tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7947757505254506820.post2026537705343533875..comments2024-03-27T08:35:55.978+00:00Comments on Tocasaid: Marriage and scrota. Royal or otherwise.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7947757505254506820.post-83684211402079657542011-11-22T08:21:43.303+00:002011-11-22T08:21:43.303+00:00How do you say bravo in Gaelic?
Mac an t-Srònaich,...How do you say bravo in Gaelic?<br />Mac an t-Srònaich, you deserve it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7947757505254506820.post-19267435255994806612011-05-16T20:18:31.846+01:002011-05-16T20:18:31.846+01:00Liked reading your comments. Shame you think my bl...Liked reading your comments. Shame you think my blog is pigeonholed into 'Scots independence', 'Gaelic' or 'atheist'. Its all of these and none - you'll also find posts on whisky, punk rock, philosophy and nuclear power.<br /><br />I wonder if you could posit some evidence on your 'religion and family values are the strength of society' claim? Does that mean that Taleban-controlled Afghanistan or Saudi Arabia are 'strong'? And is the definition of 'strength' a fascistic society that terrorises its people into following ancient mumbo-jumbo?<br /><br />Here's a quote from the Legatum Prosperity Index (read it - its very interesting) regarding Norway which is widely considered to be the most prosperous and happy nation on earth:<br />An unparalleled 74%* of Norwegians report that other people can be trusted, the highest such rate in the world. In a 2008 survey, a high 43%* of people had donated money within the previous month, and a very high 38%* of people had volunteered. The 46%* of people who had helped a stranger in the same time period is also above the global average. Nearly 94%* of Norwegians say that they have someone they can rely on in times of need. This strong social support is present despite potentially low access to familial and religious support networks: marriage rates are below the global average, at 52%*, and reported religious attendance is just 13%*, the second lowest rate in the world.<br /><br />Sure, I believe that an independent Scotland is best for her people. But, it has to leave the past behind. A large part of that past is religious fanaticism - be it Knox, the witch burnings, the hardliners who gained control of Lewis 200 years ago, the might of the Catholic Church and of course the mixed football-religious tribalism that shames our national sport.<br /><br />Its also arguable that Scotland was its most dysfunctional when in the grip of one religion or another. One could look at the many cover-ups of child abuse in the Catholic Church or to the anti-Irish racism of the Kirk here in the 30s. Even today, churches seem more preoccupied with 'sins of the flesh' than they do with the sin of poverty.<br /><br />Aye, I grew up in a typical Scots Presbyterian house. The teachers at my local primary were Christians and... monsters.<br /><br />Religion is the curse of the Gaidhealtachd. Fortunately it is being left behind. I could equally point to many of Gaeldom's most notable artists - Somhairle MacGill-Eathain, Iain Crichton Smith, Domhnall MacAmhlaigh, Aonghas MacNeacail and of course the very contemporary Niseach, (Dr)Fionnlagh MacLeoid who has long campaigned against the dour religion that has gripped his island for the past two centuries.<br /><br />People are of course free to worship whatever they please. But, it makes my blood boil when it is forced into children's heads in state schools. If your faith and god is so strong, leave the brainwashing until they're old enough to think for themselves.MacNaBrachahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01585663680725464839noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7947757505254506820.post-19210169281855230082011-05-16T03:05:15.033+01:002011-05-16T03:05:15.033+01:00What has this got to do with Scottish independence...What has this got to do with Scottish independence or the Gaelic language? Maybe you should have separate blogs for your Scottish/Gaelic stuff on one hand, and your atheist social commentary on the other. All the Gaels in my family are devout Christians. <br /><br />The strength of any society lies in its religion and maintaining strong family values. Without those two pillars a society is dysfunctional. <br /><br />And whats with all the Atheist fundamentalist links? There are plenty of atheist blogs and websites out there, I don't think Richard Dawkins your help, all it does is distract you and others from putting Scotland first. Maybe you should be a bit more open minded and read scientists like Francis Collins, Simon Conway-Morris and Alistair McGrath. <br /><br />Do you come from a Wee Free background? Do you feel oppressed or something? Is that what it is? Most Christians aren't Fundamentalists you know.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com