Debating Homosexuality | Unveiling masqueraders of modern society

Posted on July 25, 2009
Filed Under Blogging, Religion | 14 Comments

Blurred image of the participants.

Blurred image of few participants.

Put me in the company of thieves, put me in the company of illiterate, but just don’t put me in the company of a bunch of religious ‘loud-speakers’ with holier-than-thou attitude, making potshots at anyone ‘secular’ and appearing infallible with all gibberish talk.

What a day it was. After politicians, if you ask me the next category of people who can talk overflowing with lack of action, it would be the religious representatives, whose words without action cuts no ice in me. Please note: I am only talking about those with ‘talks-without-action’ syndrome.

Naz foundn who just recently won a long case seeking decriminalising of homosexuality and religious leaders of all faith were debating on homosexuality in Delhi. I was unfortunately invited and am sure you can pick the ‘pseudo-journalist’ from the partial gang you see in the picture.

Well, it was a very heated debate. In the picture you apparently can see a homosexual couple at the extreme right, and then an Orthodox father and his neighbor a Christian who introduced himself as  ‘My name is Wing Commander Mathew [name changed for reasons I cant explain ;-) ] and then there is those from the Salvation Army and the backbencher in the snap – an Indian who calls spade a spade and gets accused for doing the same. Poor chap!

Huh! Four long hours they were fighting like Kilkenny cats. By the way I dont like Cats, my favourite is Dogs. Not only it is a faithful animal, but it also turns a warrior for its sweet master. I have nice stories of my handsome dog Jimmy which I would love to share in my next post. All right where was I? Oh! yea, the loud-speakers. Everybody got a chance to speak. And none of them really lost the opportunity in doing what best they love to do – Speaking. It was not only high-pitched but was so eloquent.

Religion, especially Christianity teaches Love, Care, Grace, and sometimes I wonder if the custodians of morality and protectors of our society – the religious representatives really are practicers. To be frank I found the homosexual couple, so calm, understanding, well behaved while the Christian and other faith leaders who are imbibed in their scriptures just the opposite. They minced no words in pinning down homosexuals that too in a very cheap language that seemed one without concern and care and wanted to prove their righteous superiority.

Condemn the sin, yes Jesus really did that, but why so vociferously condemn the sinner making them have no respect for religion or its holy books. I always believe a man with action can make greater impact than a man with Harvard certificate and eloquence. You can condemn homosexuality but why not we embrace people with this problem so they can be one among us. Is God’s image obscured in them? They are just one of us – a Human Being. I wished the religious leaders could speak more respectfully that even homosexuals are ready to give keen ear to their conversation that might may be bring a positive change in them?

Those from the Salvation Army said: “These are people whom we should call demon-possessed. They require no respect, no concern. It is a spiritual demon problem that can be cured if they come to church. Such people are really a curse to our society.” Hmm, where were they from I just forgot! Oh yea, the army one right? No wonder!! May be they should separate from the respected SA group and call themselves Demon-redeemers army.

Then there was the Muslim priest who came and very bluntly said: “Homosexuals have a mental disease. Not only Koran condemns these people, it even asks us to ban such people.” Huh! I just wished their Koran included the New Testament of Bible, which sure would have reduced terrorism and violence in the world. Would be nice to see them showing their other cheek?

You should have seen the faces of Naz fnd and the gay couple. They felt like running hearing all this. If I was being called a demon possessed I might really turn one and grab his neck. Well, they silently gave ear and made clear their responses in a more mannered way. They were simply adorable — minus their sexual orientation. Clarifying so you know I am Straight.

