annoying me on my front, but watching others I wonder, why? I've seen so many people being used and walked all over, and you can tell they know this too, and you wonder, why? Why do you let this happen? Why don't you part your lips and let your thoughts tumble of the tip of your tongue? I've always been the type of speak my mind, I probably speak more before I think than vice versa. Sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad. That's not to say I don't think of the consequences of my words, I do, but sometimes the truth isn't better left unsaid. Nobody knows you better than you do, so why not voice what you have to say?

A confrontation of another sort is confronting someone you like, and admitting out loud that you like them. Sure this is probably easier said than done, but I've done it and it's not that hard. Sure, rejection is hard to swallow, but I guess I hate living in a world of 'what if'.

Without taking a deep breath and jumping into the abyss of unknown, the world cannot possibly progress forward. Sure that's speaking in the larger scheme of things, but it's applicable to those of individuals. If you don't take a risk, you might miss a lot of opportunities that stare you right in the face.

xx