Monday, September 08, 2008

Christian Bigots Alliance

I received an email via this blog the other day from the creator of a “take-off” site attacking the fundamentalist Political Party in Newham, the (so called) Christian Peoples Alliance (CPA).

This site is modelled on the MegaMosqueNoThanks which was set up by the CPA to attack a proposal to build a large mosque in Newham.

Now, I have had a dig at the CPA, especially their Megalomaniac leader, anti gay, anti pro-choice, Alan Craig, who makes Sarah Palin seem like Richard Dawkins. I think that Alan Craig’s behaviour over the mosque has been an utter disgrace and he has deliberately pandered to islamophobic sentiment to try and gain political support.

The parody site does make some very serious allegations against the CPA and its connection with the BNP, which I don’t totally share, but I do understand why many people in Newham equate the CPA with the BNP.

The CPA appear to have had to change their website design due to the spoof site and on the “real” CPA website, their “Poll” on the building of the mosque now shows a vast majority of people in favour of it. Well...

Newham is in East London, and it is a great place to live and work. It is also one of the most diverse communities in London. There are of course problems, nowhere is perfect. The deliberate stoking up of fear and ignorance by Craig does nothing for Newham. All he has done is to offend and cause division.

This morning I heard a very good “Thought for Day” on the “Today Programme” Radio 4 by Clifford Longley, about US Protestant fundamentalism and the phrase “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesars’ and unto God the things that are Gods’”. Now I am probably the last person to quote scriptures but frankly it would be better for everyone if Craig kept his views for his pulpit rather than trying to ignite modern day crusades.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

When are we going to hear about the Muslim Bigots alliance?

John Gray said...

Hi Anon

Search "respect" on this site.

Anonymous said...

You are clearly the bigot, typical of the narrow minded authoritarianism we get from the labour party these days. You don't even realise there are multiple ways of looking at the world!

Can't you see that the website you were sent libel's Alan, it's hardly satire as it is devoid of all wit or humour! It's hardly suitable for sensible political discourse.

Why is it so wrong that Alan opposes the mosque? After all the group behind it were involved in the airline terror plot! I'm not sure by doing this or are stoking up fear but expressing legitimate concerns. Debate with him on the issues.

"Anti gay"? really I think that allows for no nuance! He may not share that same view as you but it is childish to throw around phrases like anti gay.

"anti pro-choice" a loaded term if ever there was one. You see that abortion debate is well framed with how each side defines it's self. One values the choice of the mother as most important. The other the life of the baby as most important. It would be like him calling you "pro death".

Sarah Palin What does Alan share in common with Palin apart from being pro life? That's like saying a vegetarian is a Nazi's because Hitler was a Nazi.

Anonymous said...

I agree with Denis...this blog is often badly thought through simplistic crap...and it repeats many typical badly thought through positions...don't get too upset though because its quite transparent

Anonymous said...

I think this website makes a point, any idiot who thinks that their religion is somewhat superior and has a higher authority over the other is a Megalomaniac. This man Alan Craig is a hypocrite on the open day for Abbey Mills Mosque he clearly said “They are very nice people I really like them, but I have issues”, and on his youtube video he calls them Terrorist who want to take over the World.
I think this website is one of the first to present a different point of view

John Gray said...

Hi Dennis
Apologies for not replying sooner – been a bit busy, fighting the good fight and all that.

It is rather ironic to be called “narrow minded authoritarianism” by religious fundamentalists don't you think?

It is interesting that you recognise that there multiple ways of looking at the world. In that case I assume you welcome and embrace multiculturism and our secular society?

So you think the new website is not sensible political discourse and libel but you then imply that the religious group behind the mosque are all terrorists? So every time some catholic or protestant moron in Northern Ireland killed someone, this meant all Christians are terrorists?

So does Alan welcomes Christians into his ministries who are in loving same sex relationships? I suppose he does religious blessings of civil ceremonies then?

So calling someone “anti-pro choice” is the same as calling me “pro-death”? hmmm I assume he is proud to say he is anti-pro choice?

So he doesn’t share Palin’s religion? So he’s not a Protestant then? I think someone better tell someone!

One thing is different – as far as I am aware even Palin has not so far been so low as to stir up hatred for the sake of votes and cheap publicity.

Mind, I’m not holding my breath.

Anonymous said...

The person who made this thinks his clever, well he is not, he does not understand the power of Jesus Christ, he is coming and he will smite all of you who do not see him as his saviors. Alan Craig is a the modern day of Richard Lion heart who fought the Muslims in the Holy lands, Jesus Christ is coming he will save us, onward Christian Solider

John Gray said...

Hi anon

I assume this is a wind up - don't be so silly.

Anonymous said...

John I think you would get laughed out of a real debate.

I embrace every culture, but I'm skeptical about the ideology of multiculturalism (I guess you don't know that roots are in Dutch far right)

I suggest you read Jonathan Sachs book exploring muliculturaism I hold very similar views to him - but I guess you won't listen to him either because he's another "Religious fundamentalist"

I believe that the state should be secular but I wouldn't exclude religious views, if they work with in democracy - Alan does this impeccably. He is a lot more moderate than you read, his blog i amy not agree with everything but least he is balanced. moderate and fair.

Is it sensible political discourse to "imply that the religious group behind the mosque are all terrorists" It depends if it is true for a start.

If it is true, than yes of course. If it is false and the person saying it knows it then it isn't.

Now what has Alan actually said? He seems to only quote facts and academic research. Surly you see that there is at least merit in a bit more public discussion.

If you look at the northern ireland situation it would be wise to look at some of the religious sympathies involved, and history. To say "Christians are terrorists" would be silly, in contrast Alan is only talking about one sect, not all Muslims. He is not implying they are terrorists but that they are a breeding ground for radicals.

If you read the Islamist Ed Housin talks about them (oh yes he's religious too so you won't listen to him)

You see you have decide a criteria for what anti gay means and if some one doesn't fit it then you dismiss them. Funny how the sect that Alan has a problem with are really anti-gay by anyones standard!

Has he called you pro death? If he did it would be a bit un-nuanced and I wouldn't support that. But everything I've seen of him has been much more respectful than that.

Anonymous said...

Hi John,

At last I've done a post on the mega-mosque - and Newham Labour Party. www.meetalancraig.com

Alan

Damien McKee said...

What's your view on the plans by MP's to try and reintroduce a married couple's allowance and the fact it was voted down by a huge majority?

John Gray said...

Hi Damien

Yes, I do. Money should be targetted at families with children.

Just realised that I have not responded to Dennis.

Hi Denis

AC is an active bigot - that is the problem. Not that he has religous faith.