Harper hails opening of grand Hindu temple

Leafless · July 23, 2007

'Prime Minister Stephen Harper takes part in a ceremony to mark the opening of the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Temple in Toronto on Sunday. "

http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national...cdee93e&k=95728

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I might ask what is Mr. Harper exactly doing participating in what can be best described as promoting the Hindu religion.

Is it not factual that political leaders should not express religious preferences in the course of their duties?

In this particular instance it could very well mean Mr.Harper is trying to buy votes via religion.

And what about the state actively involving itself to endorse a religious belief?

It could very well be interpreted by many that Mr. Harper is endorsing the Hindu religion, simply by his participating in taking part in a ceremony to mark the opening of the $40-million dollar Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Temple.

Since the opening of this temple cannot be seen in the same light as the grand opening of some donut shop or similar, it could very well mean mixed signals are being sent to Canadians relating to the 'separation of church and state'.

Agree or disagree?

geoffrey · July 23, 2007

I'm sure if Harper was celebrating the opening of a giant Christian Church, there would be widespread outrage... especially from all the minority religion groups.

I think it's neat they have a big giant temple. But why must our goverment celebrate it? I don't know. To show they are tolerant? I'm sure Mr. "Holiday" Reef Martin really didn't care too much to show his tolerance of Christianity, even though he is a praticing Christian.

Maybe Harper takes a page from his book and let the Hindu's celebrate in political silence.

geoffrey · July 23, 2007

Oh, I missed this:

"The complex is also home to the Canadian Museum of the Cultural Heritage of Indo-Canadians, which will give visitors an understanding of the faith."

There is your reason. Though why have a museum for this particular group? This sounds like it might get expensive.

B. Max · July 23, 2007

'Prime Minister Stephen Harper takes part in a ceremony to mark the opening of the Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Temple in Toronto on Sunday. "
It could very well be interpreted by many that Mr. Harper is endorsing the Hindu religion, simply by his participating in taking part in a ceremony to mark the opening of the $40-million dollar Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Temple.

Oh, he was probably just there dropping off the cheque to pay for it.

daniel · July 23, 2007

You haven't noticed that Harper has been acting like a Liberal since December 3rd? Of course, he's just trying to say and do anything to get elected.

M.Dancer · July 23, 2007

You haven't noticed that Harper has been acting like a Liberal since December 3rd? Of course, he's just trying to say and do anything to get elected.

Including like acting the way the majority of Canadians expoect their prime minister to act......as a Liberal

B. Max · July 23, 2007

You haven't noticed that Harper has been acting like a Liberal since December 3rd? Of course, he's just trying to say and do anything to get elected.

I'm not sure if he's a Liberal or a Marxist but they've been dropping in the polls and this is one vote he won't be getting.

Renegade · July 23, 2007

It could very well be interpreted by many that Mr. Harper is endorsing the Hindu religion, simply by his participating in taking part in a ceremony to mark the opening of the $40-million dollar Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Temple.

IMO those who interpret it as an endorsement of Hindu religion would be idiots. Harper also attends East Gate Alliance Church in Ottawa. Shoud we take it as an endorsement of that particular church?

Is it your expectation that Harper should not attend East Gate Alliance Church because he is Prime Minister?

betsy · July 23, 2007

All the party leaders were there.

Dion went so far to say: "tolerance is not enough. we should accept."

Worrisome, isn't it?

mikedavid00 · July 23, 2007

You haven't noticed that Harper has been acting like a Liberal since December 3rd? Of course, he's just trying to say and do anything to get elected.

I agree.

You know Geoffery you shouldn't be trying to defend Harper. Admit it, he's had a lousy run since the Lebanon crisis happened and he defended Israel. He's been a lousy PM since and not standing up for conservative values. If there is a seperation between church and politics, our leaders should not be going into churches. The museum is just a way to get public funds and be a loop hole. We all know this.

