I thought you wanted a short answer?

Here’s the thing. I’m studying to be a wedding celebrant. I’ve attended the face-to-face part of the course and now I’m about half-way through the assignments.

Today I worked on a few, one about risk management., one about insurances and the other was a 20 point short answer recap on all the other elements of module…stuff about copyright, ongoing professional development and the role of a celebrant in the 21st century.

What is the role of the celebrant in Australian culture in 21st century?

That was easy to answer; My role is to assist people celebrate their special day in a way that is most fitting for them. In the case of weddings I am also there to facilitate the legal aspect of the ceremony.

That about sums it up I think.

Then there were some questions about how many hours of ongoing professional development is required each calendar year (five, in case you’re interested), then this one popped up:

What has been the historical evolution of the role of a Celebrant in both religious and spiritual contexts?

I immediate response was, ‘I don’t care, when did this become a certificate four in philosophy?’

While I believe there is a place for marriage in modern society, I do not believe there a place for God in every marriage ceremony. I also believe that same sex couples have a right to be married (after all why should they be spared the pain of divorce ;-). What I don’t get is how being able to answer this question has any bearing on my being a celebrant, good or otherwise.

I answered it and submitted the following answer:

'I’m sorry, but I don’t understand why this has bearing on my being a good celebrant. Although I would say the evolution has been to take the religious rigor out of wedding ceremonies for those who do not believe in God or are have inter-faith relationships.'

We can only wait to see what the Marker has to say, and I shall be raising this question as inappropriate and unnecessary when it come to course feedback time.

*thanks to Bunbury Marriage Celebrant for the picture

TAB

In the news yesterday it was announced that the TAB (Ladbrooks, to my English readers) will be allowed to open for the first time, ever, on Good Friday. TAB representatives said they wanted to open after customers had requested the additional entertainment on the public holiday.

The religious groups instantly started banging on about making profit and the destruction of the Christian way of life.

I know I’m not alone in thinking of Easter as an excuse to eat chocolate and have a four day weekend. Clearly I’m not, after all TAB customers want to gamble on overseas gee gee races on the Friday. So, when will the Christian groups get it into their heads that not everyone believes in the reason for this holiday?

After all, approximately 25% of the Australian population is of other or no religion and that means the TAB could have just over 5 million customers on Good Friday, and that would make for a very good Friday indeed.

Jebus' Birthday

So…it’s Christmas Day and I have a cat asleep on my bed and an orphan pigeon in my laundry basket outside. I’ve watched The Ice Harvest, V The final battle and just about to watch Wild Wild West while drinking champagne. Does it get much better than this?

I’m feeling much better, but not 100%, so entries with be sparse but hopefully back to my usual witty self.

Happy Christmas All!

On Religion

I was sent an article the other day by author, scientist and all round deep thinker, Richard Dawkins. You may think you know the name and you probably do. He wrote The God Delusion, The Selfish Gene and contributed to Everything you know about God is Wrong. He is known for his outspokenness about God and religion.

Needless to say, the article ‘Logical Path from Religious Beliefs to Evil Deeds’ sent a hum through my heart (anyone who know me, know my thoughts on this subject) and I thought I would share it with you all. I also read a couple other related articles and some of the comments (there are 700 odd).

I know people have their faiths and I respect that. I also respect people who choose to smoke. I also respect people who choose to drive fast. I have respect for most people who live and breathe on this planet. I just ask one thing;

Please don’t expect me to do and believe what you do, just because you think it’s the only way to live a ‘good’ life.

The Important Question?

A subject close to my heart was in the news today. World Youth Day, should or shouldn't it be cancelled due to lack of work being done at the chosen venue due to the horse flu.

According to Yahoo readers today it's currently at 48%/52% in favour of keeping WYD. So I decided to poll my own reader, what do you think?

Cancel or don't cancel

(please consider the influx of up to 500,000 catholic youth to Sydney for the month of July 2008 when casting your vote)

UPDATE : 1313 2-10-07 - The polls results are in. 80% think we should cancel World youth day to protect Sydneysiders and 20% don't care 'cause they'll be on holiday.

Jesus Saves, What?

Walking to lunch today I saw a woman in a blue jacket holding a bunch of leaflets that suggested I ‘Test Your Tolerance’ then I notice the words Jesus Saves embroidered on her jacket.

As she thrust a leaflet at me I did an artful bend at the waist avoidance manoeuvre and said ‘No Thanks.’

I already know I’m intolerant of God botherers at lunch time.

That said, what is it exactly that Jesus Saves?

The Catholics

So I’m feeling a bit down on religion at the moment, more so than usual. It all started with the World Youth Day interview and it just seems to be getting worse.

Before I go any further I know some very lovely people with religious beliefs, and this is not aimed at you.

Last night I watching the news (BBC World Service, Thank you very much) before going to bed and there was a story about Portugal bringing in a law that allowed abortion up until 10 weeks. Before now, women such as the 40 year interviewed with a black box over her eyes had to either do dodgy back room versions or travel overseas. I’m not necessarily for abortions, but I am pro choice…anyway the reason for mentioning this law in the first place. The Bishop of Whatever town in Portugal was interviewed and his quote was, ‘we must stop women from benefiting from this law.’

Yes, I kid you not, he used the word BENEFITING!

Much bad language was used by me and I think the cats went into hiding.

So it brings me back to WYD2008 (notice no link, there will be no encouragement from me!). This event takes place every four year and moves around the world. It’s a month of bible bashing and this year hundreds of thousands of brainwashed youth will descend on Sydney. If you aren’t interested in meeting any of these people, be out of town for at least 18 – 20th July 2008 ‘cause there’s gonna be nearly half a million of them. Anyway, on the 20th July there will be a closing Mass led by none other than the ex-Hilter youth Pope Benedict at Randwick Racecourse.

Now, consider this…the Catholics believe that gambling is a sin and one of the many actions of the devil, and yet they are asking the NSW government to give them nearly $50m so they can have their Mass on private land that is devoted to and purpose built for the pursuit of Gambling!

Here endeth the rantith