An odd example of lapsed Catholicism and Good Friday

AhSureTisGrand · 18-04-2011 11:38pm

Good Friday isn't a public holiday so the day off isn't enforced by the State, unlike the alcohol ban. The day off is not an issue of the separation of Church and State, while the ban on the sale of alcohol is.

CiaranMT · 18-04-2011 11:39pm

PyeContinental wrote: »

I'm not sure if people like this can change, but hopefully it's possible for them to experience a "Road to Damascus" event that will change their mental outlook. (I'm going to say I deliberately chose a biblical term for the irony )

The Bible? I thought of this straight away:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVu468tMuGI

dvpower wrote: »

Should atheists try to not enjoy the day off?
Sounds like a catholic idea.

Zing

Galvasean · 18-04-2011 11:47pm

mossyc123 wrote: »

Well it seems strange to me to have a party entitled "F*** the Church" on a day when many would have got the day off precisely because of its religious origins.

The restrictions regarding Good Friday and the sale of alcohol are in the hands of legislators and the Vintners rather then some Bishop in the Vatican sitting on a Gold throne dictating when and where people can buy drink.

If your worried about personal freedom and the right to buy booze on Good Friday call it "F*** the Vintners"

While I agree that your name suggestion probably makes more sense (I didn't name it FWIW), I think the name is used for novelty value above all else.
As a side, we all know very well that the legislators brought the law in as a sort of tribute to the Catholic Church and subsequent governing bodies have been too lazy / apathetic to change it/ Of course the law is rather pointless when you think about it. Good Catholics will refuse to drink alcohol / eat meat whether the law tells them to or not. The rest of us should be free to continue on as normal and leave 'em to it.

Improbable · 18-04-2011 11:54pm

Galvasean wrote: »

While I agree that your name suggestion probably makes more sense (I didn't name it FWIW), I think the name is used for novelty value above all else.
As a side, we all know very well that the legislators brought the law in as a sort of tribute to the Catholic Church and subsequent governing bodies have been too lazy / apathetic to change it/ Of course the law is rather pointless when you think about it. Good Catholics will refuse to drink alcohol / eat meat whether the law tells them to or not. The rest of us should be free to continue on as normal and leave 'em to it.

If religious people didn't force their religion on other people, religion would have died out a long time ago.

c_man · 19-04-2011 9:42am

mossyc123 wrote: »

Quite a lot of people on here espouse a view of completely wiping Christian influence from Irish life.

If you do this then you should follow through, practice what you preach, etc and refuse to take anytime off for Good Friday.

If you really are committed to it and not just an "a la carte Atheist" :pac:

I'll be working this Good Friday. I got it off in the past (no holiday pay or anything though) owing to working in a pub. I have to say I don't know anyone apart from bar workers who get the day off.

sensibleken · 19-04-2011 9:46am

crucifiction parties are great, the queue in the offey on thursday, not so much

Gregor Samsa · 19-04-2011 9:56am

Zillah wrote: »

What's that extra B for?

Biatch!

Delirium · 19-04-2011 9:59am

c_man wrote: »

I'll be working this Good Friday. I got it off in the past (no holiday pay or anything though) owing to working in a pub. I have to say I don't know anyone apart from bar workers who get the day off.

Never had the day off, and none of the companies we deal with have it off either.

bigneacy · 19-04-2011 10:03am

melekalikimaka wrote: »

he took offence, he follows catholicism in the context of good friday. if he is offended by the mocking of the event, he believes in it, its not that hard to grasp or is it???

See, this pisses me off. You can't pick and choose the bits of Catholicism, or any other religion in fact. This is a major thing which a lot of 'religious' people seem to ignore. Religion is not for cherry-picking. You can't be a little bit catholic or deeply religious when it suits you.

I know a guy who wears a St. Anthony Medal, blesses himself passing a church, goes to church at christmas and easter and tells everyone he's Roman Catholic. He's gay, in a relationship with his boyfriend for the past 4 years. They plan to go to the UK soon to "bless their partnership". Now, I have absolutley no problem with his sexuality, its the fact that he declares himself Catholic, yet his entire lifestyle is in contradiction of all Catholic teachings.