(make no mistake though, Harpers much better than the last dictators we've had)

Renegade · July 23, 2007

Oh, he was probably just there dropping off the cheque to pay for it.

Maybe he was, but it would be a personal check and not taxpayer funds.

The cost to build the museum was raised entirely through donations, including a $500 a ticket gala held at the Swaminarayan complex last week, which raised more than $250,000.

Museum will help build `new Canada'

ScottSA · July 23, 2007

"The complex is also home to the Canadian Museum of the Cultural Heritage of Indo-Canadians, which will give visitors an understanding of the faith."

Well, since "Indo-Canadians" includes Sikhs, Hindus, Muslims, and about a dozen other more minor religions, we can expect the museum to be bombed in the near future by one or more of the groups "offended" by the monopolization of the museum to promote the wrong "faith."

stignasty · July 23, 2007

I might ask what is Mr. Harper exactly doing participating in what can be best described as promoting the Hindu religion.
Is it not factual that political leaders should not express religious preferences in the course of their duties?

Hindus should expect the same representation as every other Canadian. They asked him to come to the opening of their temple and he grabbed the photo-op. Mountain -- Mole Hill

I'm sure if Harper was celebrating the opening of a giant Christian Church, there would be widespread outrage... especially from all the minority religion groups.

Do you remember the riots in the streets when the Prime Minister made the following comments?

However you celebrate Christmas – going to parties, exchanging gifts with family and friends, worshipping in church or helping out less fortunate neighbours – Laureen and our family wish you and your loved ones a very merry Christmas and a happy, prosperous 2007.
Thank you.

And God bless Canada.

That's right, because the only people that get upset about non-issues like this are folks like Leafless.

ScottSA · July 23, 2007

Construction of the museum, which began in April 2005, is based on Vedic engineering principles, without using steel or nails, said Naresh Roy Patel, a trustee of the complex.
"It's being done using the same 10,000-year-old traditions, so it's not a replica, it's the real thing. These structures are built to survive for at least 1,000 years."

One can only wonder what this is supposed to mean. Perhaps the blocks of stone will be levitated by Krishna? I suspect it means many lawsuits in the coming years, as chunks of building fall onto spectators. Buildings in India may be built to last 1000 years, and if one considers heaps of stones to be "lasting," they do, but unfortunately buildings in India also shed elements of their construction with abandon, and quite often fall into heaps for no reason whatsoever.

xul · July 23, 2007

Including like acting the way the majority of Canadians expoect their prime minister to act......

There is a joke.

One day, after attending a huge religion temple's seting up ceremony, a politician forgot the way to get him out, then he asked the priest. The priest pointed to the crowd and said:"Following the others, you will get the way out."

Leafless · July 23, 2007

It could very well be interpreted by many that Mr. Harper is endorsing the Hindu religion, simply by his participating in taking part in a ceremony to mark the opening of the $40-million dollar Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Temple.

IMO those who interpret it as an endorsement of Hindu religion would be idiots. Harper also attends East Gate Alliance Church in Ottawa. Shoud we take it as an endorsement of that particular church?

Is it your expectation that Harper should not attend East Gate Alliance Church because he is Prime Minister?

Mr. Harpers devotion to his personal faith is his business and also is a constitutional right.

But Mr. Harper acting in the position of prime minister of this country, should know religion is a volatile subject and leaves himself open to criticism by outright pandering, by participating concerning the propaganda aspect relating to the ideal isms of the Hindu religion and all of its implied glory.

This is happening in a country whereas the majority religion of the land, Christianity was chastised and oppressed and instructed by law to remove certain elements of that faith relating to Christian prayer in public schools, traditional school plays relating to Christmas and companies forced to comply to the political correct efforts of our federal government not to include the word 'Christmas' on Christmas cards.

All of this because of complaints by minority religions.

Mr. Harper is doing the country a religious disservice by allowing himself to be manipulated by a minority religion that will only be appreciated with a sense of superiority by the followers of that religion who now know Mr. Harper is on their side and be in support of the spread of the Hindu religion in Canada.

