Category: Religion

First, I’d Like to Thank Jesus for This Blog…

by Administrator, posted in Christianity/Catholicism, First Amendment, Religion, Television

I love Kathy Griffin.  I always have, and I imagine I always will.  I frequently tell people that I want to be the Kathy Griffin of the spirituality set.  I shamelessly use her bits in conversations with friends and family, sometimes even giving her credit.  I love her vicious mocking of celebrity.  On the surface it all seems so simple.  Kathy makes fun of celebrities.  Perhaps, I’m reading too much into her work, but I personally feel there is so much more to it than that.
 
Yes, the bulk of Kathy’s material comes from the examination of celebrities.  She harpoons and deflates the largest stars out there, such as Oprah, Tom Cruise, and Whitney Houston.  This kind of deconstruction of icons to expose their remarkably human flaws, such as vanity and obsession, is actually reminiscent of court jesters of the past.  Those savvy Magical Buffet readers know that the court jester is just another manifestation of the trickster god archetype.  The trickster god mocks those most important members of society to keep them in check.  In those terms Kathy’s humor would be suited for tackling politicians or royalty, but in this day and age, she has chosen to tackle the nearly deific realm of celebrity.
 
That’s why it came as no surprise to me that when given the opportunity to attack the most sacred of celebrity moments, the Emmy acceptance speech, she managed to take it to task.  Much like almost any story she tells about Gwyneth Paltrow.
 
“A lot of people come up here and thank Jesus for this award.  I want you to know that no one had less to do with this award than Jesus.  Suck it Jesus, this award is my god now!”
 
Is there a more perfect parody and take down of this holier than thou validation of celebrity?  Well hold onto your golden statuettes because the ride is about to get bumpy!
 
Responding to pressure from the Catholic League, Kathy’s acceptance speech will be censored in the taped airing of the awards ceremony.
 
“The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences reacted responsibly to our criticism of Kathy Griffin’s verbal assault on 85 percent of the U.S. population.  The ball is now in Griffin’s court.  The self-described ‘complete militant atheist’ needs to make a swift and unequivocal apology to Christians.  If she does, she will get this issue behind her.  If she does not, she will be remembered as a foul-mouthed bigot for the rest of her life,” Bill Donohue, president of the Catholic League, from their website.
 
Now, Jim’s, my husband, first response to all of this was, “Does that mean if Atheists raise a stink, the Emmys will edit out any celebrity thanking Jesus?”
 
Funny you should ask.  A quick visit to the American Atheist website will give you this tid bit from their president, Ellen Johnson, “It’s permissible to make religious comments at the Emmy Awards and other public events as long as they do not criticize or threaten the self-appointed ‘Religion Police,’” said Johnson. “Celebrities can go on national television to ‘thank’ Jesus, or Allah, or Scientology for their success, but an Atheist cannot make an honest and forthright statement that their success came from developing their talents and working hard.”
 
In fact, if you click here you can see how American Atheist is rallying support for Kathy.  Better still, you can visit http://suckitjesus.com/. 
 
Here’s a point I want to make.  In no way is she making fun of Catholics or other Christian denominations.  Seriously.  You really have got to want it to think she is.  Kathy doesn’t roll that way.  How do I know?  Well, for all the years of making fun of Tom Cruise, not once has she made fun of his fans.

Also, as Jim pointed out to me, everyone is avoiding the real issue here.  Does Jesus really rig awards?
 
By the way, to learn more about Kathy Griffin, click here.

Osama bin Laden+Jesus=Art?

by Administrator, posted in Art, Christianity/Catholicism, Islam, Politics, Religion

On August 29, 2007 the winner of the 2007 Blake Prize was announced.  According to the Blake Prize website, “The Blake Prize for Religious Art is one of the more prestigious art prizes in Australia. For 55 years it has been awarding a prize for works of art that explore the subject of religious awareness and spirituality.”  This year’s winner was Shirley Purdie and her piece “Stations of the Cross”.  However, the winning piece isn’t what people are talking about.

“The Fourth Secret of Fatima” by Luke Sullivan and “Bearded Orientals: Making the Empire Cross” by Priscilla Bracks are all anyone wants to discuss.  “The Fourth Secret of Fatima” is a statue of Mary wearing a burqa and “Bearded Orientals” pairs a portrait of Christ with one of terrorist Osama bin Laden looking like Jesus.  The inclusion of these two pieces are causing quite a stir in Australia.  To see these pieces click here. 

