Correction


Yesterday I wrote "I abhor the Christian right". I'd like to expand on this rather bald
statement, make it fit my world a little more closely. I don't abhor an entire group of
people en masse. That would be pretty presumptuous. I do tend to become frightened
by fundamentalism of any kind though.

Quite a few times I've been hanging out in a public place, feeling a little down in the
dumps, and been approached by somebody who asks me "do you know Jesus?" It
is is this homing in on vulnerability that I find frightening. Offering Jesus at such at
time is as manipulative as offering heroin.

I tend to disagree with many political views pushed by right wing lobby groups in
the States - anti-abortion laws, anti-gay marriage laws.

But the word 'Christian' here is being grossly misused to political ends, in my opinion.
Christians are a very varied set of groups. Just as your average Muslim is peaceloving,
honourable and kind, so is your average Christian. Of course, my assumption here is
that these three qualities attend the sorts of social policies I agree with ... so it's a
self-referential circle.

Sometimes it is easier not to label at all. To simply respond on a case-by-case basis.
I prefer poetry because it does not codify. In politics one is always led into categories
and exceptions to abstract rules. "The sky is very dark and hearts dart like fireflies",
seems more politically descriptive to me somehow.

My own belief system doesn't seem to fit into any category. It's shifting, it's contingent,
its too personal to outline here.

But I do not abhor a group of people, and I am sorry I used that particular piece of
political shorthand. Political shorthand, in general, is something to watch. Lessons
learned in practicing life.