Here’s a chance to read one of my favorite essays in a different format.
Republished today in OffGuardian, you can read it HERE
It’s been interesting to see how some people are offended I suggest cathedrals (also mosques, the pyramids, etc.) were built by slaves. Perhaps this is why it is so easy for the public to accept enslavement now. They don’t accept that they have been enslaved by the elite down through history. I love these beautiful buildings. I have walked through many of them around the world. I especially fell in love with churches while in Sucre, Bolivia. At the same time, there is always a part of me that is troubled because the wealth amassed by religious institutions has always been at the expense of the poor. The corruption and exploitation within the most powerful religious institutions is certainly as bad as that of governments.
As far as organized religion, using slavery to build cathedrals are some of their lessor sins. The Catholic church church had a very unhealthy relationship with Herr Hitler, and there's the children. I make it a point to be skeptical about all large institutions, including religious, secular or government.
Agree. My dad wrote some books about that. I always make sure to say that within organized religion, as within any corrupt institution, there are plenty of good people doing wonderful things. But to ignore the truth of the heinous crimes committed is impossible for me to do.
There ARE many good people within almost every institution, however their silence implies condoning bad behavior. I know there are doctors that know this covid debacle is a sham, but their refusal to resist is criminal. I'm fortunate that I didn't have to comply to live my life, and I have compassion for those who were forced and coerced, but if we don't stand soon, we will on our knees for a very long time.
"Tolerance for pain may be high, but it is not without limit. Eventually everyone begins to recognize, however dimly, that there must be a better way."
Most people realized we're being abused long ago, but most are unwilling to do anything about it. We've been indoctrinated for several generations to submit to the mob. Dependence is a habit.
When discussing the hypocrisy around MBS's lethal order, it's worth mentioning that Nobel-Peace-laureate Obama signed off on drone strikes that had similar effects with more "collateral damage".
In his resignation letter, McFadden refers to Munger Hall as "a social and psychological experiment with an unknown impact on the lives and personal development of the undergraduates the University serves."
The central church structure i.e. Catholic, Episcopalian etc are very wealthy (although individual parishes may not be.) It is certainly true that many people actually volunteered their time and money or labour then, and now, to help build many magnificent cathedrals and modern buildings today, around the world. Many people of faith enjoy serving G*d in this way, they are proud of the beauty created, which led (and leads) to having a place of worship and sanctuary for all people who wish to enter in.
I have no doubt that some people were exploited, at times, as they still may be today. Some of the wealthy too, but they were more able to stand it. We know that some famous artists were exploited to leave us the many magnificent frescoes etc that adorn church buildings. Given what the church stands for, it has no excuse to exploit anyone. But churches, like governments, are full of imperfect people who do wrong things. This is why it is everyman's task to call the leaders to account, starting at the local grass roots level, and all the way to the national bodies. It is easier to do this today than in the past, when education and information sharing was so limited. But even now power imbalance exists and accountability can be sometimes avoided.
There is always the dichotomy between the beauty created and the way it was created. It cannot be denied that the ordinary/poor were exploited, and this is how religious institutions grew so wealthy. Yes, there are many good people making a difference within these institutions. But the corruption, the greed, the lust for power, the horrific crimes committed down through history on those who dared to defy the church, this cannot be denied. The people at the top didn't get there through following the example of Jesus, sacrificing themselves for the sake of others, any more than the people at the top of governments or any other powerful institution got there by truly serving the people. This is a basic human flaw. Unfortunately, many 'everyman' would do the same as our current leaders, given half a chance. If people would honestly accept this truth, perhaps we would at least make a small start toward fixing the problem. But it's very hard for people to do.
"This is a basic human flaw. Unfortunately, many 'everyman' would do the same as our current leaders, given half a chance. If people would honestly accept this truth, perhaps we would at least make a small start toward fixing the problem. But it's very hard for people to do."
I know many people who well understand this part of human frailty; just as I do myself. Solving it is another matter. Power corrupts and absolute power etc. This potential for evil behaviour lies in all of us. We know that in Germany in WW11 for example, that many previously 'good' people from diverse and educated backgrounds suddenly ended up behaving appallingly.
It is an age old battle identified so well in modern times here: “The line separating good and evil passes not through states, nor between classes, nor between political parties either -- but right through every human heart -- and through all human hearts. This line shifts. Inside us, it oscillates with the years. And even within hearts overwhelmed by evil, one small bridgehead of good is retained." Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
Certainly the churches have done some bad things, I don't think many would deny this. However, as you say, there are many good people in churches and governments who have done much good.
I read this back in August and am still amused by the hubris of these elites attempting to play God. Our air conditioner has been out of commission since Monday. A part had to be ordered, and it may be next week before the part comes. Can you imagine (I can't) how many air conditioners it will take to keep NEOM comfortable? And they, like all technology, break and need parts. This technological wet dream will have numerous machines and systems that will break. Most of us are all too aware of hearing "the system is temporarily down". The elites are used to their creature comforts. The unintended consequences of this NEOM nightmare are too many to imagine, and the wailing and gnashing of teeth will be unreal. After all, they have never lived in real Luxor before. Karma.
I don’t understand what all the fuss is about. We Central Americans are quite glad the Catholic Church came to town. In fact, we’re quite devout. No anger from me, and I’m a confirmed octoroon who can actually point to the slaves in my family tree. Raised on an island that still had plantations when I was born.
Again, this is the dichotomy that I refer to. Yes, much good, and one can see in South/Central America how the community revolves around the church and how the church helps the community. This can be the case at the local level, but as far as the institution is concerned, the corruption and exploitation know no bounds.
Uh, where the fuck do people think giant structures honoring enormous phalluses come from? They sure as fuck aren't built by those showing off their penis envy.