Australian Prime Minister John Howard was quoted in “The Daily Telegraph” saying, “The choice of such artwork is gratuitously offensive to the religious beliefs of many Australians.”  Sydney’s Catholic Archbishop, Cardinal George Pell, has been quite vocal with his displeasure, “Some contemporary art is tedious and trivial.  These couple of works demonstrate this.  Regrettably, attempts to insult Jesus and Mary have become common in recent years, even predictable.  Too often it seems that the only quality which makes something ‘art’ is the adolescent desire to shock.  If this is the best the Blake Prize can do, it has probably outlived its usefulness.”  (I have to point out here, that obviously these two pieces weren’t “the best the Blake Prize can do” since a totally different piece won the $15,000 prize.)
 
Enough about the Catholics, what do Australian Muslims have to say about all this hooplah?  Ikebal Patel, the President of the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils offers some unique perspectives.  He is quoted in the “Sydney Morning Herald” saying, “So [Mary wearing a burqa is] no different to how our mothers and sisters are expected to be modest in their dressing.”  He explains that the statue is not at all offensive because both the Virgin Mary and Jesus are revered figures in Islam.  However, Patel was offended in many different ways by “Bearded Orientals”.  “You have a revered prophet of Islam (that would be Jesus) being equated to somebody like Osama bin Laden.  Also in Islam, we don’t have any paintings or drawings depicting any of our prophets, so I find it quite offensive,” he states.
 
Look at all this debate!  The Anglican Bishop of south Sydney, Robert Forsyth, is quoted saying, “Is the one of Mary having a go at religions for oppressing women?”  (My new friends at Roman Catholic Womenpriests, probably have something to say to that!)  According to the “Washington Post”, Bracks (the artist who did “Bearded Orientals” told Australian radio, “I’m interested in having a discussion, and asking questions about how we think about our world and what we accept, and what we don’t accept.”  Reverend Pattenden, Blake Society Chairman, says neither of the two artists had set out to offend anyone, and he was not personally affronted, “They are both works which made me stop and think.”
 
Now I ask you this, isn’t that what art is all about?

Profile: The Pluralism Project

by Administrator, posted in Organizations, Religion

In the past forty years, the religious landscape of the United States has changed dramatically. There are Islamic centers and mosques, Hindu and Buddhist temples and meditation centers in virtually every major American city. The encounter between people of very different religious traditions takes place in the proximity of our own cities and neighborhoods. The results of the 2000 census underscore the tremendous scope of ethnic change in our society, but tell us little about its religious dimensions or its religious significance.

Pluralism has long been a generative strand of American ideology. Mere diversity or plurality alone, however, does not constitute pluralism. There is lively debate over the implications of our multicultural and multireligious society in civic, religious, and educational institutions. How we appropriate plurality to shape a positive pluralism is one of the most important questions American society faces in the years ahead. It will require all of us to know much more about the new religious landscape of America than we presently know.

Since 1991, the Pluralism Project has engaged students and affiliates in the study of the new religious diversity in the United States. We have a special research interest in the communities and religious traditions of Asia and the Middle East that have become woven into the religious fabric of the United States in the past forty years. The overall aims of the Pluralism Project are:

To document and better understand the changing contours of American religious demography, focusing especially on those cities and towns where the new plurality has been most evident and discerning the ways in which this plurality is both visible and invisible in American public life.

To study the religious communities themselves their temples, mosques, gurudwaras and retreat centers, their informal networks and emerging institutions, their forms of adaptation and religious education in the American context, their encounter with the other religious traditions of our common society, and their encounter with civic institutions.

To explore the ramifications and implications of America’s new plurality through case studies of particular cities and towns, looking at the response of Christian and Jewish communities to their new neighbors; the development of interfaith councils and networks; the new theological and pastoral questions that emerge from the pluralistic context; and the recasting of traditional church-state issues in a wider context.

To discern, in light of this work, the emerging meanings of religious “pluralism,” both for religious communities and for public institutions, and to consider the real challenges and opportunities of a public commitment to pluralism in the light of the new religious contours of America.

Today, our work has expanded to include the international dimensions of religious diversity, difference, and dialogue. Our new research initiatives focus on civic engagement, interfaith action, and women’s networks.

To learn more, visit www.pluralism.org.

Doorways to Spirit

by Administrator, posted in Art, Religion

The Magical Buffet was created with the idea of helping foster religious tolerance.  I’m sure one day it will grow and evolve, but at this point it’s almost a direct representation of my thoughts and views (that’s what happens when one person generates at least half of the content).  Sometimes I get so caught up in my chosen format for expression that I forget that there are many ways for an individual to express their views on the subject of religious tolerance.  Today I stumbled across someone else’s thoughts on the topic, and it was big.  In fact, it’s 16 door panels of big! 
 