If you; use non-natural contraception, eat meat on any friday, eat anything on ash wednesday and good friday, have sex before marriage, don't say prayers daily, especially before meals or don't name your children after a saint you are defying your religions teachings.

I can guarantee you that a huge proportion of "Roman Catholics" under the age of 60 don't pay any heed about these and much more on top of that. Just because you bless yourself going past a church and go once a year at Christmas, it doesn't make you a religious person. And it certainly doesn't give you the right to get offended when somebody non-religious is exercising their own religious freedoms.

Oh. I'm not religious by the way. Census form - "NO RELIGION"

19-04-2011 10:13am

Schools, banks, pubs and off licences will be closed on Friday - anywhere else?

I will be working on Friday - if anyone here wants the day off it comes out of their annual holidays.

I work with a lot of people in England who find it hard to believe Catholic Ireland doesn't have a four day weekend.

Last Good Friday I went to a house warming party - drink was flowing but the older people at the party made the hosts hold off on the nibbles until after midnight. I went in a tux - it was a good night.

seamus · 19-04-2011 10:18am

mossyc123 wrote: »

Can you accept the premise of my point.

It is hypocritical to espouse these views while enjoying the benefits of the day off?

I understand why you would make this point, but unfortunately as pointed out, it's not equivalent. If Good Friday was a bank holiday, you would have a point - Atheists complaining about one state-enforced religious thing (no drinking) while enjoying another (the day off).

But you also have to consider that it's more to do with restrictions. It's a protest because our freedoms are being restricted by the state on the basis of a church holiday. Even a mandatory bank holiday wouldn't be a restriction of freedom, as companies would still be entitled to keep their doors open if they pleased. If it was a mandatory "everything must close or face prosecution" holiday, then I would right up there protesting at the blatant discrimination.

At it stands, I'm not working because my employer makes everyone take a mandatory day's annual leave on Good Friday. This is nothing to do with religion, it's because we're financial services, so as all of the banks are closed on that day, we follow their lead.
Given the option, I would prefer to keep the day's leave and work on Friday, but since I can't, I'll enjoy it. I have the freedom to go to a different employer if I don't like it

MrPudding · 19-04-2011 11:50am

mossyc123 wrote: »

It is hypocritical to espouse these views while enjoying the benefits of the day off?

You seem to be assuming that people have a choice. I am an atheist, an anti-theist and a person that dislikes the monarchy. I will be off on good Friday and the royal wedding. I have no choice in the matter. Given that I have no choice I will most certainly make the most of the forced time off and enjoy myself. So what does that make me?

MrP

TwoShedsJackson · 19-04-2011 12:00pm

Zillah wrote: »

Yeah, that whole pancake day, chocolate egg hunting, and magical bunny stuff are straight from the catechism.

You're turning into a really annoying poster fyi.

The magical bunny stuff is just as believable as the catechism really.

Morgase · 19-04-2011 12:25pm

Remember last year some pubs in Limerick were open because of a big rugby match?

I wonder if this year pubs elsewhere have put in an application ahead of time to open up on Good Friday. Anybody hear anything about it? It would surely make good business sense.

strobe · 19-04-2011 12:32pm

I'm self employed but will be taking a half day so as to better enjoy 'National House Party Day'.

CerebralCortex · 19-04-2011 12:40pm

Morgase wrote: »

Remember last year some pubs in Limerick were open because of a big rugby match?

I wonder if this year pubs elsewhere have put in an application ahead of time to open up on Good Friday. Anybody hear anything about it? It would surely make good business sense.

I remember that. I went to the local and had a drink... ...as a simbil

nickcave · 19-04-2011 1:10pm

mossyc123 wrote: »

If you do this then you should follow through, practice what you preach, etc and refuse to take anytime off for Good Friday.

