Idea for a New Religion - Chapter 31 - JOYFUL PEOPLE: LEISURE,PASTIMES,PARTIES AND HUMOUR

JOYFUL PEOPLE: LEISURE,PASTIMES,PARTIES AND HUMOUR A 1) All forms of communal leisure activities and team sports are sacred because they bring people together; generate pleasure and joy which are offerings to God; bring the young closer to nature and teach the value of cooperation. 2) All forms of hobbies and pastimes are sacred because they give pleasure, joy and a peaceful, meditative state of mind. They are acts of love because we only choose as hobbies things we love doing and they add to our enjoyment and appreciation of the little things which make life worthwhile. 3) Every creative act, however small, is a part of God's creation which is neverending. Everything which we make or transform, every flower that we plant, adds something positive to the world that is God and so all craftsmanship, gardening and creative hobbies can be seen as useful actvities and offerings to God. 4) Parties, dances and other social events are blessed occasions because they generate joy and pleasure which are offerings to god and they bring people together in peace and friendship, aswell as being an essential part of the human courting ritual.

JOYFUL PEOPLE : LEISURE, PASTIMES, PARTIES AND HUMOUR B 5) As we are all limbs of God, when we rest, a part of God rests. Those who work hard for God need to balance this hard work with relaxation for the sake of their mental, physical and spiritual health. Those who remember their duties sometimes need to forget their cares. 6) Humour, when it is not a weapon against the weak, is a sacred thing. The ability to laugh at ourselves and our problems is an essential tool of mental survival. Humour releases our tensions; can help to heal psychological wounds; gives us a sense of perspective and helps us to conquer our fears. Satire is a peaceful but effective means of protest. It highlights important social issues and reduces the powerful oppressor, from something frightening into something ridiculous which gives the people confidence to face that oppressor.