As far as organized religion, using slavery to build cathedrals are some of their lessor sins. The Catholic church church had a very unhealthy relationship with Herr Hitler, and there's the children. I make it a point to be skeptical about all large institutions, including religious, secular or government.
Agree. My dad wrote some books about that. I always make sure to say that within organized religion, as within any corrupt institution, there are plenty of good people doing wonderful things. But to ignore the truth of the heinous crimes committed is impossible for me to do.
There ARE many good people within almost every institution, however their silence implies condoning bad behavior. I know there are doctors that know this covid debacle is a sham, but their refusal to resist is criminal. I'm fortunate that I didn't have to comply to live my life, and I have compassion for those who were forced and coerced, but if we don't stand soon, we will on our knees for a very long time.
Most don't condone, just tolerate. Survival technique.
"Tolerance for pain may be high, but it is not without limit. Eventually everyone begins to recognize, however dimly, that there must be a better way."
~ A Course In Miracles (T-2.III.3.)
Most people realized we're being abused long ago, but most are unwilling to do anything about it. We've been indoctrinated for several generations to submit to the mob. Dependence is a habit.
When discussing the hypocrisy around MBS's lethal order, it's worth mentioning that Nobel-Peace-laureate Obama signed off on drone strikes that had similar effects with more "collateral damage".
We also have our own super-wealthy experimenting with people's lives: https://www.constructiondive.com/news/uc-santa-barbara-backlash-dorm-student-housing-dormzilla-project/611287/
In his resignation letter, McFadden refers to Munger Hall as "a social and psychological experiment with an unknown impact on the lives and personal development of the undergraduates the University serves."
The central church structure i.e. Catholic, Episcopalian etc are very wealthy (although individual parishes may not be.) It is certainly true that many people actually volunteered their time and money or labour then, and now, to help build many magnificent cathedrals and modern buildings today, around the world. Many people of faith enjoy serving G*d in this way, they are proud of the beauty created, which led (and leads) to having a place of worship and sanctuary for all people who wish to enter in.
I have no doubt that some people were exploited, at times, as they still may be today. Some of the wealthy too, but they were more able to stand it. We know that some famous artists were exploited to leave us the many magnificent frescoes etc that adorn church buildings. Given what the church stands for, it has no excuse to exploit anyone. But churches, like governments, are full of imperfect people who do wrong things. This is why it is everyman's task to call the leaders to account, starting at the local grass roots level, and all the way to the national bodies. It is easier to do this today than in the past, when education and information sharing was so limited. But even now power imbalance exists and accountability can be sometimes avoided.
There is always the dichotomy between the beauty created and the way it was created. It cannot be denied that the ordinary/poor were exploited, and this is how religious institutions grew so wealthy. Yes, there are many good people making a difference within these institutions. But the corruption, the greed, the lust for power, the horrific crimes committed down through history on those who dared to defy the church, this cannot be denied. The people at the top didn't get there through following the example of Jesus, sacrificing themselves for the sake of others, any more than the people at the top of governments or any other powerful institution got there by truly serving the people. This is a basic human flaw. Unfortunately, many 'everyman' would do the same as our current leaders, given half a chance. If people would honestly accept this truth, perhaps we would at least make a small start toward fixing the problem. But it's very hard for people to do.
"This is a basic human flaw. Unfortunately, many 'everyman' would do the same as our current leaders, given half a chance. If people would honestly accept this truth, perhaps we would at least make a small start toward fixing the problem. But it's very hard for people to do."
I know many people who well understand this part of human frailty; just as I do myself. Solving it is another matter. Power corrupts and absolute power etc. This potential for evil behaviour lies in all of us. We know that in Germany in WW11 for example, that many previously 'good' people from diverse and educated backgrounds suddenly ended up behaving appallingly.
It is an age old battle identified so well in modern times here: “The line separating good and evil passes not through states, nor between classes, nor between political parties either -- but right through every human heart -- and through all human hearts. This line shifts. Inside us, it oscillates with the years. And even within hearts overwhelmed by evil, one small bridgehead of good is retained." Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
Certainly the churches have done some bad things, I don't think many would deny this. However, as you say, there are many good people in churches and governments who have done much good.
Huh
YES Karen. Yes!
I read this back in August and am still amused by the hubris of these elites attempting to play God. Our air conditioner has been out of commission since Monday. A part had to be ordered, and it may be next week before the part comes. Can you imagine (I can't) how many air conditioners it will take to keep NEOM comfortable? And they, like all technology, break and need parts. This technological wet dream will have numerous machines and systems that will break. Most of us are all too aware of hearing "the system is temporarily down". The elites are used to their creature comforts. The unintended consequences of this NEOM nightmare are too many to imagine, and the wailing and gnashing of teeth will be unreal. After all, they have never lived in real Luxor before. Karma.
I keep thinking that someone has pushed the self destruct button on the human race. The insanity is beyond belief.
I pray the elites will self destruct before the damage is irreparable.
I don’t understand what all the fuss is about. We Central Americans are quite glad the Catholic Church came to town. In fact, we’re quite devout. No anger from me, and I’m a confirmed octoroon who can actually point to the slaves in my family tree. Raised on an island that still had plantations when I was born.
Also….at least they built something other than mud huts.
Also think Jesus would rather live in a hut than a palace. We've moved very far from his message.
Again, this is the dichotomy that I refer to. Yes, much good, and one can see in South/Central America how the community revolves around the church and how the church helps the community. This can be the case at the local level, but as far as the institution is concerned, the corruption and exploitation know no bounds.
Slavery is relative. Is the worker toiling away for meager wages less a slave than one who is forced to work for food? Few people are really free.
Uh, where the fuck do people think giant structures honoring enormous phalluses come from? They sure as fuck aren't built by those showing off their penis envy.