The Bottom.

Quentin Crisp said that in the 1920s they blew the bottom out of everything to such an extent that they thought it would never be the same again.  But what they didn't realize was that afterwards they put the bottom back in again.

And this is what has happened with the world's religions.

The Buddha taught the Middle Path and compassionate love.

But afterwards the authorities of religion put the bottom back in by making the message about desire and merit.

Jesus taught the way of non-violent love, even for our enemies.

But afterwards the religious authorities put the bottom back in and taught chastity and judgement and repentance from sin.

This is why the religions of the world fail.

They do not teach the truth.

But they enforce the carrot and stick approach of the ruling elites.

Because they are part of the establishment their motivation is power and control.

And this is backed up by the prophets.

"Ah, you shepherds of Israel who have been feeding yourselves!  Should not the shepherds feed the sheep?  You eat the fat, you clothe yourselves with the wool, you slaughter the fatlings; but you do not feed the sheep.  You have not strengthened the weak, you have not healed the sick, you have not bound up the injured, you have not brought back the strayed, you have not sought the lost, but with force and harshness you have ruled them."  Ezekiel 34:2-4 (NRSV)

"The shepherds also have no understanding, they have turned to their own way, to their own gain, one and all."  Isaiah 56:11 (NRSV)

The religious authorities have turned to their own gain - the power and privilege of the ruling elite.

This is what has happened to the religions of the world.

So, even though I preach peace and love, those who come after me will try to put the bottom back in and turn the message back into judgement and punishment for sin.

They will stigmatize sex and homosexuality and impose guilt and fear.

Because these things give them power over others.

And this ensures their wealth and privilege.


[Scripture quotations (marked NRSV) are taken from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission.  All rights reserved.]

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