Bad move Mr. Harper, this is primarily a majority Christian country.

Renegade · July 23, 2007

Mr. Harpers devotion to his personal faith is his business and also is a constitutional right.

Maybe for the first time ever, we agree.

But Mr. Harper acting in the position of prime minister of this country, should know religion is a volatile subject and leaves himself open to criticism by outright pandering, by participating concerning the propaganda aspect relating to the ideal isms of the Hindu religion and all of its implied glory.

No. He would leave himself open to that criticism if he showed favouritism to one or a select few religions. As far as I can see he has not done that. If a new $40 Catholic church opened in Quebec, and invited Harper, no doubt he would make an apperance if there was a chance to win vote.

I agree with you that his appearance was to win votes, but isn't that what we expect politicans to do? Isn't that what every successfuly politician has done? It is no different for this temple then it would be for any other religion in a similar situation.

This is happening in a country whereas the majority religion of the land, Christianity was chastised and oppressed and instructed by law to remove certain elements of that faith relating to Christian prayer in public schools, traditional school plays relating to Christmas and companies forced to comply to the political correct efforts of our federal government not to include the word 'Christmas' on Christmas cards.

With your rant I can't seem to tell which side of the "separation-of-church-and-state" argument you fall. Nearest I can tell, you are against such a separation so long as the defnition of church is restricted to Christian (non-Catholic) churches.

All of this because of complaints by minority religions.

I'm Christan, and I'd complain about it too.

Mr. Harper is doing the country a religious disservice by allowing himself to be manipulated by a minority religion that will only be appreciated with a sense of superiority by the followers of that religion who now know Mr. Harper is on their side and be in support of the spread of the Hindu religion in Canada.

The country doesn't have a religion so it makes no sense that he is "doing the country a religious disservice".

Bad move Mr. Harper, this is primarily a majority Christian country.

It may be majority Christian, but thankfully only a small minority are intolarant racists.

guyser · July 23, 2007

The Prime Minister is the head of the country and since this temple was built in Canada, and since he is a politician, it serves him well to go and be an official at the opening.

companies forced to comply to the political correct efforts of our federal government not to include the word 'Christmas' on Christmas cards.

Forced? Yea ok.

Mr. Harper is doing the country a religious disservice by allowing himself to be manipulated by a minority religion that will only be appreciated with a sense of superiority by the followers of that religion who now know Mr. Harper is on their side and be in support of the spread of the Hindu religion in Canada.

Hmm...Quebec , Charter and now Hindu. You sure have a lot of things in your life that set you off. Even things that are innocent and have been done time and time again by PM's huh?

Leafless · July 23, 2007

Hmm...Quebec , Charter and now Hindu. You sure have a lot of things in your life that set you off. Even things that are innocent and have been done time and time again by PM's huh?

What things are innocent?

It seems you are still unaware that language and religion both being a component of culture and charter rights are tearing this country apart at the seams.

Do you actually think that condoning and allowing the cultures to fight it out for first place, will not be the downfall of this country?

Do you actually think equality among cultures is the answer to a peaceful coexistence when you know equality is a figment of the imagination and power is what it is all about.

Are you really that naive and uninformed.

guyser · July 23, 2007

What things are innocent?
It seems you are still unaware that language and religion both being a component of culture and charter rights are tearing this country apart at the seams.

Do you actually think that condoning and allowing the cultures to fight it out for first place, will not be the downfall of this country?

Do you actually think equality among cultures is the answer to a peaceful coexistence when you know equality is a figment of the imagination and power is what it is all about.

Are you really that naive and uninformed.

PM Harper going to the opening of a Hindu Temple is innocent. But go ahead and prove me wrong.

"Condoning and allowing" what cultures to fight out what and where? Whatever are you talking about?

Look, you make mountains out of molehills, you see things no one else sees , you blame Que for everything, well if it is not the "Blame the Charter du Jour" .

