only a matter of time

In light of the calls for the decriminalisation of prostitution ahead of the 2010 World Cup it seemed to me inevitable that a similar call would be made for the decriminalisation of marijuana. Find it here.

Interestingly Thuli Madonsela commentator on this blog is one of the legal consultants.

paying the price

In response to current debate in South Africa, a heartfelt concern for those damaged by, and the comments made about my earlier post titled ‘to legalise or not?’ I will be thinking (and blogging) through what I think could be a holistic Christian approach to the sex industry in South Africa (and hopefully abroad). To whet you appetites (pun not intended!) I leave you with this quote:

“prostitution is survival, not sexual behaviour. The majority of women involved in prostitution do so in order to survive and as a result of previously experienced child sexual abuse, physical and sexual violence, poverty, homelessness, drug dependency and mental health problems.” - Routes Out Annual Report (2002-2003)

The complexity of these issues require rigorous, careful and holistic reflection and thought, this together with my current schedule suggests that this may take longer than I (or my readers would like). For this I apologise in advance.

of hookah's and ethics... follow up

It seems from the hookah and ethics discussion that some people feel that the social benefits of hookah smoking outweigh any health, spiritual or ethical concerns. Most of the argumentation seems to have taken the route that hookah smoking is a 'matter of indifference' to God and is, therefore, not a moral issue per se. Proponents of hookah smoking seem to me quite vociferous, but are in no way the vocal minority. It would seem rather that they represent the liberated majority.

Their arguments are unconvincing...

Arguing from the perceived relational benefits of hookah smoking proponents seem to minimise other (valuable) data. (The notion that 'relationship' is the trump card when making ethical decisions warrants further discussion). I hold too a cynical view of human nature... Hookah smokers do so because they like it, community is one part of liking it, agreed. Community, however, by definition, does not require hookah smoking. I suspect that there are other more persuasive reasons that hookah smokers like to do so.

There are absolutely no health merits to hookah smoking; rather there are only health demerits. Damaging ones health in order to facilitate community, arguably, speaks of a lack of wisdom. Far better ways to facilitate relationship exist. By way of illustration: ask any cancer suffer whether there is a sense camaradery, loyalty and friendship in a chemo ward, they'll answer 'absolutely!' Then ask them whether they think there are better contexts in which to relate...

There is a tradtional saying among black Africans: 'indlela ibuzwa kwaphambili', loosly interpreted this means that 'the way is inquired of those who have gone ahead'. When thinking of one who has gone ahead St Paul comes to mind... You say: 'everything is permissable' I say: 'not everything is beneficial'. (1 Cor 6:12)

free coldplay album: 'right left right left'

Coldplay fans will be delighted to know that they have a free album titled left 'right left right left' available for download. (Yes, free!)



The album is a live recording that will be handed out (as a CD) to all fans attending every remaining Coldplay live show in 2009 (apart from Festival shows). The free download is available until the band play their final 2009 show.

The album is a 10 track live recording . (Tracks are from their recent studio album).

Enjoy!

of hookah's and ethics

There has been a marked increase in the smoking of 'hubbly bubbly' among South Africans. I was recently asked by a friend who works at a Christian school whether I had observed this trend and my thoughts regarding it.

Some initial thoughts include:

I attempt to be as inclusive as possible in my approach to culture. However, careful and cautious thought (and action) is (are) required.

I’m uninformed about the origin and purpose of ‘hubbly’ which should be influential factors as to whether one takes that the stand that the occasional ‘hubbly’ is immoral.

For integrity's sake it worth noting that some of the most popular Christian authors were smokers. That confessed I’m also very aware of the human tendency to 'pet moralities'... Smoking is evil! Chocolate is a blessing! In my mind this emphasises again the importance of rigour and consistency of thought. Neither should be dismissed. Logically it follows then, that something used appropriately constitutes a moral use thereof. Consequently, something used inappropriately (or abused) constitutes an immoral use thereof. (Abuse is here defined in a broad sense and could include the abuse of Christian freedom, of another person, a substance, ones body or the abuse of context).

St Paul argues that everything is permissible but not necessarily beneficial. Elsewhere, that leaders are to be above reproach (In Paul I think a case can be made that 'above reproach' could be defined contextually). Also important for Paul is that we are Spirit led... Which begs the question: Is the Spirit leading us to smoke 'hubbly bubbly', drink alcohol, eat chocolate, or make use of social networking tools like Facebook, etc?

Other Pauline arguments that I think may apply (by extension)
include :

• Your physical body is a temple honour God with it (1 Cor 6).
• Don't cause others to stumble by the abuse of your freedom (Rom 14).
• Food eaten in the presence of demons constitutes demonic worship (1 Cor 8- 10).

I recently read an article that suggests that WHO research indicates a link between 'hubbly' smoking and an increased risk of TB or hepatitis infection. It seems that communal practises may not be all they are cut out to be! ;-)

How would you answer my friend's question?