I’m talking about “Doorways to Spirit” by the Victoria, British Columbia artist Maarten Schaddelee.  “Doorways to Spirit” is 16 wooden doors with hand carved art on each door depicting a different facet of the spiritual journey that people take.  The doors show very mainstream paths, such as Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Taoism, Sikhism, and Hinduism, but Schaddelee also includes the less spoken of paths of Baha’i, Shinto, Zorastrianism, Confucianism, Jainism, Goddess, First Peoples, Nature, and The Arts.  The doors are all hinged, but they are locked together into a circle and do not open.
 
“The only way to pass through a door is spiritually, and regardless of which door or doors you choose to ‘go through’ the centre is the same for all,” says the artist on the gallery’s website.  You can see why I like this guy!  Just in case you don’t get the symbolism, Schaddelee spells it out, “These doors must stand together, or they fall down; the most important message is tolerance of each other.”
 
The “Doorways to Spirit” exhibit is going on until August 25, 2007 at Maarnada Studios and Gallery at 744 Douglas Street Victoria, BC.  To learn more and see some photos of the exhibit visit www.maarnada.ca. 

Buddy Christ vs. Kali (With Kung Fu Grips): Coming to a Wal-Mart Near You

by Administrator, posted in Christianity/Catholicism, Hinduism, Products, Religion

Beginning in mid-August roughly 425 Wal-Mart stores will be selling a faith-based toy line in their preschool aisle.  The line includes Ester, Moses, Noah, Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and more.  This is being billed as the first time Wal-Mart has offered a full line of faith-based toys.  For a thorough article, click here.
 
Okay, can we quit saying faith-based people?  What you mean to say is Christian toys.  If I can’t buy a Kali action figure with kung fu grips, your line isn’t faith-based, it’s Judeo Christian based.  A visit to one2believe’s, the company making the toys, website makes the Christ in faith-based pretty darn evident.  To see the whole line of toys, click here.
 
What my readers may find amusing is that I don’t actually have a problem with Wal-Mart selling these.  I mean, why not?  My problem will be when I find out they WON’T carry my Kali action figure.  I’m telling you, I could make some serious money with a Kali action figure!  My other problem is that the same people that are okay with little Billy learning about Jesus by chewing and drooling on his plastic head probably weren’t okay with this.  I love Buddy Christ.  I love the movie “Dogma”.  For that matter, I love Kevin Smith.  Where was I?  Oh yes, outrage and such.
 
I believe Ellen Johnson, president of American Atheists, made a fun, bitchy, and true comment in the Canada.com story.  “Isn’t religion the one who is always claiming that everybody is so materialistic?  And now we’re marketing Jesus dolls.”  Johnson showed amazing restraint since in that same article one2believe’s founder David Socha said, “What’s nice is that they’re real as opposed to other superheroes that are out there.”  I can’t believe the president of American Atheists didn’t take the obvious shot there.  Maybe she didn’t know he said it.  Let me help her out here.  Um, real?  To an Atheist, um, not real.  To a Hindu, not real.  To a Buddhist, not real.  To a Pagan, Wiccan, or Druid, not real.  Congrats there Socha, they’re real only to those who use the Old and/or New Testament of the Bible.
 
So here’s the deal Wal-Mart.  I don’t mind you carrying “faith-based” toys, but if I find out you’re opting not to carry other “faith-based” toys, or that your salespeople are ramming them down customers throats in an attempt to “spread the word”, I’ll be back.  And when I come back, it won’t be the Buddy Christ, it will be Kali (with kung fu grips!).

10 Questions about the Baha’i Faith

by Administrator, posted in Interviews, Organizations, Religion

1. What is the Baha’i Faith?

Thank you for this opportunity to respond. I’m tempted to give Louis Armstrong’s classic reply, “Man, if you don’t know, I can’t tell you,” but you might get an idea that it’s some kind of jazz heaven, which actually may not be too far off. Baha’is believe in Progressive Revelation, meaning that from time to time God raises up Messengers to educate humanity, such as Buddha, Abraham, Krishna, Moses, Zoroaster, Christ and Muhammad and that the latest one arrived in the 19th century and is named Baha’u’llah – meaning “ Glory of God” in Arabic. He lived and taught mostly under exile and in imprisonment in Middle Eastern lands such as Iran, Iraq, Turkey and what is now Israel. These Messengers reiterate the eternal spiritual truths that are the foundation of all world religions, but also give social teachings for the age in which They appear. This age particularly needs guidance for an emerging global consciousness; ethics and morality for international travel, finance, ecology, communication, science and technology; and the realization that the entire globe and its inhabitants are in the same boat traveling together. (As Baha’u’llah stated, “The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.”)

