Should Finsbury Park be a secular space?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by StephenBln on September 30, 2008 at 12:59

You obviously didn't look at the link that I added...

Then you wouldn't be writing what you do..

I consider any religion whether it be Christian or whatever.. that doesn't allow women equal rights as men, or one that murders people... extremist..

I'm all for your democracy and free living and all that tired stuff.. It was all around a long time before you..

BUT they also have to be defended.. Do you have insurance? A lock on your front door? Because if you do, you want to defend your way of life..

That's all I'm proposing..

Permalink Reply by Birdy_Too on September 30, 2008 at 13:14

You been on the Wheat beer?

I didn't look at your link, you are correct in that assumption.

I could make very stereotypical remarks about Germans, but I like to think I am more open-minded than that and would never bunch them all together because of my unwillingness to assume they are all the same.

Permalink Reply by Liz on September 30, 2008 at 13:25

We are veering off topic here people, can I remind you this discussion is about the use of Finsbury Park...start another thread if you want to discuss tolerance and prejudice on HOL

Permalink Reply by Birdy_Too on September 30, 2008 at 13:31

.....the use of FP for all. Sorry Liz but it is relevant to the topic.

Permalink Reply by Liz on September 30, 2008 at 13:38

sorry B2, but 'have you been on the wheat beer' is not. If FP is to be used for ALL, then logically that means ALL and who is to judge what is okay or not? I would prefer my park to be a place where I take the kids to play, breathe and listen to the birds, god's great gifts to us not any ruddy preacher from any ruddy religion anywhere telling me what to think. I want religion, I go to church, I want god I go to the park

Permalink Reply by Hugh on September 30, 2008 at 13:47

Anne, how's this going for you? Any sense of what else would help answer your question? It's clearly an issue which raises a whoel set of complex questions.

Permalink Reply by Birdy_Too on September 30, 2008 at 13:59

That was a light-hearted comment and should be taken as such.

It’s a “communal” park, not just for young parents with kids. That is my opinion as I don't believe in excluding certain law abiding sections of the community.

Permalink Reply by Liz on September 30, 2008 at 14:02

Who's excluding?
Come in and listen to the birds with me whoever you are, they'll bring you a lot closer to your god...

Permalink Reply by Birdy_Too on September 30, 2008 at 14:16

You are excluding religious people, should they want to have a congregation there. They may want to, once a year have an event there, to be “closer to god”, as you put it, enjoy the weather (should they be so lucky), have a picnic and possibly listen to someone harp on about what they believe in? So what!

We all had to listen to Ken at Rise a few years ago.

I assume you wouldn’t be against the congregation of music lovers from seeing a festival there, or gay pride, or a fun run, or a community arts festival?

We all love going there, especially when the weather is good, why are you selecting one section of our community and telling them they cannot use it. If you don’t want to listen, then don’t.

I didn’t want to get caught up in the charity run there a few weeks back; you know what we went later!

It’s not “your” park, it’s the communities and it is dangerous ground when you pick and chose based on religious beliefs, colour, gender and sexual orientation.

Permalink Reply by Liz on September 30, 2008 at 14:34

Not sure I laid claim to FP as part of my Warham fiefdom or that I could exclude anyone. We must agree to differ on this B2 I fear.
Those of us who believe , as John said, that god is a fairy tale will always get shouted out by those who say we should just live and let live, which I believe we do, but I do think we have a right to be heard without getting accused of intolerance and prejudice.
When was the last time an atheist ever did anything that infringed on the liberty of others? (don't give me the dictators speech either, neither Robespierre,Stalin or Hitler were atheists)

Permalink Reply by John D on September 30, 2008 at 14:43

Yes, I think that Anne, having raised this question, should now give us her reaction to the comments made.

In particular " some people strongly believe that the Park should be a secular space". But -

It's obvious that some people strongly believe that the Park should NOT be a secular space.

So now what ? And whatwas the outcome of the Friends' discussion last Sunday ?

I think we should be told :-)

Permalink Reply by Eddie Finnegan on September 30, 2008 at 15:16

Yes, John D. I'm beginning to wonder whether Anne just set a match to the blue touch paper and withdrew smartly to a safe distance to enjoy the fireworks. Indeed we should be told.

And where's John McM.? I'm missing him. If he's still out there, I've got to report that my recently founded Silent Quakers have already split. A schismatic group has set up as 'Quiet Quakers' and taken over the Olde Crickete Grounde. My Silent Quakers have been forced to liberate the former Bowling Green and Pond Area. If you still wish to join us, John, please avoid the damned heretical bunch down by the New River who have already succumbed to the temptations of secularistic pastimes and base ballgames such as rounders and softball. John, we promise you, you'll be bowled over by our genuinely quietist fairy-tale atmosphere of true worship in Silence. And if my true atheistical Friend Liz would like to come along to the Pond she can join us and listen to the birds while we wait for the Spirit to move us.

• ‹ Previous
• 1
• …
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8
• Next ›
• Page