If you really are committed to it and not just an "a la carte Atheist" :pac:

Well I don't agree with this. I think there's a lot of room for somebody to embrace tradition, even those which were brought about by religion, and still hold no regard for religious teaching. I find about separating religion as an institution from the supposed truth of religious content. I mean, I don't think you'll find many people who deny that religion exists even if there are many who think that the content is nonsense. They're not the same thing. And as a humanist I have no problem with people taking part in religion so long as indoctrination of kids is halted.

So this coming Friday will be a public holiday, which I intend to enjoy.

By the way, I'm having a BYOB BBQ too, except mine's called the "The Inaugural Piss Christ got Hammered Party".

bigneacy wrote: »

See, this pisses me off. You can't pick and choose the bits of Catholicism, or any other religion in fact. This is a major thing which a lot of 'religious' people seem to ignore. Religion is not for cherry-picking. You can't be a little bit catholic or deeply religious when it suits you.

Yeah, you basically can... I guess it wouldn't make you a textbook Catholic but each to their own I say.

mikhail · 19-04-2011 1:26pm

nickcave wrote: »

So this coming Friday will be a public holiday, which I intend to enjoy.

No, it won't.

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/employment/employment_rights_and_conditions/leave_and_holidays/public_holidays_in_ireland.html

nickcave · 19-04-2011 1:39pm

mikhail wrote: »

No, it won't.

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/employment/employment_rights_and_conditions/leave_and_holidays/public_holidays_in_ireland.html

Ah, common mistake I'll bet. Well it's a holiday for me anyway...

Galvasean · 19-04-2011 1:43pm

So other than banks, pubs and offos who else is off?
Schools are off but they've been off all week (first of two) for Easter so would have been off anyhow (Good Friday is part of the whole Easter thing for the pedantic among us).

MissFlitworth · 19-04-2011 1:55pm

mossyc123 wrote: »

I suppose you can't speak for everyone at the party but I'd wager a good portion of them will probably get to enjoy a paid day off that doesn't come out of holiday entitlements.

My office is locked up on Good Friday, I've no choice but to take the day off. How do I not be a hypocrite in this situation in your mind? Put in the window of my office and break into the building to work? Or maybe I could sit on a hard chair at home in my work clothes from 9-5 just just to make sure I don't enjoy my un-asked for day off so much. I would much rather be able to keep it to use at another time

Zombrex · 19-04-2011 2:05pm

mossyc123 wrote: »

It is hypocritical to espouse these views while enjoying the benefits of the day off?

Only if you think the thing atheists object to about religion is holidays from work.

Needless to say, that isn't it.

This is just more nonsense about Christianity inventing EVERYTHING. They apparently invented days off work now. :rolleyes:

robindch · 19-04-2011 2:38pm

Wicknight wrote: »

This is just more nonsense about Christianity inventing EVERYTHING.

...waits for Jakkass to point out that if god is omniponent (as christians believe), then it's quite reasonable to think that christianity did invent everything...

liamw · 19-04-2011 2:45pm

robindch wrote: »

...waits for Jakkass to point out that if god is omniponent (as christians believe), then it's quite reasonable to think that christianity did invent everything...

It's a fair point. If the Flying Spagetti Monster did exist and is omnipotent (as Pastafarianists believe), then it is quite reasonable to think that the FSM did invent everything...

JimiTime · 19-04-2011 2:47pm

Wicknight wrote: »

Only if you think the thing atheists object to about religion is holidays from work.

Needless to say, that isn't it.

This is just more nonsense about Christianity inventing EVERYTHING. They apparently invented days off work now. :rolleyes:

one could deduce that God was behind breaking up work for at least one day a week. Sabbath?

robindch · 19-04-2011 3:18pm

JimiTime wrote: »

Sabbath?

Make you wonder why christians don't do their religious stuff on a saturday then, eh?

Dades · 19-04-2011 3:27pm

Galvasean wrote: »

So other than banks, pubs and offos who else is off?

The Dublin office of our tech company are off. Possibly to compensate for the London office being off for the royal wedding.

rainbow kirby · 19-04-2011 4:09pm

Galvasean wrote: »

So other than banks, pubs and offos who else is off?

Me - Dublin city centre software company. French company, so no royal wedding to compensate for!