Humanity on its own has no hope of solving the colossal challenges besetting it today. One of the most remarkable elements of this Revelation is that it gives not only a vision of the new World Order, but actually gives a blueprint of how to achieve it. So Baha’is worldwide are endeavoring to establish this order right in the midst of the crumbling of one human institution after another. Baha’u’llah has given the believers this directive: “It is incumbent upon every man of insight and understanding to strive to translate that which hath been written into reality and action,” and emphasized that we all have a part to play: “All men have been created to carry forward an ever-advancing civilization.”

2. What are some the basic teachings of the faith?

Every major world religion teaches the same basic things, those being the nature of God and Truth, morality and virtue, prayer and worship. The emphasis is different, according to the needs of the times: Judaism emphasized the law, Christianity focused on love and good works and Islam concentrated on submission to the Will of God. The Baha’i Faith’s overriding value is unity: God is one, His Messengers are one, religion is one, humanity is one. Therefore the thousand-year mission of the Baha’is is to effect the organic unity of the entire human race, for it is written “The well-being of mankind, its peace and security, are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established.” Principles that accompany this central mission are removal of prejudice, gender equality, universal education, universal systems of governance, justice and currency, and a language through which the whole world can communicate. One other very important Baha’i principle is that mankind has progressed to the point where each individual’s spiritual progress is his or her own responsibility; therefore it behooves every person to independently investigate Truth and reality for him or herself. Ergo, there is no clergy in the Baha’i Faith.

3. How does the Baha’i community view and interact with other faiths?

Baha’is regard all humanity as their brethren. The Founder proclaimed, “Consort with the followers of all religions in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship.” They tend to spearhead and are often over-represented at interfaith gatherings. . Just once I would like see a Baha‘i jump up and yell, “All you heathens are going to Hell!” but (sigh) it just isn’t going to happen. (This is just kidding, of course.)

4. For our readers who may have not have heard of the religion before now, is there a fictional character in television or film that embodies the ideals of the faith?

Ha ha. I consulted some of my Baha’i friends on this one and got suggestions such as “McGyver,” since he used non-violent technological ingenuity to solve problems, the humble Frodo Baggins on his glorious quest of faith or “Star Trek” with its multi-ethnic co-operation boldly braving the final frontier.

5. What holidays do Baha’is observe?

There is a calendar of 19 months of 19 days each, with a few extra Mardi-Gras-type celebratory days at the end to round out the solar year. And the faith has holy days celebrating the births and deaths of the central figures, as well as a few others, such as the Day of the Covenant, Nov. 26, celebrating the fact that God does not leave humanity adrift without guidance. Individually, believers tend to celebrate just about any festival of any religion or culture with other friends – we love a party!

6. What is the biggest misconception, if any, about the religion?

The Baha’i Faith is not, nor ever was, a sect of Islam. It grew out of an Islamic environment, as did Buddhism out of Hinduism or Christianity out of Judaism. Also, since it is so all-embracing, some get the idea that it is eclectic and syncretistic, drawing from the good points of bygone traditions and philosophies, or that it accepts all faiths as being equally true and valid. In actuality, the Baha’i Faith regards all major world religions as one Faith of God, “eternal in the past, eternal in the future” and itself as simply the latest stage in this unfolding faith of the one God Who has been called by many names. Its principles and beliefs have been divinely revealed in the same way as the Ten Commandments, the Vedas, the Dhammapada and the Qur’an have.

7. According to www.religionfacts.com, Dizzy Gillespie, Carole Lombard and Rainn Wilson were/are all Baha’i. Would you be offended if I said that was really cool?

Many distinguished people are Baha’is, but they don’t get obnoxious, obsequious or obstreperous about it. They found universities, establish socio-economic projects and are inventors and innovators. The head of state of Samoa is Baha’i, as was Queen Marie of Romania and other royalty. The faith has attracted great minds such as Tolstoy to Tagore to Khalil Gibran. It has even been rumored that President Woodrow Wilson got the idea for the League of Nations from his Baha’i daughter! Another Khalil, Khalil Green, shortstop of the San Diego Padres, is perhaps the most well known Baha’i presently in popular culture. In America, the duo of Seals and Crofts (“Summer breeze, makes me feel fine . . . . “ c’mon sing it with me now) spread the faith by giving talks after their concerts in the 1970s. Other Baha’is include K. C. Porter (producer to Santana and Ricky Martin) and British funnyman Omid Djalili (remember him from Whoopi’s sitcom?) Cool! Hot!

