Stories about Religion from February, 2010
Slovenia: Tribute to Janez Drnovšek
Two years after the death of former Slovenian president Janez Drnovšek, Sleeping With Pengovsky observes that “most of the nation is on the prowl against any sort of deviation from ‘normality’, be this deviation actual or imagined, personal or political”: “President Drnovšek rarely passed judgement. […] But when he spoke,...
Uganda: On the screening of gay porn in church
Has Pastor Martin Ssempa gone too far? Over 300 people were gathered in church last week in Uganda by the controversial anti- gay bill supporter Pastor Ssempa to watch gay porn for back up support for the anti- gay bill.
Haiti: 4.9 Tremor
“When houses are barely standing after an earthquake and a tremor like this comes along more houses crumble and more lives are lost”: Pwoje Espwa blogs about Haiti's latest tremor.
Trinidad & Tobago: Being the PM
This Beach Called Life admonishes his fellow Trinidadians to “leave the Prime Minister alone”.
Haiti: Thoughts on Power
Following an incident in which children were reportedly taken from their legal guardians and placed in a UNICEF camp, Tara at The Livesay [Haiti] Weblog says: “I am so sad to have learned (as a result of the earthquake) that most everything in the world is based on money and...
Singapore: Netizens angry over pastor’s comments on Buddhism and Taoism
A pastor from a small evangelical church in Singapore was forced to apologize after netizens complained about the anti-Buddhism and anti-Taoism sermons of the church leader.
Slovenia: Carnival in Ptuj
Adventures in Wheelville posts pictures and video and writes about the carnival in Ptuj: “The carnival was a good time like a mini Mardi Gras and it gave me hope that at least some people in this country know and want to have a good time.”
Uganda: Pastor show gay porn in church
“A pastor seeking to bolster Uganda’s anti-gay laws which already make homosexuality punishable by life imprisonment screened gay porn in a packed Kampala church Wednesday in a bid to drum up support,” writes Frethought Kampala.
Kenya: Church abuses need to be investigated
Njamba discussses church abuses in Kenya: “The Catholic church in Kenya needs to be Investigated of sexual abuses. I know of Cases in Githunguri Diocese where a priest Impregnated two schools girls.”
Kenya: TV presenter in cult claims controversy
“Nairobi is buzzing with news of a TV news anchor who denounced her family, dumped her fiance and quit her job thanks to a US televangelists who gave orders via mail,” reports Hot Secrets.
My Name is Khan – Cultural Politics in India
A look at the Hindi blog-posts related to the Bollywood film 'My Name Is Khan' reveals an interesting fact - that the reactions to this film have more to do with the cultural politics in India than with the aesthetic value of the film itself.
Burqa Strains Multicultural Australia
Since the proposed bans on the wearing of the burqa in France, the issue has been simmering in the Australian blogosphere. An Australian radio shock-jock, and ex-police officer, drew criticism recently over his opposition to the wearing of the burqa in public.
Morocco: To Valentine or Not to Valentine?
In Morocco, as in many countries, celebrating Valentine's Day has caught on as a modern expression of love. In major cities, storefronts stock candy hearts and teddy bears, but, as blogger Robin du Blog points out, the Moroccan media doesn't always encourage the celebration.
Haiti: Between Grief and Love
Despite the difficulties encountered by Haitians to get back to a normal daily life after the destructive earthquake of January 12th and the ongoing grieving in people's hearts, a place was given to the celebration of Valentine's Day in the blogosphere.
Saudi Arabia: Beware of Flirtation Charges!
Blogger American Bedu wrote about a new trend for flirtation in Saudi Arabia by sharing the PIN of Blackberry devices between boys and girls. She further mentions that the Commission to Promote Virtue and Prevent Vice (Muttawa) are now learning about Blackberry and have been given the authority to apprehend...
Egypt: Valentine's Day Dilemma
Forget about anything you know about the Valentine's Day, as you are going to experience so many contradicting reactions and thoughts regarding this day, after paying the Egyptian blogosphere a visit.
USA: Native Cherokees Fight for Sacred Mound
Cherokee Native Americans in North Carolina are currently fighting the construction of an electrical station they say would impede the spiritual experience at Kituwah, a sacred mound that is cherished as "Mothertown".
Malaysia: Pantyless movement on Valentine’s Day
Some female college students in Malaysia are calling for a “pantyless movement” on Valentine’s Day. The campaign became quite popular through word of mouth and the internet. Religious authorities are not happy with it. Bloggers react.
Pakistan: The Ban On Kyte-flying
Hamza Ahmad Qureshi and Momekh at Lahore Metblogs writes on the 2005 kite-flying ban in Pakistan and discusses the silly reasons cited to justify the ban. In many parts of Pakistan, especially in Lahore, traditionally people used to celebrate the Basant (spring) festival by flying kites.
Haiti: On Orphans
“There are a small handful of beautiful programs working in Haiti to raise orphans to adulthood and teaching them to give back to their country. It takes a lot to pull that off. It takes strong and committed Haitian leadership”: The Livesay [Haiti] Weblog calls for a balanced perspective on...
Trinidad & Tobago: “Dat is Carnival”
MEP Caribbean Publishers explores the question of what constitutes Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, while My Chutney Garden adds: “That the ‘mas’ has become sanitised is beyond dispute.”
