This week the NSW Government approved draconian police powers to fine people up to $5,500 for handing out condoms, wearing anti-Catholic t-shirts and even riding skateboards or playing music at next week’s pope-a-palooza: “World Youth Day”.
I know it might be ridiculous to suggest it, but here’s a small insight I’m offering up to the pomposity factory that is the WYD circus.
Kids ride skateboards. Kids listen to music. Kids wear offensive t-shirts.
Your event, if you hadn’t noticed, is called “World Youth Day”!
The problem with anything like this is you get out-of-touch stodgy old codgers like police and priests bandying together trying to regulate and micro-control every aspect of the politics, and, as a result, sucking the very essence out of what’s actually going on.
I mean how egg-shelled is your faith that the whole thing could be shattered the very second you see someone handing out a franger or wearing a t-shirt that contravenes what you believe in?
Maybe it’s good for the spirit of the Catholic kids to be engaged with some fiery competition. Isn’t that the whole essence of the spiritual experience? A bit of strength in the face of adversity?
Sure, have a police presence to make sure everything goes smoothly, but come on, let a little bit of life in!
When one of my blokes (im a practicing Buddhist), the Dalai Lama, came to town, there were protests. And good.
Protest is healthy. It means people are thinking, and are engaged and - contrary to the beliefs of most - the Dharma sun doesn’t shine out of the popular spiritual leader’s Buddhist butt. He stuffs up sometimes and should be called on it.
I don’t think there is any difference when it comes to the Pope. The Pope and The Dalai Lama are both leaders of their respective religions.
If people don’t agree with fundamental things with the Catholic Church do, like the people that protested the Dalai Lama, they should be allowed to peacefully voice those opinions.
Let’s not forget, at the end of the day, that Jesus said things that not everyone at the time liked.
Lucky he was able to get his word through.