Alright then came the Sikh guy. His talk really seemed gibberish. For few mins I was wondering if he was talking English, Hindi or Hinglish. Everybody was nodding their head, and me closely watching his lips to identify the lingo or rather say his phraseology. “Wui twatally cundumn this prablem. (We totally condemn this problem) Duis kind of paiple mastu gwo far gounseling (This kind of people must go for counseling). Oh yea yea, that is English. Isn’t it? May be he thought it would be degrading to speak Hindi in a forum like this. Contrarily everybody were more comfortable with Hindi..huh what to say. I could hardly catch any of his point during his 30-min conversation. Luckily they gave each a pen and book for participants and that helped me enter my dreamland of ‘drawing’. I was drawing some unidentifiable nitwits :D .

The same Sikh man came to me during lunch and asks ‘do you agree with what I said?’, ‘tell me what’s your reaction on my point’. Oops, what do I do now? He did observe my close attentiveness during his conversation. You do know what it is, right? Well I should say something. ‘Sir, wonderful, marvelous. Your statements really surprised me.’ He was in cloud nine already. Hearing my words of praise – oops my response you can take in the context you want ;-) If praise or a sarcasm – he began a lengthy introduction of his superior background. Now this is another big problem among religious leaders. They are arrogant and proud about their posts. Some sort of President they think. They never want to give up their chair unless they enjoy the maximum comfort they can. Sometimes during the term expiry, there is huge politics (includes bribes) that they retain their position. I am that, I am this, I just arrived from US, New Zealand (wonder what they did there)…bla bla bla. They demand respect; they demand superiority and what not. Humbleness is a prerequisite for religious dignity, isn’t it?

Then there is one more person whose statements in the debate must be mentioned. He in fact is a Dalit activist, and I dont know his role in ‘speaking on homosexuality’. Well, whatever, they made him a panelist and gave him chance to speak. He took some 15 mins. “I want to ask today, the Dalits who are over millions, why are their rights problem not being addressed..etc..Dalit house… Dalit Delhi… Dalit poverty..” Did someone hear homosexuality? For sure, I dint. After a long talk on Dalits problem, somebody had to poke his shoulder to apprise him  – ‘Sir topic is on homosexuality’. Did he enter the wrong room? He was so confused that he ended the next statement – “I hope my sentences made sense and I want to conclude this talk giving thanks for your patience.” Yes Sir, I was almost losing patience, and if you had not apologised, I would have really walked off. Somebody quick organise a Dalit debate!

The so called religious leaders lacked respect for the ‘sick’ or the ‘sickness’ and totally acted like some howling foxes with all crocodile tears empathising with the religious community. At least did they speak some sense? I would say even to a question – Is homosexuality sin or crime – many were just blabbering. One said: “Homosexuality is a disease” (did he say it is a sin or crime? I dont know). Another said: “It is a sin that gives way to crime that again gives way to sin” (oops, what did he just say? You mean this? Chop shops stock chops? Nah! I think he meant ‘I dont know frankly, I am also confused’). Oh yea, the last person took the mike and like a seemingly intelligent man asked: “Sorry, maap kee jiye (forgive me), what did you just ask?” (Never mind, I think he just wanted time to defeat the other two answers, may be for an applaudable one? Whatever, I did forgive him..he saved some time).

One among the debaters did ask a serious question: Everybody talking against homosexuality and homosexuals should really answer, if they did anything in the past to counter this? Or at least plan to do in future? Indeed homosexuality did not just pop up this year. This problem was obvious from decades in the Indian society, may be behind the curtains. If you just did know this fact, may be it is not obvious for you, but you are just oblivious. If they are so vocal on this issue, have they mooted on some measures that can help tackle this problem? We should really love the sinner, if you think counseling is what they need, initiate one and then speak in such conferences with pride, revealing that you really care, love and your action has just proved it. Jesus in fact practised what he preached. Is there any part in Bible where he ignored the heavenly teachings? When people beat and pushed him in the temple, dint he just walk away without reacting in violence? When a sinner woman was being stoned, dint he just act in love, grace and mercy – at the same time teaching her that ‘God cares for you, and he gives you a chance to repent’. He did warn her – never to do it again.

