Homophobia or Bigotry

Some of the definitions given for ‘homophobia’ in various dictionaries are: “an extreme and irrational aversion to homosexuality and homosexual people”, “unreasoning fear of or antipathy toward homosexuals and homosexuality”, and “intense hatred or fear of homosexuals or homosexuality”. Today this is, in many instances, not the way that the word is actually used.

Giant Kingfisher Visits

Giant Kingfisher

Yesterday I again got to see the most amazing bird life right here in the confines of my own garden at home. I would never ever have expected to see this Giant Kingfisher. I spotted it while sitting in my bed, looking out into the garden in the afternoon. It was such an amazing bird - a female, I think, based on the colours.

Why Pope Francis Gave Up Papal Apartment

Domus Sanctae Marthae seen from the dome of St. Peter's Basilica

Photo: Wikipedia

Pope Francis continues to do the unexpected and it seems that this is helping to increase his popularity with the press no end. He did the unexpected again on his flight home from World Youth Day when he answered questions from the press for about 80 minutes.

Transcript: Pope Francis WYD Press Conference

Pope Francis Disembarks in Rome after WYD 2013
Photo: National Catholic Register

Zenit has produced an English transcript of the press conference that Pope Francis gave on the flight home from World Youth Day. I wish someone would post a video of the entire press conference with English sub-titles. Anyway I suppose one has to be grateful for the transcript.

God In The Beauty of His Creation

South Africa is such a beautiful country. One of the blessings of having been disabled has been the ability to take a moment to smell the roses. To become aware of all those normal everyday things that I simply was oblivious of when I was working and complying with the demands of work and the desire to climb the corporate ladder.

Be Cautious Of Pope Francis Media Reports

Pope Francis

Yesterday I wrote about the many articles that have been written about Pope Francis’ remarks on ‘gays’ during his flight home after World Youth Day. I have come across articles ranging from impending changes in the Church policy on homosexual priests, right through to possible changes to the Church’s teaching on homosexuality.

Gays: What The Pope Said

Photo from WSJ entitled 'Pope Signals Openness To Gay Priests'
This is example of publication that got it wrong.

There has been much written about Pope Francis’ remarks to journalists about ‘gays’ on his flight home from World Youth Day. Yet, as seems to be the norm with modern journalists, they have by and large completely twisted what it is that the Pope actually said, or they have just created their own narrative using a few words spoken by the Pope.

Is Tutu Wrong About Homophobia?

Desmond Tutu Would Prefer Hell Over Homophobic Heaven
Photo: Huffington Post

Last week Desmond Tutu, in true Desmond Tutu style, sparked debate when he, according to various news sources such as the Huffington Post, said: “I would not worship a God who is homophobic and that is how deeply I feel about this.” He is also reported to have said: “I would refuse to go to a homophobic heaven. No, I would say sorry, I mean I would much rather go to the other place.”

Pope Should Consider Security Risk

Crowds Surge Around Pope Francis' Car
Photo: Miami Herald

Yesterday I watched the Popes motorcade traveling through Rio de Janeiro on the first day of his arrival for World Youth Day 2013. What was concerning to me was the images of crowds of people breaking through barriers and crowding around the Pope's car.

God, Love, Life and Sex - SA Bishops' Book

SA Archbishops' Publish New Book
Photo: SACBC

It has dawned on me that the South African Catholic Bishops’ should require every single parish in South Africa to make the bishops’ new book “God, Love, Life and Sex” available for sale at the back of the church.