8. Do you care to comment on the plight of the Baha’is in Egypt?

The Baha’is in Egypt are a fairly small community, but have been placed in a quandary. They are required to carry ID cards that identify their religion. They have no problem with this, as Baha’is in every country are obedient and loyal to their governments. But Baha’is in Egypt have only three choices: Christianity, Judaism or Islam. It’s like those dating sites or online questionnaires where you only have a limited number of responses, none of which apply. But there is no “other” option, and it will not let you skip the question or continue without answering. Baha’is cannot lie about their religion, and without these ID cards they have no access to education, medical services, employment or many other basic services. So they are continuing to work to get the Baha’i Faith official recognition so they can have legal status just like other Egyptian citizens. This Baha’i blog has a lot of information about the situation: http://bahai-egypt.blogspot.com/.

9. Where can I go to learn more about the religion?

Even though there are only about 5 million Baha’is worldwide, we are spread like a thin film over the entire planet, including in such unlikely places as Greenland, North Korea, the Faroe Islands, Tasmania, Alaska, Mongolia, Madagascar, Botswana and virtually every island in the Pacific. So with a little checking in phone books or word of mouth, a human representative of probably the most hospitable community in the world can be found. But beware: You will be plied with tea and sweets and all the literature on the faith you’d ever want. Baha’is, however, do not proselytize. Since it purports to be the most truly international and universal expression of spirituality, it is not surprising that Baha’i sites abound. A couple of main ones are www.bahai.org and www.bahai.us. You are most welcome to contact this author at gezabahai@yahoo.ca.

10. Parting shot! Ask us here at The Magical Buffet any one question?

This is confusing, but if I read it correctly, you want me to ask you a question. Okay, I’ll be brief, I mean boxer. I see that you love feasting at the salad bar of heavenly delights, but do you ever get spiritual indigestion?

Yes

Bio of Geza Farkas:
Geza (rhymes with amaze-a) Farkas, the Funky Flutist of Faith, became a Baha’i in 1997 after a lifetime of study of the works of the world’s great mystics, saints, and seers, since he sensed that in it appeared that which has never appeared before, namely a blueprint by which all of human civilization can be spiritualized, and not just a few special individuals. Hungarian by birth, Canadian by nationality, and Indian in spirit, he has recently emigrated to Chicago and lives near the Baha’i House of Worship for the North American Continent in Wilmette, known as the “Mother Temple of the West.”

This Just In: Harry Potter Readers Won’t Go to Hell

by Administrator, posted in Books, Christianity/Catholicism, Magic/Occult, Religion

Well, now that the seventh book has released, the world can see that all the Harry Potter controversies have been much ado about nothing.  Let’s see, there were the plagiarism complaints.  If you have ever read the fabulous graphic novel “Books of Magic” (If you haven’t go buy the first book today!) you can see why some people have a problem with Rowling’s “innovative” ideas.  Then there were the feminist groups remarking on a lack of strong female characters.  Their argument being that where Harry Potter and Professor Dumbledore show limitless courage, bravery, and wisdom, their counter parts Hermione and Professor McGonagall show frailty.  In addition, of course, there were the concerns from religious organizations that the Harry Potter universe of witches and wizards would lead the youth down a path of wickedness.
 
Everyone can relax; you’re not going to go to Hell (if you even believe in such a place) for reading the Harry Potter books!  Well, at least according to the Church of England.  Diocese of Oxford Bishop John Pritchard was quoted in The Christian Post (Click Here for Story) as saying, "Jesus used storytelling to engage and challenge his listeners.  There’s nothing better than a good story to make people think, and there’s plenty in the Harry Potter books to make young people think about the choices they make in their everyday lives and their place in the world.”
 
Owen Smith, a youth worker at St. Margaret’s Church in the United Kingdom, has written a book called “Mixing it Up with Harry Potter”.  The Church of England’s publishing company is publishing it.  The Church’s press release states, “Using film scenes in which the characters make tough decisions to prompt discussion about moral choices and extracts from the books that demonstrate the power of words and their impact on others, the resource has creative ideas for using the Potter books as a basis for Christian teaching.”
 
Smith has also written “Mixing it Up with the Simpsons”.  According to Globe and Mail (Click Here for Story), “Mr. Smith started writing the book 18 months ago when pre-teens at the Sunday school where he teaches told him they were far more interested in The Simpsons and Harry Potter than Jesus and apostles.”
 
It’s nice to see a religious body recognizing that there are moral lessons to be learned in stories, not just traditional Bible stories.  There are many good moral lessons to be found in the television show “The Simpsons” and they’re in the Harry Potter series. 
 