GO_Bear · 19-04-2011 5:30pm

Every single "holy" Thursday or what ever you call it,

You would swear its freaking y2k when you peak your head into the offie

mossyc123 · 20-04-2011 5:38pm

Pygmalion wrote: »

A day off is a day off.
People here don't enjoy it because of its religious connections, they just take any excuse to have a free holiday (and not everywhere gives it).

If we had our way I'm sure we wouldn't eliminate it (I wouldn't anyway), because it's an excuse to not work.

If, hypothetically, we moved it to the week beforehand, which AFAIK has no major religious connections, would you have a problem with us enjoying it then, or are we allowed to enjoy days off if they don't happen to fall on religious events?

MrPudding wrote: »

You seem to be assuming that people have a choice. I am an atheist, an anti-theist and a person that dislikes the monarchy. I will be off on good Friday and the royal wedding. I have no choice in the matter. Given that I have no choice I will most certainly make the most of the forced time off and enjoy myself. So what does that make me?
MrP

MissFlitworth wrote: »

My office is locked up on Good Friday, I've no choice but to take the day off. How do I not be a hypocrite in this situation in your mind? Put in the window of my office and break into the building to work? Or maybe I could sit on a hard chair at home in my work clothes from 9-5 just just to make sure I don't enjoy my un-asked for day off so much. I would much rather be able to keep it to use at another time

dvpower wrote: »

Should atheists try to not enjoy the day off?
Sounds like a catholic idea.

I never suggested people shouldn't enjoy it.

I have it off myself and would love a few drinks but have study to do.

Enjoying the day off while at the same time saying "F*** the Church"...
That shows a lack of maturity and a serious lack of understanding about why the pubs are closed that day.

It was a Church decision originally, now its the Vinters/Legislators who decide.

bigneacy wrote: »

See, this pisses me off. You can't pick and choose the bits of Catholicism, or any other religion in fact. This is a major thing which a lot of 'religious' people seem to ignore. Religion is not for cherry-picking. You can't be a little bit catholic or deeply religious when it suits you.

I know a guy who wears a St. Anthony Medal, blesses himself passing a church, goes to church at christmas and easter and tells everyone he's Roman Catholic. He's gay, in a relationship with his boyfriend for the past 4 years. They plan to go to the UK soon to "bless their partnership". Now, I have absolutley no problem with his sexuality, its the fact that he declares himself Catholic, yet his entire lifestyle is in contradiction of all Catholic teachings.

If you; use non-natural contraception, eat meat on any friday, eat anything on ash wednesday and good friday, have sex before marriage, don't say prayers daily, especially before meals or don't name your children after a saint you are defying your religions teachings.

I can guarantee you that a huge proportion of "Roman Catholics" under the age of 60 don't pay any heed about these and much more on top of that. Just because you bless yourself going past a church and go once a year at Christmas, it doesn't make you a religious person. And it certainly doesn't give you the right to get offended when somebody non-religious is exercising their own religious freedoms.

Oh. I'm not religious by the way. Census form - "NO RELIGION"

People can choose to be as committed or as casual about religious practice as they want.

Its not all or nothing.

Similiarly they can choose to offended by something clearly disrespectful.

In fairness a "F*** the Church" party on Good Friday of all days is about as offensive as you can get.

In my experience, the vast majority of Irish people are "a la carte" Catholics. They mightn't even go to mass at Christmas but they'll still identify themselves as Catholic and get Married in a Church.

mossyc123 · 20-04-2011 5:44pm

Wicknight wrote: »

Only if you think the thing atheists object to about religion is holidays from work.

Needless to say, that isn't it.

This is just more nonsense about Christianity inventing EVERYTHING. They apparently invented days off work now. :rolleyes:

So you object to the percieved persecutions (Catholic Schools, the Angelus, etc) but not the benefits (Christian holidays)

Shows a weakness in the committed Anti-Theist.

Not a good way to go about achieving the glorious wiping Religion from every aspect of Irish life you all crave

5uspect · 20-04-2011 5:49pm

mossyc123 wrote: »

People can choose to be as committed or as casual about religious practice as they want.

