LONDON, England (AP) -- Organized religion fuels anti-gay discrimination and other forms of bias, pop star Elton John said in an interview published Saturday.
"I think religion has always tried to turn hatred toward gay people," John said in the Observer newspaper's Music Monthly Magazine. "Religion promotes the hatred and spite against gays."
"But there are so many people I know who are gay and love their religion," he said. "From my point of view, I would ban religion completely. Organized religion doesn't seem to work. It turns people into really hateful lemmings and it's not really compassionate."
John also criticized religious leaders for failing to do anything about conflicts around the world.
"Why aren't they having a conclave? Why aren't they coming together?"
John said those in his own field have been similarly lax.
"It's like the peace movement in the '60s. Musicians got through to people by getting out there and doing peace concerts, but we don't seem to do them any more," he said. "If John Lennon were alive today, he'd be leading it with a vengeance."
2006-11-13 08:13:29 · 33 answers · asked by wheels_da_panda 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
What would you expect his view to be?
2006-11-13 08:19:19 · answer #1 · answered by backroadhome 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, I don't agree with his generalization. Religion in general does not try to turn hatred towards gay people. I don't see Jews out there trying to make laws against homosexuality (which to me is REALLY weird, because the main part of the Bible that speaks against Homosexuality is THEIR book! The Old Test) And I don't see the Christians in my life doing these things either... they disagree with homosexuality, but they do not do anything to make another person hate homsexuals. They don't even speak bad about homosexuals or throw bible quotes around.
I am sure he has been attacked personally, because he is out in the public eye... and is a homosexual. So he is going to draw all the Extremists from Organized Religion. They are going to use people like him to make their point. Which I find rather pathetic. Personally, I don't care what sexual preference someone is. I certainly don't want anyone coming into my private life and telling me what kind of sex I can or can not have. So I agree with him to a point, but I don't see that as the general attitude of ALL people within Organized Religion.
2006-11-13 08:47:31 · answer #2 · answered by riverstorm13 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm a Christian.I don't hate gay people.I don't think homosexuality is right,but I have never been hateful towards people who are.Also,you can't ban religion.It only makes it flourish even more.You only have to look at history to see that.But you know what?I don't see Elton John giving the 39 million dollars he spent in two years to do anything.Yes,I realise that he works very hard for HIV/AIDS charities.I also disagree with the view that just because someone is a celebrity,they have the right to criticise everyone,just because they're famous.
2006-11-13 08:22:31 · answer #3 · answered by Serena 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Can't give the man wrong for saying what he said. Religion is adamant about gays life style; so Elton John is lashing back with all he's got. Doesn't change a thing Elton; we love you, just hate your life style.
2006-11-13 08:34:32 · answer #4 · answered by charmaine f 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just as there was a difference between the Pharisees ways and Jesus ways back in biblical times. The same is true today. People "Think" that they are religious and in the name of that religion claim holier than thou ways. Anybody that uses hate instead of love to deliver the good news of salvation is in the "Wrong" religion.
2006-11-13 08:28:13 · answer #5 · answered by I-o-d-tiger 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Elton John is a great and talented musician - I saw him twice in his prime. But, I wouldn't go to his church or anyone else's because I agree that churches have a tendency to be judgmental. I know people need direction but I'm not sure many churches are the place to find spirituality.
2006-11-13 08:33:04 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, "Sir Elton" does have an opinion. And he's fairly vocal with it. However, he sure seems to be a "single issue activist" (ie, gay rights/oppression) based upon his own lifestyle.
My take on it is: Since everyone in the world won't smile and accept "Sir Elton" and his, uh, lifestyle, then all religion must be banned worldwide. Hmm. Sounds a bit too extremist, don't you think?
2006-11-13 08:29:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Any organization is a fuel source, including the religions.most are very select about their compassion because of their views just as Elton John has. What can be changed is a good question.
2006-11-13 08:22:10 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'd say that he's on the right track. Organized religion discriminates not only against gays, but women and anyone else that's not of their affiliation. Christians has killed more people in the name of Christ than anyone on the planet! I do believe that is you research the origin of the Christian faith (that's the only one I'm familiar) you can plainly see where it was used as a controling instrument for the masses. And it still is. Jesus came to teach us to love one another and be kind to our brother as were other great religious leaders. I'd have to say Sir Elton is about 75% right and God bless John Lennon. His message is alive and well. Godloveya.
2006-11-13 08:21:10 · answer #9 · answered by Sassy OLD Broad 7 · 1⤊ 4⤋
I'm a Muslim and i don't hate gays in any way shape or form, never have done never will do...My religion might not agree with homosexuality but it does not mean i have to hate gays. He is free to be gay, I'm free to be a Muslim....top and bottom of it. When you start taking people freedoms away be it religiously, sexually,politically its a slippery slope for everyone.
2006-11-13 08:21:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
particular, he's have been given a tongue in cheek approach approximately faith, and why not? he's decrease than no criminal duty to handle Christians or any faith with any appreciate if he isn't feeling the affection... and if he needs to call his toddler Jesus... properly i've got have been given no issue with it.
2016-10-22 00:51:13 · answer #11 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