Personally, I’ve been working on the “10 Moral Lessons of The Family Guy.”  I’m at five and counting….

You Got Your Halal in my Kashrut!

by Administrator, posted in Food/Drink, Guest Authors, Religion

The warm, cornmeal-batter smell of fresh fried catfish filled my father’s kitchen. The bubbling grease in the “Fry Daddy” in the corner just set the mood even better. Typical for dinner, my mom asked me, “What do you want to drink?”

“Milk please.”

“We’re having fish, you can’t have milk with fish.”

“What?”

That statement immediately derailed our dinner plans and launched a lengthy discussion as to exactly why I couldn’t have milk with fish. In the end, I had to live with the answer, “just because, it’s not healthy.” It was only a few years later that my parents finally relented that there was no good reason for it. Eventually, my parents gave up on this taboo and the milk jug came out even on fish fry nights.

Later, I came to understand that, even though my family is far from Jewish, this was somehow most likely a holdover from the Kosher requirement to not serve meat and dairy for the same meal.

But really, where do you get these customs? No Pork? (Don’t take away my Bacon!) Specific rules for slaughtering of animals and draining of blood? Eggs for Easter?

Well, here are one man’s thoughts on the matter.

In times past, it was the job of the church to shepherd their flock through the trials and daily tribulations of life’s dangers. In a time when preservative methods, refrigeration and the like were all but non-existent, food quality was a great source of concern for health and wellbeing. Additionally, agriculture was in its young years and not nearly so well developed as today. Many of the best ideas for how to properly tend crops and herds were foreign to the cultures of the time.
And, what better way to get people to behave and follow a code or guideline, than to go ahead and make it the will or direction of God?

Hence was born, the religious restrictions on diet and food consumption.
The restrictions and customs span the world’s religions. Most notably, Judaism has the Kashrut, which defines which foods are “Kosher” and may be eaten (as well as how they must be prepared), but goes far beyond just that. In Islam, you find the Halal, detailing a very similar list of requirements. However, Buddhism and Hinduism have light, less formal requirements. Christianity meanwhile is rich with traditions of its own.
Would anyone believe that it is a coincidence that nearly every religion from the time preceding recorded history to modern times prescribes periods of fasting in the spring and/or the fall?

Fasting during those times serves to conserve food stores for lean months ahead (Fall) or conserves already depleted food stores before Spring crops are harvested. Additionally, the periods of fasting force the body to consume toxins built up in the system and allow organs a period of rest prior too or following time spent consuming a less healthy diet lacking vegetables and other nutrients.
There are agricultural concerns as well. Avoiding unnecessary meat consumption during the Spring helps insure that there is sufficient diversity in the herd for breeding and growth of the herd, as well as protecting mother’s to be from the slaughter.

Specific taboos were developed as well. In some cases, such as Pork, the reason for proscribing the food ‘seems’ clear to most. At a time when most meats were slow cooked over a spit, it was not guaranteed that Pork would reach the necessary temperature to kill the worms which cause the parasitic disease, Trichinosis. Rather than risk this, it was outlawed by the culture.

However, what seems fairly clear for most may not be so simple. An idea gaining popularity among anthropologists is that Pork was forbidden by Middle-Eastern cultures more for the fact that Pigs, in an arid climate, require a great deal of water, and that pigs left to roam free will consume grains and food products valuable to the human inhabitants of that region.

Agricultural basis for food taboos may be more widespread than originally thought too. It’s widely known that devout Hindu’s don’t eat beef. Is this due to the cow being “Sacred” in Hindu culture as most Westerners think? Or was it because in years past large herds were kept that contributed to deforestation and overgrazing, which further contributed to the loss of cultivated lands and growing deserts? Thereby forcing a reduction in herd sizes and making it unfeasible to consume cattle, which were still needed as beasts of burden.

Also, herd quality suffered over time. The tradition of the time was that the visit of an “honored” guest prompted the slaughter of the finest bull in the herd. The loss of this quality genetic material to the herd saw a steady decline in strength and stamina of the animals, making them less suited to the lifting and pulling duties required of them.

Of course, in other cases, the food associated with a particular holiday seems to be a mystery. As a kid, I loved coloring and hunting for Easter Eggs, and along with that, loved the boiled eggs and deviled eggs sure to come later, but, why eggs for Easter?

Well, when Christianity came along it was supplanting many older, less well-structured religions. However, in order to attain the buy-in of the common folk, certain holidays had to be preserved in part, if not in whole. Easter was converted from Ostara, a spring fertility holiday. Eggs, Bunnies, get it? Both are common symbols of fertility.

