On On Demand Video, on and on.

On the iPod: "Alec Eiffel" - The Pixies

Now, I fully understand that online video is becoming more and more niche oriented. There have been a ton of YouTube knockoffs springing up like weeds across the net. One that Al Tompkins over at Poynter, tipped me off to is GodTube.

Now, I have no problem with Christians or anyone else who practices a religion in the least. I applaud certain forms of evangelism and even plan on making my support. My very best friend and his new bride are two people who I think do it right.

My problem with services like GodTube is the tactics under which these "evangelists" are presenting their case. They're being no better than those terrible heavy metal bands with their slick media presentations. People, especially the people online video sites are aimed at, are impressionable. And this site is full of videos that bash homosexuality, evolutionary theory and free thinking. While some of these clips present some interesting theory, they go no further than scratching the surface and presenting guilt laden trickery to sway the minds of the weak.

My biggest problem is the lack of logic that goes into these arguments. Even evangelists, priests, and other clergy should have some sort of basic training in discourse. Wouldn't it be better to show both sides and then pick apart? Wouldn't that make your argument seem stronger. Instead of filibustering on about how homosexuality is immoral or say that you can't understand how a human can evolve from a primate, so it can't possibly be true, make an argument. Give me some proof. At the very least, back it up with some real premise. And for Christ's sake (pun, very much intended) back it with something other than, The Bible "says so." Take the time to support this almighty faith you have. I'll respect you more for it. Have blind faith, but have the reason to back it.

John Brownlee over at Wired, presents a well-stated vision of some of the problems with this site. I tend to agree with him for the most part. I haven't had the time to fully explore GodTube yet, but plan to out of my newly renewed interest in faith, religion and theology. Look for a full report in a few days.

On religion.

On the iPod: "Mistress" - Red House Painters

About a year or two ago, I flirted with becoming a practicing Zen Buddhist. But, as it has been with a lot of other religions/faiths I looked into, I found struggles in accepting a lot of what it espoused. I believe what makes adopting a religion so difficult for me is the guidelines. Everything has a set of rules, and I just don't believe faith works that way.

And though Zen Buddhism doesn't necessarily require a faith in God, it still has these rules. You shouldn't eat meat, you shouldn't be mean to other people, you shouldn't poison your body.

Well, some days I want to be mean to people, some days I want to have a glass of wine with my friends and I think cows are delicious. I think it is very possible to enjoy poison, delicious cows and be mean at times and still find enlightenment.

I realize this belief makes me seem selfish.

But I believe most religions have a core problem in that they don't take a realistic view of the world. It's either all pessimism or wild optimism. They create a culture of community, but motivate that community with imaginary fears and sins.

What I liked about Buddhism was that it allows you to see exactly what "you" are, which allows you to objectively view what the world around you is, as opposed to someone's interpretation of it. And that is the way to true freedom and peace.

Personally, I don't think I'll ever find a "religion" that I can put all my stock in. I think the most important thing is putting stock in yourself.

Jewish Culture, design

On the iPod: "King Medicine" - Jets to Brazil

I recently stumbled upon Nextbook, "A gateway to Jewish literature, culture & ideas," via Design Observer.

It's a fascinating site really, and chock full of content that examines culture, religion and fashion. But one article in particular caught my attention. Nelly Reifler interviews her boyfriend on his religious foundation, Christadelphianism.

Christadelphians practice Nontrinitarianism (rejection of the doctrine that God is three distinct persons in one being) and are a very small sect. Admittedly, I had never heard of Christadelphianism prior to reading her column. It's a great read and the comments at the end give you a little more insight into some of what the religion's followers believe.

Read Nelly's post, you won't regret it.