Joseph Barton, Philosopher

[225]

The man may be/have been a big of a thug, but I find him interesting off-field.

He's spent a lot of time developing himself when not playing. He's got his UEFA 'A' License in coaching, and has also been studying for a Philosophy (with politics I think) degree at Roehampton Uni.

Anyway, the independent have been running a little piece on what non-politicians would do if they were PM. There's 100 people involved, one for each day in the run up to the election.

Joey's piece centers around Religion - it's controversial, but an interesting read:

If I were Prime Minister I would privatise religion. All public money would be withdrawn from religion. Taxpayers money will cease to sponsor religion in any and every form....

....Land and buildings which were given to the Church will be returned to state. If the Church of England want to continue to use their land and churches then they must pay commercial rent to the Government for the privilege of using what will revert back to state property.

Continued here

 

[Lufti]

It's bad enough the independent are giving him a platform let alone you bringing it here on SC :/ If he was prime minister, I'd imagine he'd be the only one still here

 

[Geyzer Soze]

gets sent to France for 18 months because noone here will have him, comes back thinking he's a fucking philosopher!

 

[kr1978]

It's bad enough the independent are giving him a platform let alone you bringing it here on SC :/ If he was prime minister, I'd imagine he'd be the only one still here

The picture of him in front of a bookcase makes him look very deep though

 

[225]

It's bad enough the independent are giving him a platform let alone you bringing it here on SC :/ If he was prime minister, I'd imagine he'd be the only one still here

It's still interesting debate though; is it still relevant to have the Church funded by and controlling governments?

 

[SpursManChris]

It's still interesting debate though; is it still relevant to have the Church funded by and controlling governments?

how does religion control the Government? (that is, if you're including western government, UK too)

 

[OneHotspur1988]

He is in my friends Uni class. The man is a **** and everyone hates him.

Barton, not my friend

 

[MichaelPawson]

He is in my friends Uni class. The man is a **** and everyone hates him.

Come on, mate. That's no way to speak about your friend.

 

[225]

how does religion control the Government? (that is, if you're including western government, UK too)

There's been a theocratic nature to governments for millennia.

Laws are mostly governed on the basis of religious morals, courts can be based on oaths based upon religion, Bishops also have presence in the house of lords, 26 of them no less.

The Church of England has, historically, been quite controlling over aspects of government. When you consider the effect religion has on conflict & wars, that is also a large factor.

There's so much that could be said on the subject, but as is ever the case, parliament are often a closed door to information - such as religious persuasions and how this influences them.

You have to wonder why the top brass of the Church get paid more than the people who run the country, though.

 

[ERO]

I think UK has bigger issues than churches not paying rent, so I don't really think he'd win the election with that as his manifesto. Especially as his suggestion probably would make islam de facto relgion of the country.

 

[Spurger King]

Well Joey, I guess an argument could be made that the Church provides some comfort to people who suffer at the hands of others - say, for example, having a cigar stubbed out in your eye by a thug, or a family trying to recover from the death of a loved one after the aforementioned thug's brother puts an axe through their head.

In short, fuck off Joey. About as insightful as Russell Brand, and remarkably much more unpleasant.

 

[Mullers]

'My government would promote a spirit of tolerance and mutual understanding....'

Yeah I believe you.

 

[Gassin's finest]

Ah Joey Barton... a man who thinks putting "le" in front of a word means he's speaking french. Also likes to make grabs for big Tom's mighty plum sack.

I fully believe a person is capable of reforming and improving themselves... I don't however believe that mouthing off as though they are some great thinker, all of a sudden, is proof of reforming... just that they are a try hard prick.

 

[JerryGarcia]

While I would like to see religion done away with, what would happen to all our historic churches? They're a big part of our history and have stood for many hundreds of years. It would be a shame if they fell into a state of disrepair because Joey Barton had an idea.

 

[kr1978]

I think the church of England is largely self funding isn't it? It certainly has a huge portfolio of investment property, stocks and shares.

 

[225]

While I would like to see religion done away with, what would happen to all our historic churches? They're a big part of our history and have stood for many hundreds of years. It would be a shame if they fell into a state of disrepair because Joey Barton had an idea.

They wouldn't - they're mostly listed buildings and would be maintained by either the Government or national trust.

Quite a lot of small Chapels and Churchs are sold for housing anyway. Some have become nightclubs/bars!

 

[AW?]

All he needs is the hipster beard and he'd be a dead ringer for Charles Manson.

 

[bigpalacios]

First Class Plant Pot.

That is all.

 

[VanZan]

Wasn't Barton strongly linked with us one time while BMJ was in charge?

 

[KILLA_SIN]

Most of that faith school stuff is just a dig at the muslims.