Affinity national newsletter, February-December 1999

Page 23

AFFINITY . Page 7 ART IT, continued-from- Page-4. that religion saves are spiritual, not physical - a crucial distinction Plato himself pioneered. Third, only cultural illiterates; given this- splendid opportunity forpublic-theater, could.come up with such a dull, feeble slogan, redolent of reactionary '50 Betty Crocker caretaking. Gay activities' obsession with bits of latex sealed in desensualized foil packets (which they Catholic theology is more the in both Jesus' to who diseased, ministry despised, or os­ represent any lepers complex, taking tracized group and the doctrine of original sin, which symbolizes our shared mortality, a universal condition. Gay activities' rage against the church is displaced guilt. It is certainly not the church, want to force into public schools) is a defense mechanism to nated flesh. - - which counsels premarital chastity and heterosexual monogamy, that spread AIDS around the world. True radicals committed to revolutionary principles should be able to find a more thrilling poetry for their banners. Mottos I would have like to see fly on violet satin over st. Patrick's: PE­ a dull, feeble NIS POWER; LONG LIVE GAY LOVE; PARADISE NOW; SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL; slogan, FLESH AND FANTASY; THERE IS NO GOD; EAT OF MY BODY; SEX IS SACRED; AR, redolent of PLEASURE, SEX; DIONYSUS LIVERING BACK BABYLON; PAGANS UNITE; DIS­ OBEY AUTHORITY; FREE YOUR MIND." Until gay activism gets over its adolescent scorn for religion, gays will continue to lose ground in the culture wars. The great world religions contain thousands of years .of accumulated human experience and spiritual symbolism. To compete with that wealth, gays must take ideas more seriously and directly engage the general discourse. Modem reform, from Martin Luther to Rousseau and Marx, shows that all fundamental change beings in the mind. Right now it's that old-time religion, not liberal activism, that has won the people's hearts. I think I'll conclude with an article that I wrote for the local gay paper a couple of years ago. Duane COMING EVENTS Mfirmation Cornerstone II, June 25-27, 1999, NEW YORK CITY For those of you Who are planning or even have an inkling of wanting to attend or know of friends who want to attend Affirmation's Cornerstone II Retreat in New York City, June 25-27, any 1999, please let lames Kent or Alan Blodgett (AlanBI [e-mail]) know as soon as possi­ ble. There are 9 available rooms (double occupancy) at the Alnia Matthew House in Greenwich Village. We must have a deposit of$20 per night per room no later than May 1, 1999, in order to reserve these rooms. The Cost of the Retreat $50 per person (six meals plus conference materials) Lodging at the Alma Matthews House is $45 per night, double occupancy. Gamoflte East Coast Retreat VIII Friday to Sunday April 23 25, 1999 Where: Sue & Stacey's house in Baltimore, MD The next Gamofite East Retreat is being planned for April 23 25, so put it on your schedule. Sue and Stacey have agreed to make their home in one of Baltimore's established neigh­ borhoods available to Gamofltes for our retreat An exciting prograrn on the theme "What Makes a family?" is being planned. A preliminary estimate of cost is $75 80, which includes a place to sleep for two nights and most meals. Come enjoy the beautiful spring flowers of Baltimore and the supportive com­ radery of fellow Carnotites. It promises to be great fun. When: - - - More details and contact information are available on the Gamofite web page at http://www.gamofites.org!east8htm.htm or contact Bob Olsen at [phone], e-mail Rob­ [e-mail] reactionary '50 Betty Crocker caretaking.