Its not all or nothing.

Yes, it is. You can't half go to heaven. You can he half saved. Either you suck up to god or he screws you.

Similiarly they can choose to offended by something clearly disrespectful.

They can be offended all they want. Doesn't change anything.

In fairness a "F*** the Church" party on Good Friday of all days is about as offensive as you can get.

Really? I could do a lot better TBH. This is the internet after all...
**** the child raping Catholic Church who worships a god who ****ed his own mother.

In my experience, the vast majority of Irish people are "a la carte" Catholics. They mightn't even go to mass at Christmas but they'll still identify themselves as Catholic and get Married in a Church.

And Jesus is going to send them to hell for all their sins because he loves them.

swampgas · 20-04-2011 5:55pm

Galvasean wrote: »

[...]
Anyhoo, he invited a bunch of mates. Most of us are going (one is coming down immediately after singing at the 5 o' clock mass :pac:). However, one friend has taken exception to the event, stating that the very notion is 'offensive to his religion'. [...] I mean, here is a guy who beds a different woman every week (using contraception one would assume) and hasn't been to mass since his confirmation (mid 20s now, so over a decade), but here he is inexplicably taking the moral high ground....

Makes sense to me, from my own (long) past life as a Catholic believer. It's one thing to ignore all the bits you don't really agree with - after all, a bit of shagging is just a bit of fun, right? - but going along to a "F*ck the Catholic Church" party is like walking up to God and giving him the finger.

Anyone who believes - or just suspects - that God is out there, is going to get nervous about God sitting up and taking notice.

There are a lot of lapsed Catholics / practising atheists out there who would think twice about burning a crucifix.

5uspect · 20-04-2011 5:59pm

It's almost like pissing off your parents as a kid. Sure you'll go out drinking until the small hours but you're never shout obscenities at their faces.

mossyc123 · 20-04-2011 6:00pm

5uspect wrote: »

Yes, it is. You can't half go to heaven. You can he half saved. Either you suck up to god or he screws you.

And Jesus is going to send them to hell for all their sins because he loves them.

Whoa there!

You seem to be confusing the Catholic Church with a fire 'n brimestone southern preacher.

I have never heard the hell and damnation lark mentioned in any mass i've ever attended.

They can be offended all they want. Doesn't change anything.

Neither does your rambling post

Really? I could do a lot better TBH. This is the internet after all...
**** the child raping Catholic Church who worships a god who ****ed his own mother.

And your the Internet hardman.

Ps, It's worship, no past tense "s" :pac:

Stercus Accidit · 20-04-2011 6:03pm

swampgas wrote: »

Makes sense to me, from my own (long) past life as a Catholic believer. It's one thing to ignore all the bits you don't really agree with - after all, a bit of shagging is just a bit of fun, right? - but going along to a "F*ck the Catholic Church" party is like walking up to God and giving him the finger.

Anyone who believes - or just suspects - that God is out there, is going to get nervous about God sitting up and taking notice.

There are a lot of lapsed Catholics / practising atheists out there who would think twice about burning a crucifix.

Doesn't take much practice, I'm a practicing non-astronaut also, equally easy.

Stercus Accidit · 20-04-2011 6:09pm

mossyc123 wrote: »

And your the Internet hardman.

Ps, It's worship, no past tense "s" :pac:

You mean you're surely? Don't quit the day job.

Galvasean · 20-04-2011 6:09pm

Bumped into the mother of the guy I was talking about in the OP today. she tells me he's looking forward to the big party on Friday

Delirium · 20-04-2011 6:10pm

mossyc123 wrote: »

Ps, It's worship, no past tense "s" :pac:

worships is 3rd person present, he/she/it worships

Galvasean · 20-04-2011 6:11pm

mossyc123 wrote: »

In fairness a "F*** the Church" party on Good Friday of all days is about as offensive as you can get.

It's only offensive if you want it to be.
Dressing up as Judas while screwing another dude dressed as Jesus from behind... now that would be a step too far IMO.

mossyc123 · 20-04-2011 6:14pm

Stercus Accidit wrote: »

You mean you're surely? Don't quit the day job.

koth wrote: »

worships is 3rd person present, he/she/it worships

5uspect · 20-04-2011 6:19pm

mossyc123 wrote: »

Whoa there!

