Archive for the ‘fcg’ Category

It’s a dirty job, but someone’s got to do it:

(Thanks to Kevin for the video edit)

As it happens, our cameraman/clergyman has since been investigated by the police for an unrelated act of terrorism, as reported in City AM:

This is a talk I gave at Canterbury University in December 2012, about ayahuasca and the cultures that use it, focusing on Santo Daime.

Part 1 introduces ayahausca.

Listen to part 2

Why would King James, famous for his anti-democratic machinations, his shameless financial extravagance and his costly military misadventure, want the following in the Bible?:

“The meek shall inherit the earth”

This is spin that would make Peter Mandelson blush. “Inherit” implies a delay, even a patient wait for something to pass naturally. Strong’s definitive biblical dictionary, however, also translates yarash as “occupy”, and the primary three meanings listed are seize, dispossess, and take possession of. “Meek” is equally misleading. The Hebrew anav is used to describe Moses (not mouses), but Moses was badass, the ruthless and relentless commander of the original desert storm. Anav usually means “poor” or “needy”, humble before the Lord, perhaps, but mighty amongst men. Given that eretz, “the earth”, was a more local concept in the ancient world, and is translated as “land” twice as often as “earth”, the line can be turned upside down:

“And the poor shall occupy the land”

Read the rest of this entry »

This talk, given at the Anarchist Studies Network Conference at Loughborough Uni, considers how The Bible was censored, through dishonest translation, to make believers into pushovers.

Examples include:

“The meek shall inherit the earth”
“Ye resist not evil”
“Turn the other cheek”

The effect of the KJV on the Western mindset is impossible to overstate.

My thanks to all the delegates and organisers, Marxists, Post-structuralists and ghouls who made the event so fantastic, and contributed to lively debates both in the sessions, and in the pub afterwards, seeking liquid solidarity.

Jesus Saves! (Buddha Recycles)

From Martin Luther to Martin Luther King, Archbishop Tutu and the liberation theologists, the Holy Spirit flows fast in activist veins.

The protest of the Protestants began as a leafleting campaign attacking the Vatican think-tank at the centre of a transnational extortion racket, dictating how rulers and ruled should conduct their affairs. Today we have the IMF and the Fiscal Gospel, and a new Inquisition to guard our souls from economic heresy, but the missionary may not rest. My mission lead me to Buddhafield Festival, with faith in my wellies to keep out the mud, and in the Holy Name of Yaweh to keep me from heresy. Thus I came unto the Buddhists, and the mud was deep indeed.

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Another few hours well spent… tomorrow I topple the state.

Mercury, Kitsune, Odin and Exu,

Yexua, Hermes, Coyote and Thoth

Two-timing tricksters, heaven-bound messengers

Make me a message and fire it off.

Papapa Legba and Puck of Arcadia

Slipping and sliding between man and god,

Bring me fine fortune and sweet synchronicity

Speed of quicksilver, glory of Hod.

More naughtiness

Twas not at Southwark’s famous Tabard

But at St Paul’s where pilgrims gathered,

Where some months ere, no Christian pity,

Could save ye twine-tied tented city.

No holy sanctuary was given,

Ye chapter did well as t’was bidden

For though St Paul’s dost boast a cross

Ye corporation’s almighty boss.

So there began, at winter’s close

As t’ward ye steps was turned a hose

A quest to find another way

To cry for peace another day.

At length was hit upon a plan

To form a motley caravan

A penitent walk for thirteen days

Following ye pilgrim ways.

And if ye clergy saw it right

To clear ye steps on fated night,

Pardon ye bailiff, constabulary

We alight now for Canterbury.

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MASSIVE DIRECT ACTION BRINGS CAPITAL TO A STANDSTILL

In the biggest act of civil disobedience since the poll tax riots, up to a million activists took to the streets yesterday, Sunday June 3rd. Bridges along the length of the Thames were blocked in a co-ordinated operation to split the capital in half, as the red, white and blue bloc swarmed through the streets, waving placards and shouting slogans. Traffic and commerce was disrupted, whilst a thousand boats set off from Battersea Bridge, broadcasting their seditious message to the terrorised residents of London.

That message was simple: continuing mismanagement by government officials is unacceptable. The ballot box has been superseded by corporate interests. In the absence of a genuine, functioning democracy reflecting the will of the people, executive power should be concentrated in a hands of a single patrilineal ruler.

Allegations have been made that the metropolitan police were complicit in the disturbances, not only turning a blind eye but actively assisting the blocs moving around the city. An estimated 100,000 flags were printed with the symbol of the movement, and shopkeepers displayed the colourful 8-rayed cross prominently in the commercial zones of the city.

Protesters vow to repeat the actions on the same date every ten years until their demands are met.

Nev. Remu

All stand please, and we rose to the occasion, unlikely looking collars chafing, ladies in neat stings of pearls. All, that is, except “Mr., ah, A. N. Onymous”:

“In addition to insisting on wearing a pillowcase and goggles,” continued the judge, “he is self-diagnosed elective deaf and mute… Even if admitted to the court, he could not engage in court process, because he would neither hear, nor would he speak.”

The campers remaining at Finsbury Square, seven months after it had been occupied by members of OLXS, are facing eviction. Finsbury Square has been contentious ever since the St Paul’s site and the Bank of Ideas were evicted, when this calm eco-village received a large influx of occupiers. As well being up all night resisting the police and losing their makeshift communities, many were homeless and brought their issues with them. Amidst the idealism and a genuine commitment to welfare were issues with substance abuse and alcoholism, long term marginalization and vulnerability. This was never going to be easy. Read the rest of this entry »