I must admit that I've given Robert a bit of stick over the last few years over his religious beliefs.
Admittedly they're a bit whacky and may have been the result of breathing in the fumes from those cleaning agents he uses at work. There's no other way to explain it since he had a very similar education at the same school that Richard and I also went to and he completed a degree at Victoria university so the guy's not stupid - just maybe misguided.
Recently though he started up another blog (he continually deletes all his blog posts and occasionally the entire blog and has to start again) titled Life In The Spirit. LIFE IN THE SPIRIT
Now I'm not saying that this isn't wacky and will no doubt dive down into diatribes about god, sin, heaven, hell, Satan and creationism but at present it seems to be on an even keel.
In one post where he recounted going to Confession which is a ridiculous construct purported to be a 'sacrament' he came away feeling elated and happy -
"I was totally forgiven for all my infidelities and that I just had to pray for the success of my current marriage. I did that and joy of joys I feel great."
I'm pleased for him and it underscores my belief that there is a place in the world for religions if they just concentrate on making people feel good instead of preying on their fears and insecurities.
I don't necessarily believe in the Marxist theory that 'Religion is the opiate of the people' - the full quote from Karl Marx translates as:
"Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people"
Nor do I entirely subscribe to John Lennon's view in his song Working Class Hero -
"Keep you doped with religion and sex and TV. And you think you're so clever and classless and free. But you're still fucking peasants as far as I can see. A working class hero is something to be".
I believe in churches and religions being havens for people who are busy, sad, tired, stressed, unwell and needing some affirmation and support. It's no coincidence that the older churches had architecture that aided this. Unfortunately some of the modern constructs are plain, soulless and deeply unsatisfying.
No wonder that Robert liked the photograph Richard took of a Roman church.