You seem to be confusing the Catholic Church with a fire 'n brimestone southern preacher.

No not at all.
You can chose to be an kind of Christian you want. You can join any Christian church from the most woolly to the most Bible beating insane.
However if you want to be a Catholic you have to live your life exactly according to Catholic dogma.

I have never heard the hell and damnation lark mentioned in any mass i've ever attended.

What's the purpose of Confession then? They've got a more postmodern interpretation of hell nowadays that defines it as eternal separation from God.
But hell is a very much a part of Catholic dogma:
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07207a.htm

Neither does your rambling post

And your the Internet hardman.

Ps, It's worship, no past tense "s" :pac:

So your response is just personal abuse then?
Classic lapsed Catholic behaviour TBH.

5uspect · 20-04-2011 6:25pm

Galvasean wrote: »

Bumped into the mother of the guy I was talking about in the OP today. she tells me he's looking forward to the big party on Friday

Galvasean wrote: »

It's only offensive if you want it to be.
Dressing up as Judas while screwing another dude dressed as Jesus from behind... now that would be a step too far IMO.

Sounds like you've got an interesting experiment to do at this party.

darjeeling · 20-04-2011 6:25pm

Are there any stats on how much drink is sold in the run-up to Good Friday? I've often witnessed scenes of near panic buying, and I wonder if the drinks industry is keener than anyone to keep the whole thing going.

mossyc123 · 20-04-2011 6:29pm

5uspect wrote: »

No not at all.
You can chose to be an kind of Christian you want. You can join any Christian church from the most woolly to the most Bible beating insane.
However if you want to be a Catholic you have to live your life exactly according to Catholic dogma.

Not in my experience.

They don't lock the doors if you don't agree with all teachings.

So your response is just personal abuse then?
Classic lapsed Catholic behaviour TBH.

Personal abuse?!

I called your post rambling, which it was.

Nothing personal.

Your posting "F*** the child raping Church"... Internet hardman language in my book.

MyKeyG · 20-04-2011 6:29pm

darjeeling wrote: »

Are there any stats on how much drink is sold in the run-up to Good Friday? I've often witnessed scenes of near panic buying, and I wonder if the drinks industry is keener than anyone to keep the whole thing going.

Very good point. I bet it serves the vintners and tax grabbing government better to have people buying more than they need just in case they run out of booze on GFriday.

Galvasean · 20-04-2011 6:35pm

Last good friday my fridge broke making my beer warm and the meat would have went wonky (fortunately we ate it all before it went bad).
Maybe there is something to this whole Catholicism thing?

5uspect · 20-04-2011 6:45pm

mossyc123 wrote: »

Not in my experience.

They don't lock the doors if you don't agree with all teachings.

They do if you make you voice heard or do something they don't like:
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1883598,00.html
And there are plenty more examples.

Of course nobody discusses their condom use during Mass so your point is moot.

Personal abuse?!

I called your post rambling, which it was.

Nothing personal.

Your posting "F*** the child raping Church"... Internet hardman language in my book.

Do you know what an ad hominem is?

AhSureTisGrand · 20-04-2011 7:23pm

mossyc123 wrote: »

I have never heard the hell and damnation lark mentioned in any mass i've ever attended

This is because the true Gospel is not preached at most Mass services, but rather we receive watered-down, wishy-washy, liberal stuff that was introduced by hippy priests and dissident theologians in the 1960s who have made the Church a rotten institution (although I should add that the Church itself is perfect as the bride of Christ. Rather, it is the members who are rotten).

PeterIanStaker · 20-04-2011 7:47pm

Galvasean wrote: »

It's only offensive if you want it to be.
Dressing up as Judas while screwing another dude dressed as Jesus from behind... now that would be a step too far IMO.

Nailing Jesus . . . . lol

I hope David Quinn reads this.

An odd example of lapsed Catholicism and Good Friday

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