Sometimes it is necessary to make up a reason to eat a particular food for a Holiday. Every good Jewish child knows that Hanukka celebrates the one day’s worth of Olive Oil that burned for 8 days to light the eternal flame while more Olive Oil could be pressed and prepared. And to celebrate this, Jewish households the world over cook Potato Latke’s in Olive Oil.

Wait a minute…Potatoes? Potatoes come from the New World and were unknown to the Jewish people at the time of the miracle of the oil and for hundreds of years after. However, centuries later, at a time when new food substances were needed to ward off hunger and when it just so happened that the last of the Potato harvests were becoming available, Jewish people needed encouragement to embrace the Potato. Thus was introduced by the Temple, the Potato Latke, “traditional” Hannukah food.

Sometimes though, the foods you eat for your religion are just part of the religion. I can think of no other reason to have Matzo Meal inflicted on you, than a form of penance and remembrance for Passover and a people fleeing oppression and having no time for leavened bread.

Also, as time goes by, the more strange customs, alien to modern society, fall gradually into disfavor (but can still be found somewhere). Feel free to google, placentophagy.

Lastly, the next time you sit down to a traditional dinner or you gaze longingly on that one tasty looking item you can’t have (mmm, bacon), stop to ponder why it is the way it is. If you dig deep enough, you may find that the answers surprise you.

Greg Bullard has driven in all 48 contiguous U.S. States, Canada, Mexico and has been sure to stop for a bite to eat in everyone of those places. He’s almost half as charming as he thinks he is, not quite as conceited as he seems to be and did we mention, he loves food? Visit Greg’s website www.whatgregeats.com.

The Driver’s Ten Commandments

by Administrator, posted in Christianity/Catholicism, Religion

If you watch “The Daily Show”, “The Colbert Report”, or heck even “Headline News”, then you’ve already heard about the “Driver’s Ten Commandments”.  This was part of a larger document, the “Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of the Road”, that was issued by the Vatican on June 19, 2007.  Technically, this is old news, with it being July and all, but in case you hadn’t seen this already I’m covering it now, also, I think it’s fun and timeless.
 
Actually, despite how easy it is to poke fun at the “Driver’s Ten Commandments” I feel that I should do the thing that no news outlet has done yet, which is provide a little context.  As I said, the “Commandments” are part of a larger document.  This document was never intended for the average Joe Catholic.  According to the presentation at the beginning, “These Guidelines are aimed at bishops, priests, religious and other pastoral workers, as a further step towards a pastoral care that pays increasing attention to all expressions of human mobility, and is integrated within ordinary, local and parochial pastoral care.”  The “Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of the Road” covers four very separate categories that are connected by that pavement river we call, the road.
 
Part one is, “Pastoral Care of Road Users”, which includes the infamous “Commandments”.  The other three parts are, “Pastoral Ministry for the Liberation of Street Women”, “Pastoral Care of Street Children”, and “Pastoral Care of the Homeless”.  Still funny?  The fact is, this document is to help provide guidance to Catholics leaders on the church’s stance on these topics and how to help educate others in the subject matter and how best the Church can help solve the dilemmas of these groups. 
 
Yes, road users are a dilemma.  Don’t believe me?  Then you do not have to commute for your job.  I worked in retail for over 10 years.  You know what made me dislike people?  One year of commuting to my office job.  Accidents, reckless driving, the stress of traffic jams, drunk drivers, and more, are all important issues that face every driver, whether they’re Catholic or not.  The “Pastoral Care of Road Users” is comical in it’s presentation of the problems drivers face (“In addition to traffic congestion, people are directly exposed to dangers deriving from other related problems, such as noise, air pollution and intensive use of raw materials.”), but it does encourage the Church to help educate people in the importance of traffic safety and to contribute support for campaigns and programs aimed at bettering roads and traffic safety.  For all of the document’s comic value, and believe me, it has it in spades; at its heart, it’s a well-meaning document.
 
Now that I’ve been far more fair and generous to the Catholic Church than I may ever be again, let’s check out the “Driver’s Ten Commandments”!
 
I. You shall not kill.
II. The road shall be for you a means of communion between people and not of mortal harm.
III. Courtesy, uprightness, and prudence will help you deal unforeseen events.
IV. Be charitable and help your neighbor in need, especially victims of accidents.
V. Cars shall not be for you an expression of power and domination, and an occasion of sin.
VI. Charitably convince the young and not so young not to drive when they are not in a fitting condition to do so.
VII. Support the families of accident victims.
VIII. Bring guilty motorists and their victims together, at the appropriate time, so that they can undergo the liberating experience of forgiveness.
IX. On the road, protect the more vulnerable party.
X. Feel responsible towards others.
 
