Religion and Morality - Poles apart.

A bit of a long rant coming up I think but there seems to be an increasing hankering back to the good oul days espoused by a vocal fundamentalist movement both here and abroad.Some conservative commentators analysis of Irelands current social problems is depressingly simplistic;add weekly mass and insist on two parent families and the situation will improve dramatically.

Their asumption that liberals are ducking reality by not explicitly encouraging two parent families is itself a prejudice.

Some such families were severely dysfunctional and violent,something both church and state historically failed to appreciate and acknowledge,leaving many defenceless women and children trapped behind a veneer of conformity .There is scant regard paid to this fact and this has resulted in high rates of alcoholism and suicide not to mention mass emigration from rural areas - not always based on economic factors.But as long as the couple were "married in the eyes of god" and in the "holy roman church" then alcoholism,sexual gratification with children,beatings,mental torture and gratuitous violence were all ignored.

Religious conservatives must realise that religion was only ever an expression of moral sense and NOT ITS FOUNDATION.

The moral sense required to underpin the social eduction of kids should focus on ethics and morality in themselves and not the goddam religious window-dressing.

The conservatives are shrewd enough to the sensitivity of the debate to recognise that authoritarian religion is not the answer.The type which was practised here for decades and duped the gullible masses into believing that organised religion and morality were inextricably linked and effectively one and the same thing.NOT SO.

What we are now witnessing is the catasrophic loss of confidence in the moral codes previously based on religion,primarily because of the complete discrediting of its clergy and their exposure as a club which shields numerous highly dangerous paedophiles and exposed countles children across the world to rape and torture.

Surely respect for others is based upon compassion and this is a human trait and NOT A RELIGIOUS ONE.

Its time that fans of organised religion took their heads out of the sand and faced reality.Their continuing defence of organised religion as the only bullwark against a breakdown of society is doing a grave disservice to all those who have suffered from abuse and does nothing to advance the cause of proper standards of behaviour and respect for people.

If they had as been as quick in confronting the abusers and not condemning those who did not come from 2 parent families perhaps we would not have the bleak situation which is facing society in the present day with increasing crim,lawlessness and thuggery;complete disrespect for others dignity,massive increases in litter control and a huge upsurge in sexual attacks.

yet we are not supposed to talk about these things as the very enforcers of doctrinal and rigid adherance to religion remain detached in luxury surroundings with new cars and attended by domestic servants.They continue to propagate mass going and two parent married families as the answer.

Respect for others can only come from ethics awareness at an early age and a true and certin knowledge that transgressors against other peoples property,personal space or health will be severely dealt with. - and those guilty will not be able to hide behind free legal aid and they "came from a broken home,Judge" baloney.

True morality can only be formed from an early age with the certin knowlege of non-compliance.It should have nothing to do with whether you come from a one or two parent background or whether they went to mass.

Very long post in response to some of our media commentators with their slick new presentation skills and ready access to journalists.

You know who ye are.Lets hope ye read this at least and realise some people will NEVER fall for your religion line.

Thanks.Over and Out.