I have great respect for Gandhi, Mother Teresa and few others whose action has spoken louder than words. Would you go to a leper colony in Calcutta (Ive been there and I know how it is) and pick one from the gutter, clean him and show him God’s love. To a thirsty man who is at the brink of drying – do you look and ask, Oh! Are you thirsty? Cant you see, he is thirsty and he desperately needs water? Come out of your cloak and unveil your face. It is murkier than those lepers. Really, religious leaders who have been recently talking a lot in India must show some action. It’s so missing. Our society here is being divided on communal and religious lines and instead of talking gibberish, they should unite them. Lewis Cass once said -  People may doubt what you say, but they will believe what you do. Oh! I remember Henry Ford here – Don’t find fault.  Find a remedy. Does somebody think I hate the Chinese? Ok fine, let me quote one Chinese proverb too – Talk doesn’t cook rice.

I have been extensively ruminating on amplifying my contribution to the religious and secular society. Well, I can tell, such debates and meetings is an eye-opener for me to bring some positive transformation in my life. I just can’t sit, eat and sleep with people around me suffering. Sorry, that might be the tom, dick and harry across your street.

Recently, one Islamic scholar was talking about ‘best brains studying religion’. I totally agree with it. Most of those who study religion and its books seem so poor and illiterate. You can read it here. You go to Bible colleges in India and you find most of them are school dropouts and found the life in a seminary more comfortable. Seriously, why not some intelligent brains study religion? During my involvement in Evangelism some years back, one man did ask me a serious-yet-nonsensical question. Before you guys go sharing and teaching on Bible, you should try to study more of the secular world and then go on this. He even made fun of me pointing to a common flower asking me its scientific name…Well I dint know, and I told him the same. He indeed sounded a moron to me and his points were also not very rational. Whatever, I decided that day…if lack of education should balk me then I will surmount it. I will do the highest of studies one can, and then may be talk God in the perspective they want. May be my educational qualification might lead them to sit on the table and have a gentleman talk. What you say?

Finally, my good friends, please dont write comments without understanding whom, and on what I am talking in my article. I am sure somebody will quote me another famous line – A barking dog is often more useful than a sleeping lion – to just prove that the talks at least is better sometimes and I was totally wrong. Oh! yea, so you dont have to wait for me to read your comments to hear from me…here is my apology to avoid these – “I am really really wrong, you are right!” Happy? Say Cheese!!

Adios for now ~ SAM

Comments

14 Responses to “Debating Homosexuality | Unveiling masqueraders of modern society”

  1. vaidyasami on July 25th, 2009 5:27 am

    doi macha podhum da romba kadha vidurai these days. chennaiku vacation va da, un tension pension ella clear panrai. unaku konjam break venum illainaka religion will swallow you soon.

  2. Sam on July 25th, 2009 5:49 am

    Macha i was there in your city recently. I even traveled some hill stations, you know my craze for nature..I am again coming there soon (kanyakumari also in itinerary)..will meet you there…mich you chwami..bubye!

  3. Varun on July 25th, 2009 7:17 am

    ha ha really enjoyed your post and interactions. A kind of slapstick.

  4. Sid on July 25th, 2009 9:31 am

    Duis kind of paiple mastu gwo far gounseling lol. He could have better spoken in Hindi.

  5. Bobby on July 25th, 2009 11:04 am

    Look at how homosexuality has united religious leaders who otherwise are bitter. By the whats the meaning of this Chop shops stock chops, was that a riddle?

  6. Sam on July 25th, 2009 12:23 pm

    yea a kind of tongue twister..I like this one

    Ned Nott was shot
    and Sam Shott was not.
    So it is better to be Shott
    than Nott.
    Some say Nott
    was not shot.
    But Shott says
    he shot Nott.
    Either the shot Shott shot at Nott
    was not shot,

    also this one..

    If one doctor doctors another doctor, does the doctor
    who doctors the doctor doctor the doctor the way the
    doctor he is doctoring doctors? Or does he doctor
    the doctor the way the doctor who doctors doctors?

