Barry Duke, the Angry Atheist

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1. 

   As someone who produced dozens of nativity plays as a teacher and a Sunday School leader, that title ‘A Gay…

2. 

   The defence of a Christian view never seems to be settled by debate: exchange of facts, reference to historical events.…

3. 

   But …… Rwanda is a safe place: Parliament says so.https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2024/8/contentsSafety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Act 2024 S 2 Safety…

4. 

   Religion can survive only on the most unquestionable assumptions. The statements made on Sundays on the BBC as if they…

5. 

   Yes, if I’ve got anything remotely like a phobia, as an ex-fundy, its bibles, churches, tracts etc. I like to…

AMONG those who voiced opposition to the opening by Tesco of a branch in Stornaway on the Scottish island of Lewis was Richard Lucas, above, the homophobic head of the Scottish Family Party.

But despite all the wailing and gnashing of teeth, hundreds of residents brushed past protesters when the the supermarket decided to open on Sunday for the first time in 16 years.

It had remained shut on a Sunday since it opened in 2008 to reflect local religious sentiment, although some staff worked to restock shelves.

A number of Isle of Lewis residents have vowed to boycott the store in favour of other shops such as Co-op, which remains closed on a Sunday.

One misery-guts, Mark Macdonald, grizzled:

I think the Christian Sabbath brings many benefits that a lot of people enjoy and value. Shops being closed on Sundays is quite normal on continental Europe. it’s not unique to us. It’s what God has asked and told us to do. and he has our best interests at heart.

But Shopper Fiona Macdonald told STV News:

I think Stornoway has now come in line with the 21st century. You don’t see people protesting outside pubs or restaurants.

Innes Maclean added:

I’m quite happy with it. Why not? It’s our rights as UK citizens to attend a shop on Sunday if you want. It’s my wish to shop on Sunday if I want. Anyone who doesn’t want to do so, doesn’t have to. This is my freedom to attend the shop today.

A group of protesters describing themselves as “concerned Christians” stood in the car park.

Lewis, with a population of about 20,000, has a long tradition of observing the Sabbath as a day of rest, meaning that some shops— including both supermarkets — currently keep their doors closed on a Sunday.

Tesco bosses said at least 30 new jobs will be created as part of the change.

A Tesco spokesperson said: 

We are confident that the decision to open our Stornoway Superstore on Sundays will allow us to balance the demand for seven-day opening while remaining respectful to local traditions and culture.  Over recent weeks we have received a significant amount of positive feedback to our new opening proposals, particularly from colleagues.  This change will improve the shopping experience for local customers by offering them flexibility and reducing busy periods during the week.

This Mark Twain quote comes to mind on occasions like this:

Man is a Religious Animal. He is the only Religious Animal. He is the only animal that has the True Religion — several of them. He is the only animal that loves his neighbor as himself and cuts his throat if his theology isn’t straight. He has made a graveyard of the globe in trying his honest best to smooth his brother’s path to happiness and heaven ….

Hat tip: Stephen Harvie

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