If this were a $40M Catholic/Baptist Church/Synagogue .....what would you say?

Edited July 23, 2007 by guyser

guyser · July 23, 2007

Are you really that naive and uninformed.

I guess so.

I just think the fact that I dont wear tinfoil aids me in seeing the truth.

Leafless · July 23, 2007

With your rant I can't seem to tell which side of the "separation-of-church-and-state" argument you fall. Nearest I can tell, you are against such a separation so long as the defnition of church is restricted to Christian (non-Catholic) churches. {/quote]
Since when did the federal government show any political leaning towards Christianity in recent times?

The point is that Christianity being the majority, powerful, religion in Canada, governments of the past had no choice but to acknowledge it's existence and even acknowledge a few religious demands, that were utilized in schools, traditions, and for example, a short public prayer relating to certain events.

To-day the power of the federal government treats Christianity with a contempt never before displayed allowing minority religions to beat down Christian beliefs and now with the PM publicly promoting expensive temples of a minority faith. And worse still, allowing immigration to continue, from Islamic countries with no idea how to prevent the so called Islamic extremist fundamentalist from entering our country or for that matter are basically clueless relating to the actual percent of potential terrorist activity.

The country doesn't have a religion so it makes no sense that he is "doing the country a religious disservice".

No, your right the country does not have a national STATE religion.

The country does have a national (peculiar to or characteristic of a particular nation) religion common with the majority of this country, Christianity.

It may be majority Christian, but thankfully only a small minority are intolarant racists.

How can you possibly make such a nonsensical claim when Canada is a capitalistic totalitarian undemocratic regime by nature with the only democratic right being the right to vote for your so called representative (MP).

We are NOT all employed by the federal government, therefore government should reflect the right of the citizens of Canada to decide important decisions that affect ALL Canadians, a right we do not have.

If Canadians did have that right, you could be disappointed relating to the rights now granted by our federal government in comparison to the rights that would be ratified by Canadian citizens.

Until the time comes ALL Canadians are included in the decision making process of important political issues, you have no right labelling anyone racist in an undemocratic country that excludes the wishes of the citizens of Canada.

Leafless · July 23, 2007

Are you really that naive and uninformed.

I guess so.

I just think the fact that I dont wear tinfoil aids me in seeing the truth.

You don't need tinfoil aids, just a brain.

Ask yourself a simple question.

How many other countries are there in the world that have 'official multiculturalism' entrenched in their constitution?

Maybe tinfoil aids would help you.

guyser · July 24, 2007

You don't need tinfoil aids, just a brain.
Ask yourself a simple question.

How many other countries are there in the world that have 'official multiculturalism' entrenched in their constitution?

Maybe tinfoil aids would help you.

Atta boy leafless . Go into "official multiculturalism" rant from talking about a Temple being opened.

Last time I checked, those Hindus are Canadians. Guess who their PM is......oh, same as mine and yours.

Move the goalposts everytime.

I guess you didnt want to answer the question about it being another church or synagogue do you? No, you think that would expose you, well....guess what, you already are.

Leafless · July 24, 2007

PM Harper going to the opening of a Hindu Temple is innocent. But go ahead and prove me wrong.

Canada being an 'official multicutural country, I would say makes the 'separation of church and state' all that much more serious.

"Condoning and allowing" what cultures to fight out what and where? Whatever are you talking about?

How about $40-million dollar temples for starters.

Look, you make mountains out of molehills, you see things no one else sees , you blame Que for everything, well if it is not the "Blame the Charter du Jour" .

Your problem is that you see no difference between the federal Liberals and the province of Quebec.

If this were a $40M Catholic/Baptist Church/Synagogue .....what would you say?

I would think my God would be extremely disappointed with that sort of materialistic extravagance. This is extremely condescending, especially relating to poor people of the world, with nothing more than the soil beneath their feet to worship and pray.

So, now we are competing with high price god's, worship, are we.