This may be an old video, but it’s new to me, and it bears sharing… The brilliant Stephen Fry (@StephenFry) gives an honest, respectful, and well-reasoned response to the idea that the idea that the Catholic Church is a force for good in the world. It’s a 20-minute speech that is well worth your time.

The Intelligence² Debate – Stephen Fry (Unedited)

Personal note: For all the sarcasm, snark, and protests I dish out online against organized religion(most especially against Protestant Christianity in general since I grew up going to those churches), I feel the above video is worth sharing mostly due to how eloquent Stephen Fry is at making a rational argument that is still respectful of other individuals’ beliefs. While I’m not always(or perhaps even usually) as eloquent or rational, I do feel strongly that just as many of us would like organized religions to better respect our views and lifestyles, we often do not extend that same favor – something I’d like to better address in my own actions and statements in the future.

Nevertheless, not only do I agree with Mr. Fry, I think that exposure of this side of the debate should be seen by more people, to better change the public perception, illuminating the evils that this organized religion can perpetuate. While their beliefs may be harmless at their core, the ongoing actions of the Catholic Church have shown its true nature: one which is at its core immoral, and which deserves immediate correction. Such correction can and should be demanded and enforced by the good and honest people who worship within its walls, and failing that(God forbid) by the governments in which their churches operate.

As Mr. Fry illustrates in his speech, it is for the poor, the outcast, the women and children worldwide that Catholicism exploits and casts aside that these changes should come. Not for any political gain of any individual or special interest group, but for those who both previously and presently suffer as a result of the Church’s policies.

-h

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…as you would have them do unto you means the church gets what it has coming to it. for some weird reason, the mormon and catholic churches are acting all shocked and offended that there’s a massive outcry against them for their bigotry in supporting california’s prop 8.

apparently it’s ok for churches to take an active part in bigoted oppression, spending time and money promoting hatred and division, instead of championing social justice. apparently it’s ok for the church to take political stands in clear violation of federal tax laws, despite the scriptures stating to honor the laws of the land. apparently it’s ok for them to declare people with alternative sexual preferences as abominations, despite the fact they should deem themselves abominations because they trim their beards and eat fish and swine and don’t throw their wives out of their house every month when they’re on their period.

so, to these churches and to the people who support their policies i say this sincerely: fuck you. your oppression is your own doing. pull your heads out of your hypocritical asses and realize this: you are the problem with society, not them. maybe if you spent more time reading and focusing on the parts of scripture that teach you how to love, you wouldn’t have enough time to spread all that hate. gay people and even homosexuality in general are not your problem, YOU ARE. grow up and grow a pair, and confront your leaders when they speak out in bigotry and hatred. speak out for social justice and the human rights of others, or you will only stir up more hatred against yourselves.

stand up, grow up, and act right, or any oppression that you may face will be your own doing, and will be for the cause of hatred and evil, not for god. i promise you that.

-h