Thanks for the reference! Much appreciated.

My hope is that no-one goes to hell! Certainly not for the sake of religion (or lack thereof)!

Just to mention that your belief that there is no God worth believing in is as elitist as my contention that there is a God worth believing in. Both positions are founded upon what each of us believes to be both sensible and true - mine is founded upon a belief in God, yours is founded upon something equally valid for you (whether that be human achievement, self actualisation, belief in the lack of belief… etc.) These positions are not mutually exclusive however. They only become elitist when we use them to alienate others, or degrade their perspective. Contrary to that is the possibility of diversity and respect, which allows for us to hold this difference in tension and not in opposition.

Let’s not get pushed into our corners of conviction and forget that each of us has a right to hold, or not hold, each other’s ‘religious convictions’.

My problem is not with Gareth Cliff’s religious conviction (or his perceived lack thereof), rather it is with the manner in which he dismissed someone from his position of prominence and standing in the community.

Contrary to popular belief race was not the primary cause of abuse in Southern Africa - rather it was the application of power without restraint. Race was the differentiating factor - in fact if you read Steve Biko’s marvelous book ‘I write what I like’ you will see that he acknowledges and celebrates the richness of diversity that is to be found in difference. Difference does not automatically lead to perspectives of superiority. Rather, such outomes are as a result of choices and actions to oppress and silence others.

Sadly, religion has been the cause of a great deal of abuse in similar respects (whether it be formalised religions such as Islam or Christianity, or whether it be the secular ‘religious ideologies’ of Capitalism, consumerism, or a myriad of other facts that form and motivate peoples choices and actons).

My own position is that no belief or value system should have the right to oppress any other.

In spite of my disagreement with your perspective I appreciate your comments and insights.

Regards,

Dion