I’m not sure whether it has been raised here but couldn’t see a thread from a quick squiz! It is one of the most controversial topics connected to sport that I can remember. Obviously the issue extends beyond the sporting arena. Look, I think freedom of speech will come at a cost for anyone who dares putting their beliefs out there. I don’t think anyone is suggesting he doesn’t have a right to express his opinions it’s just that many others are also using their freedoms to counteract those beliefs and take action against something they stand for as part of a value system. For many years the LGBTIQ community have been hammered from pillow to post and suffered under the system of freedom of speech and consequently ostracized. Now they’re getting some runs on the board and have broad community support the tide has turned. The perpetrators of negativity against gays and lesbians are now strangely claiming that freedom of speech is in danger! I don’t think it is in danger I just think our values and peoples attitudes have changed dramatically on the issue. The Christian stance on issue is whole different kettle of fish and find that Christianity has never been a representation of Christ but a representation of the need to control peoples lives! Christ was about freedom and the devil is about control “apparently”. So on 2 fronts this issue for Folau and his proponents is one that has them wedged between a rock and a hard place. I think Rugby Australia has done the right thing and must reflect their values and values of the community, which isn’t dictated to by anyone of the thousands of religious who would love to control all aspects of our lives! If anyone can reason around why Folau should have our support, which and/or reflects something more sinister I’m all ears!
Folau is being used as a pawn by his church and a scapegoat by his employers... I don't side with him or the church or RA... But I am interested in the courts decision...
I agree about the actions of Rugby Australia. Nothing more needs to be said on that area. BUT I don’t agree that freedom of speech should come at a cost. Just looking at the Folau case, he is battling persecution from Rugby Australia for his persecution of others… Sounds rather ridiculous especially considering the Christianity preachers tolerance and not to persecute one has to wonder. If you start pointing the finger at people and persecuting them, then I suggest it is wrong on many levels not just freedom to persecute people. Really, just an opinion. But I am just putting my opinion forward in support of your comment…
Who cares (for now) about the Court's decision? You are right..Folau is a devotee of his Parent's fundamantalist Church. He is looking to use this issue to enhance their and his gravitas. The bloke is a wanker, who can play football. /End. And you Billy are one of BO's numpties. You have no idea what the subtext is. Because she invited you there...you nod to her.
He’s desperately trying to prove to the Almighty he’s worthy of entry into heaven. Maybe he’s in for a shock on the great day as are so many fundamentalists.
I find Christian dogma fascinatingly contradictory on many levels. The fundamentals of Christianity is spreading peace and love but these guys are doing all but! Hippies display the qualities of Christian fundamentals better than christians themselves lol!
An issue we aren’t facing is when and why did sports celebrities need to become saints? As far as I’m concerned unless a player enhances, for instance, their game by use of drugs such as cocaine what they do while off the field is their business. The media in a sense are to blame for this wanting to stick their noses into players activities off the field. The tired old notion of ‘moral examples’, ‘role models’ etc for youth only applies if and when the do media stick their noses into sports ‘heroes’ private lives. ‘ On the other hand if a contract is signed and the conditions not abided by, what does the signatory expect? If we shone a light into the behind the scenes behaviour of sports club management in relation to gambling and using club doctors skills at drug manipulation to influence game outcomes Folau’s nasty poofta hatred would pale into comparison. Maybe though his real vocation is in the pulpit droning on about ancient religious prohibitions without any understanding of the deeper theological issues which I doubt he’d begin to have in inkling of ? https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-05...s-offensive-folau-social-media-posts/11084900
Not sure I live up to your picture but as a geriatric hippie it warms my heart to know anyone even remembers us and what we stood for.
"Stood for." Not much, really. It was a hooch driven nothing. Nice.......musical........naked........but nothing. It converted into no mainstream political thinking.
So, the ecology movement, the flood of eastern mysticism, organic food production in the west and (for instance) Joni Mitchell’s influence on music amongst others never happened?
Apart from no being attracted to drugs in every other way he was and still is. Don’t let the suits he wore in Canberra fool you. By the way, he was my neighbour for a few decades here in Nth Tasmania so I have some insight into the man.
There is a highway to hell but only a stairway to heaven, an indication of the volume of traffic in each direction.
According to the author of those lyrics (forgotten his name) the stairway to heaven was LSD. For some it was hell though.
No doubt there is a responsibility to uphold societal values, which are limited to actions that harm others. If a player wants to piss in his own mouth or play act with a dog in his private time for a drunken laugh then all good lol. Probably a bit distasteful but I’m sure many of us are guilty of outlandish acts in our young day for a giggle! These sportspeople for the most part draw the company of so called friends with ulterior motives, like cashing in on a good story that will interest the media. Social media has obviously opened the door wide to everyone’s private lives! Many Christians are sheep and have run with whatever interpretive narrative gives them that sense of holier than though mentality. I don’t want to bang on about Christian dogma here but whatever was and still is being taught about judgement ie, inflammatory comments of condemnation are contradictory to Christian teaching point blank! Folau and his church have questionable values from a societal and biblical stance! At the end of the day he is free to believe and say what he wants but if it is contrary to other peoples values and beliefs they are free to counteract those beliefs! Well that’s what me thinks anyway ; )
All things are permissible but not all things are beneficial! ; ) However that looks is probably not to everyone’s liking...haha.. but hey.....freedom man!
