SHAME ON YOU PASTOR TERRY JONES

Good afternoon!

Let me first begin by apologizing for my lack of input in the blogsphere. The last week has been really hectic for me, with dozens of assignments to hand in along with revising for my end of semester exams. The Internet connection too wasn't on my side.

As i browsed through websites to get in touch with the outside world, i came across what i must say is a sickening article. I have nothing against the reporter, but everything against event being covered.

"Church plans Quran-burning event" by Lauren Russell, posted on the 31st of July, 2010 on CNN.

The article revolves around the portrayal of "Islam is of the devil". In this article, i picked up two unspeakable quotes by Pastor Terry Jones.

"We believe that Islam is of the devil, that it's causing billions of people to go to hell, it is a deceptive religion, it is a violent religion and that is proven many, many times."

"I mean ask yourself, have you ever really seen a really happy Muslim? As they're on the way to Mecca? As they gather together in the mosque on the floor? Does it look like a real religion of joy?"

What is even more disappointing is that it comes from a Pastor of a Church- a title depicted by in-depth knowledge on religion, humble, peaceful and righteous individual.

The comments he made about Islam as a religion are shocking and offending to all Muslims. The naivety and ignorance of the Pastor is highlighted, along with his total disrespect to a religion followed by millions of poeple.

The core of this issue is tied down to the September 11 attacks on America. Even since, Islam as a religion has been scrutinized by many.

Why are we being singled out as terrorists? Why then are Muslims subjected to thorough investigations upon an act of terrorism being carried out?

Let me draw some similarities between Christianity and Islam.

They both have Religious scripts that are followed by millions of believers.

Just like Christianity, Islam has also split into sects depending on different beliefs and interpretations of their respective Scripts.

Both religions are connected together through the time of one Prophet, Jesus as the Christians call him. However, their beliefs split when the Muslims believed that the man on the cross wasn't the prophet, and that he had ascended to the Heavens, where as Christians believed that indeed Jesus was crucified.

Both religions have their do's and don'ts.

These few yet significant similarities suggests that both religions come from one religion a long time ago, before their beliefs split.

There is no right or wrong religion-everyone is entitled to their own beliefs. We must also respect each other irrespective of their beliefs, and must not undermine each other as we dive into discussions pertaining to segregation rather than integration.

Just because some Muslims have been involved in crimes, that does not give society the right to criticize his religious beliefs, branding it "devil". Some people have different interpretations of their Holy scripts. It comes down to the Religious books and how an individual interprets it. Criticizing the interpretation, though hurtful, is much better than criticizing the Religious book and its history.

Freedom of worship is highly recommended, and can be augmented by withdrawing from hate-speech against religions.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my disappointment in the Pastor for his comments, as well as his disrespectful act of holding such an event. Muslims and Christians too are deeply disappointed at the act of ignorance portrayed.

Upon finishing part of my weekend work on campus, i decided to brush through the newspaper.

Voting on the proposed draft constitution is around the corner, and as expected, it hogged the content of the paper. I could not help but reflect on how the media has stirred up alot of interest on this issue. True, it is a serious issue that concerns all Kenyans, but does it really deserve all the media attention it gets?

I for one feel that though 4th August will be the day many Kenyans have been dreaming of. However, i stand against the use of media in educating the population on this topic. We are well aware that the media is run by the group of elite, however this doesn't give them the right to use the media to paint their view of reality.

Everyday i go through the newspaper, watch telly or listen to the local radio stations, there is always some advert on the draft constitution. I feel that the power of media has been abused so as to cater for the personal needs of the big shots. The media has begun setting agendas, and not for the right reasons.

Ads on telly, radio and the papers either support or reject the draft constitution, and base it on two aspects; portraying either the negative side of the opposition, or highlighting the positive side of their stand on this contentious issue.

The media highlights these differences mainly to the advantage of the elite, who abuse media by using it as a tool for propaganda. They intelligently frame it so that in co-operates the interest of the people in order to rally support for their hidden motives.

If only there was a media house that would call a spade a spade and kick out the charade that has found its way into making such an important decision. Media houses should emerge truly as the servant to the masses and clearly state the pros and cons of the new constitution. Media ownership is the main reason for such adverts, but that discussion is for another day.

Your views are highly appreciated.

END OF THE WEEK BREAK- PPPSH!

So, its the end of the week again. After a hectic week in which i spent close to 37 hours on campus, it has come to an end!

I should be glad right? Wrong! The weekend is just an excuse for relaxation when i won't have time for that. To inc-operate into my weekend are two math assignments, one group work presentation, one group report and a term paper. The sad bit is that the above is the work that i can remember, there's more that has evaded me.

Hope i manage this mammoth workload! How are things on your end?

SWEET ESCAPE

So, i went to class hoping the lecture would cancel for some reason- if only hopes such as that came true.

"Where is my work?" demanded my lecturer with a voice sounding like raw electricity. Panic rose in me as he was in no joking mood. As he walked around class collecting assignments, i mischievously sneaked out of the 10 by 10 meter classroom and into the hallway.

To avoid juicy details and protect my image from being tainted by my violations of academic rules, i returned to class just before it ended.

"Sorry sir for my absence, i had a family emergency. Here is the assignment. I will bring in a note to prove my absence in the next class."

Hmmm.. come next class, i will definitely have a letter from my parent- without his knowledge of it!

My life

So i start off my day having to wake up early in the morning thanks to my annoying ring tone! the compensation for waking up that early is that the phone call was someone... pleasant :p

I go to campus on a Sunday just to do some work that is due tomorrow. As usual, luck deserts me as i am early, hence waste half an hour of my time waiting for the computer lab to open.

As if that is not enough, there is no Internet connection due to maintenance! Just my luck! The cybers are closed, and i am have no other alternative to do my research ( Books wont help)

I better cook up a good excuse to let me off the hook! I'm thinking along the lines off "Ow! its due this Monday! My bad!"

Wish me luck!