Actually, now that I’m reading them, I can’t bring myself to poke fun because I cannot help but wish that more people on my commute seemed to follow these.  Although, there is a few that are missing, maybe I need “Rebecca’s Ten Commandments for Drivers”.
 
I. Thou shall not speed in the slow lane nor go below the speed limit in the middle lane.
II. When it is merely cloudy, and there is no precipitation, thou shall not drive as if there is precipitation.
III. Drivers shall not decelerate just because they are on a bridge.
IV. Drivers shall not decelerate before the exit ramp, for the exit ramp exists for deceleration.
V. Likewise, drives shall accelerate while using on ramps, for they are designed for acceleration.
VI. Drivers shall use their blinkers whenever they are turning or changing lanes.
VII. Drivers shall not use cell phones, even if a hands free device is employed, while driving.  There is a reason why our Lord created voice mail.
VIII. If thy vehicle is incapable of achieving the minimum posted speed limit, than thou shall not drive it on that road.
IX. Thou shall decelerate if necessary to let a driver merge.
X. If at all possible, thou shall not be on NY I-87 at the hours of 8:30 a.m. or 4:00 p.m.
 
If you’re interested, the entire Vatican document can be found here: http://212.77.1.245/news_services/bulletin/news/20451.php?index=20451&po_date=19.06.2007&lang=po#PART%20ONE%20THE%20PASTORAL%20CARE%20OF%20ROAD%20USERS

The Fes Festival is Cool

by Administrator, posted in Events, Islam, Music, Religion

When we decided to add a blog to The Magical Buffet’s website, the idea was that it would end up being this kind of fluffy thing where I would spend time going, “Isn’t this thing cool?”  Instead, I’ve somehow ended up spending time learning about Roman Catholic Canon Law, discussing the misrepresentation of Wicca, and most recently, trying to wrap my brain around the Malaysian Constitution.  Which is why I was concerned when I decided I wanted to write about the Fes Festival that recently took place.
 
I told Jim, I want to write about this festival, but all I really have to say about it is that it is really cool.  Shouldn’t there be more?  He assured me that it was okay to just write about something because it was cool, so here we go.
 
The 13th annual Fes Festival of World Sacred Music took place June 1 to the June 10 of this year.  If you’re like me, you’ve never heard of this thing, and if you’re like me, the more you learn the more you wish you could go. 
 
After the Gulf War, two Islamic scholars decided to start an interfaith music festival in Morocco to promote peace.  It is held each year in Fez, a medieval city over 1000 years old.  Performers from around the world gather in Fez to share their music, making it a cultural melting pot of races and faiths. 
 
2007 marks the 800th anniversary of the Islamic sage and poet Jalaluddin Rumi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalaluddin_Rumi) so various concerts and rituals throughout the festival were in celebration of Rumi and his teachings.  The free concerts included, Latefa Raefat (Morocco), Majda Yahyaqui (a female Moroccan artist performing malhoun music, which is typically done by men), Said Bey (who performs rai and malhoun blended with funky bits of flamenco and salsa), Amarg Fusion (This group is a symbol of Amazigh culture), the London Community Gospel Choir, Johnny Clegg (“Zulu Rock”, which is African song with electric guitar), Elias Karam (Syrian performer), and obviously many more.
 
It’s not just music; they also host “Fes Encounters”, where politicians, activists, and academics are brought together to discuss urgent issues.  Past topics have been conflict resolution, climate change, social justice, and urban renewal.  This year they discussed cultural diversity versus globalization and the relationship between faith and reason.  They broke them down into 3 days.  Day one, “Our cultural identities vs. globalization.”  Day two, “Our heritage cities: reflections of an ancient world or an imaginative resource for the future?”  And day three, “Our beliefs and our reason put to the test in the new world.”
 
Oh, and all of this is taking place in a country where 98.7% of the population are Muslim.  (1.1% are Christian and 0.2% are Jewish, in case you were curious)  That is right, an Islamic culture is not only hosting these festivals, they came up with the idea in the first place.  In my opinion, the Fes Festival proves that there is room for everyone in the world, regardless of faith.  That is why I am writing this blog, because the Fes Festival is cool.
 
Want to learn more, visit their website: www.fesfestival.com, just be sure when you get there you click on the English option, unless you speak French or Arabic!
 
Want to learn even more?  Well, I could go next year and write about it that way you would hear about it first hand.  Make checks payable to Rebecca Elson.  I’ll be sure to send you a postcard!