Wait, Wait, Don’t Censor Us!
The ODE this morning points to a small battle between our dearest friends The Insurgent and the University administration. Well, okay, mail services.
Apparently The Insurgent doesn’t qualify for use of the University’s non-profit bulk mailing discount. Seems odd, as the entire time I spent at the OC we used the bulk mail price to send out issues to alumns. The Frohn insists this was in the works before this issue of The Insurgent, but I don’t feel particularly inclined to believe him. Given his incredibly spineless history as University President, it wouldn’t surprise me in the least if he’s concerned with the University’s image and is making up an excuse. They should just mail the damn things, and proceed with corrections to the rate from there. It doesn’t seem like student groups were informed of this new policy in an efficient and timely manner, so the right thing to do is mail these copies of The Insurgent and change the policy going forward.
My favorite part of the article, though, is this bit:
University student Zachary White filed a grievance with the ASUO against the publication April 13.
“As a student minister at the Newman Center, and as a faithful Catholic who has never ridiculed the beliefs of others, I find it intolerable and contrary to the University’s mission of tolerance and non-discrimination to use public funds to allow for discrimination of a religious group on campus,” according to White’s grievance.
Never ridiculed the beliefs of others, eh? You ever recited the Nicene Creed there, papist? I mean, that’s sort of a defacto ridicule of non-Christian beliefs*. Never? So you’re one of those folks who thinks all beliefs are equally valid? I mean, really, you going to file a grievance against the ODE for allowing Ailee Slater to say that Hamas’s viewpoint could use some improvement?
Ridicule of belief is, frankly, an incredibly important aspect of the war of ideas. Moreover, it’s good, old-fashioned fun. Regardless of the merits of The Insurgent’s claims, they have a right to publish them as they see fit. Frankly, I think it’s incredibly myopic to say that Christianity has had nothing but a negative influence on western culture over the past 2000 years. Much of cultural development, especially in the areas of philosophy and science, are the direct result of Christianity’s influence. Sure, science goes back to Aristotle in some form, but to deny the influence of Aquinas is completely stupid as far as I’m concerned. Hell, Newton was a Puritan and it’s arguable that those beliefs stongly influenced his drive to understand the natural world. Note: I am an atheist, but I want to point out how incredibly silly I think The Insurgent’s position is.
Anyway, digressions aside, White needs to grow up and realize that nobody has a right not to be offended. The University needs to just go ahead and send the damn commie rags because that’s the right thing to do. And, lastly, I need a damn nap because I am cranky.
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*note, I am totally fine with ridiculing the beliefs of others, as some beliefs are patently stupid.
[…] After the Insurgent released its controversial issue, the University suddenly remembered that student groups were not eligible to use the University’s bulk mailing rate. […]
While many “Christians”, use ridicule from time I asking the non-Christians here to judge Christ and not the people who claim they follow him.
The Biblical rule is
1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.
Anyone not doing that is behaving in an un-Christian manner and then you are within your rights to question if they really are a Christian.
Tim-
Having an opinion contrary to the church on particular subjects is quite alright, but labeling people papists and posting that Catholics are ridiculing others beliefs is much different. But I think your last post cleared that up.
Lately? Oh no, you misunderestimate the depth of my contempt for Catholicism as an organization. Mostly their* position RE: gays, birth control, etc. I have the same beef with strict orthodox Judaism, or Islam. Or, you know, the sociopathic protestant evangelicals out there. Those are the sort of belives that, like racism, open you up to ridicule and scorn for them in particular and about the choices you’ve made in general. You’re welcome to hold whatever beliefs you want, but I think it says something not good about folks who voluntarily join organizations whose official position is “Our sky-friend don’t like the gay folks” and “every sperm is sacred”. Which is why Andrew Sullivan still confuses the hell out of me, but I digress.
I also take the bit in the Nicene Creed (which, before I jumped off the ELCA boat, I recited any number of times) about “judging the living in the dead” to imply some rather uncouth things for non-believers. I mean, maybe I’m reading a bit too much into it, but it seems in entire theological picture (I’m thinking John 3:17-18 here) the whole judement bit serves as a de facto condemnation of everyone who doesn’t chant the same line. Maybe that’s just me, maybe I take things too literally, but that’s where it comes from. Also note that I said sort of, knowing that there really aren’t that many judgey bits in it.
*Please note I mean the official Church line, which is not to be equated with any particular belief of any particular Catholic, this is the case for all specific religions mentioned.
The Nicene Creed is not just what Catholics believe but also the Lutherans and the Nazarenes along with many other denominations. It is an affirmation of what they believe in and certainly does not ridicule other religions. Have you even read the Nicene Creed or its history?
Tim-
The Nicene Creed is NOT anywhere close to a ridicule of other beliefs. It is an assertion of what Catholics believe. Along those lines of thinking, is an Atheist affirming his beliefs an insult to all Christians?
Why the bigotry against Catholics recently? Papists?
Attacking religious beliefs is so incredibly idiotic – but is that the message you’re trying to send?
D-
That was what my campaign was about. If you’re around next year, come on up to volunteer.
FIRST OFF, the insurgent gets money from the ASUO fee right? If not this won’t make sense.
the idea that Im paying money to be insulted is kind of disgusting. I’d like to sue the ASUO for making me to pay so other students can make fun of me and my family. Should they have the right to exist and distribute on campus yeah but I don’t wanna fucking pay for it. As I’m sure any Libertarian can sympathize with. PS not actually a practicing christian. I just pretend I’m one when commie left-wingin wackos piss me off.
Well, I’m pretty down with physics, you know. It’s my understanding that the latest theory is that we live in a universe in constant flux: period of expansion, period of contraction, back and forth, etc. Strictly speaking, I don’t really think there was a starting point, as such: something has simply always existed in one form or another depending on whether the universe is expanding or contracting. Reminds me I should read this sometime.
Of course, I’m also entirely agnostic in the sense that I do not believe one can know whether or not God/gods exist. I do not believe any do, and I further do not believe in anything mystical/magical/paranormal.
Tim, I have an actual real serious question for you brother, just curiousity that needs to be satisfied. If you don’t believe in God where do you think everything came from? Are you down with the whole big bang theory or what?
I have the advantage of timezones. I talk to you from THE FUUUTURE!
Well stated. You beat me to the punch, but once I have a bit of free time expect a larger post about the Insurgent’s latest issue.