  7. ILoveIndia on July 26th, 2009 1:46 pm

    I’m not sure but I would guess the point the Dalit man was trying to make was that problems affecting Dalits are a more serious problem than those affecting homosexuals because (I assume this is his point) there are so many more Dalits than homosexuals and the problems are more severe and overt. I don’t know but I’d guess this is his point.

    I guess this because in Britain, were homosexuality has been legal for some time, homosexual rights and their “voice” are very strong considering what a small minority they are – to the point where the religious leaders you mentioned and even the ones you desire who are more polite – would be shunned as bigots – in fact are shunned as bigots – but then perhaps this is because they took the approach to the subject which you have revealed here (in your role as a “pseudo journalist” – good example of humility there).

  8. HINDU on July 27th, 2009 3:48 am

    YOU [blocked] what i doubted was true. YOU ARE ONE OF THOSE CONVERTING PEOPLE. Was not my comments here http://indianiser.com/bloggin/love-letter-to-a-hatemonger/ true. I would say you are more disgusting than those religious leaders. At least they are standing for the values of our HINDU nation where homosexuality and such WESTERN STUPIDITY is unacceptable, what did you do you pseudo-journalist. India is a land of religion and good culture, if homosexuals now want gay marriages, trust me they will face our ire. We will bring down to ashes the entire gays in India. You and your British supporters must be sent to HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

  9. Rocky on July 27th, 2009 6:21 am

    I totally agree that these religious leaders should have acted on this issue before. Although it is impossible, sometimes your action can change people. Who knows may be it would have like Sam said had an impact on those gays in the conference. I agree that today’s religious leaders talk a lot with less action. They should unite the society and work for its development.

  10. vaidyasami on July 27th, 2009 9:10 am

    macha romba pesranda ivan. He thinks he is some Hindu protector. Mr Hindu, I come from a Brahmin family, considered to be the most respected among Hindus. So considering my family’s rich legacy and its contribution, I have all qualities to judge you. I read the article about you and your comments ‘Love letter to a hatemonger’. I very much praise Sam for understanding Hinduism and the beauty of this religion better than you. Tell me what good do you have to be called an Indian? Sam rightly called you a hatemonger. Go get a life dude!

  11. John Parackal on July 27th, 2009 2:16 pm

    My pastor does not allow me watch movies or any sort of entertainment. What do you think Sam? Should I continue in this church? Its like you said, making potshots at anything secular.

  12. Hindu on July 27th, 2009 3:16 pm

    Really? Brahmin? So should I salute you? what is so great about your legacy why nat u tell us

  13. Sam on July 27th, 2009 4:51 pm

    @IloveIndia – Britain is no more a country to look up. The moral and spiritual decay in that country is so evident how religious reps failed..may be cuz of too much compromising? Sometimes not knowing the meaning of Freedom and its restrictions? Here people with eccentric sexual orientation is just slowly coming out of their coffins..but there the bone of contention now is on gay marriages..gosh imagine the consequences it can have..I am sure India is where spiritual revival is happening..we would send people from here to your country and US where some real enlightening is needed

    @Hindu – My lovely brother hw are u..been so long..by the way no comments on your remarks..

    @Sami – I could not desist defeating my opponent unless I prove I was right and he was wrong..but not anymore..Ive realised that sometimes being mum helps..especially you have to ignore remarks by Jingoists.

    @John – What church do you go? These days pastors dont make such comments and I would not be surprised if you heard this in a pentecostal or cpm church..

    By the way..guess your pastor has never enjoyed good movies…Take him to IceAge3..its a good one..he might like it..

    SAM

  14. vaidyasami on July 28th, 2009 11:16 am

    I do not have to prove my family’s legacy to a loser like you. But for records, my family is part of the Meenakshi Sundreswarar temple establishment. Whatsoever, at least Sam will have scores of people like me to support him but a loser like you will only have losers. People like you is what spoils the name of Hindus and Hinduism. You represent no community.

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