Religion news: churches in Qatar; FSM in the AAR

[qatarperegrine]

A Peninsula article gives more info on the building of churches in Qatar than I had previously read. Various Christian churches exist in Qatar, but thus far they have been meeting in private homes and schools. A couple years ago the emir provided land for the construction of church buildings, and it sounds like they will soon be done. Within a year or so, Qatar should boast physical Catholic, Anglican, Orthodox, Coptic, and Indian churches.

More interestingly, the article puts the number of Christians in Qatar at a little over 140,000. That's around 15% of the population of Qatar. Official statistics always say that Qatar is over 95% Muslim, but those stats must only take Qatari citizens into account. I often wonder what percentage are Hindu and Buddhist, given the large Asian communities living here.

In other news, a panel discussion at the American Academy of Religion's annual conference this weekend will focus on the Flying Spaghetti Monster. I heartily approve.

Comments

[dubaiwalla.livejournal.com]

but those stats must
If Qatar is anything like the UAE, it's hard to take any official statistics seriously, especially when they concern demographics, a sensitive subject. Clearly, 95% can't reflect the country as a whole (much as the government would like citizens in particular to believe otherwise). But where would the number 15% come from? Is it an educated guess? I recently saw an estimate that the UAE is 35% Christian, but that seems unlikely.

Also, what do you mean by 'Indian' church? Not having looked into it, I'd guess most Indian Christians are Catholic or Syrian Orthodox, with a sprinkling of various Protestants thrown in.

[qatar.livejournal.com]

I suspect the 15% comes from their interviews with the ministers of the five churches; I know at least the Catholic and Anglican church keep membership records. If that's the case, though, it wouldn't include the numerous house churches.

As for the Indian churches, there are about a dozen different denominations of Indian Christians here in Doha -- Mar Thomists, Syro Malabar, etc. etc. They'll all be sharing a building, except for one denomination that hates one of the other denominations so much it's decided to band with the Coptics instead. And, of course, the Anglican Church here is actually largely Indian, too.

[(Anonymous)]

The FSM is just made up, if you want true enlightenment one must follow the IPU (Invisible Pink Unicorn)

[qatar.livejournal.com]

...blest be her holy hooves

[(Anonymous)]

For I have seen the sign of the red sock in the washing machine and can attest to the miracle she reveals in the pinkness of our clothing.

[qatar.livejournal.com]

*desperately wonders who is posting this*

[(Anonymous)]

just some dude

[qatar.livejournal.com]

Well, I approve, dude.

While I was putting on my FSM T-shirt yesterday, I realized that it is itself pink -- so maybe the FSM and the IPU are not so far apart after all? (It is not, however, invisible.)

[materjibrail.livejournal.com]

I wish this had been finished before we visited. Two thoughts: first of course, Jesus must wish we Christians didn't hate each other too much to share a building, but secondly, this could be a place where western well paid expats and eastern more desparately poor and exploited expats could get to know each other, as Christians come from both directions. Wouldn't it be luverly? Jesus would like that bit.
Also whatever the newspaper says, some of the churches (e.g mar Thoma) can hardly be said to have "split" from the Latin church. Lived for centuries in blissfull ignorance of each other is more like it.

[qatar.livejournal.com]

I wish you had gotten a chance to go to the Anglican church while you were here -- it is an amazing blend of cultures. A friend of mine who's here now (and is Caucasian and American) loves wearing saris, and some of the Indian women at church are evidently very fond of her.

[materjibrail.livejournal.com]

I think the church we went to when we visited was Anglican - it met in the British School (?) and seemed like a nice mix of people, but probably wasn't able to have a woman priest etc in the Gulf.

The IPU & FSM have been doing the dirty in the suds!!

[(Anonymous)]

The Shrine of the IPU is the Laundry Room.
It is proved because, if you notice in your socks - you often find holes in them when you pull them out of the dryer - pierced by her horn during a visitation to your shrine - doubt it not!
Sometimes the whole wash comes out pink - a proof of Her Pinkness if there ever was one . It is said that She cavorts with one of her chosen Stallions in the midst of the spinning laundry. It is the afterglow of their lovemaking that imbues clothes with Her pinkness.
Also ye may know that ye have been especially blessed if you find that one of your socks has gone missing. Surely a sign from Her Horniness. If any one questions why ye are missing a sock, simply reply "My Mistress had need of it." No one is certain what She does with the socks, but rejoice for ye were chosen to make this sacrifice.

Re: The IPU & FSM have been doing the dirty in the suds!!

[qatar.livejournal.com]

rofl. I did lose a white & pink sock in the laundry recently... I can see now why She chose it.

A question, O Wise One. If having the wash come out pink is a sign of the presence of the Invisible Pink Unicorn, does that mean that using bleach is sinful?

[(Anonymous)]

It is acceptable to bleach as long as ye accept the revelation; remember there are enemies abroad who will see your pink attire as an affront to the false gods. Also you'll look really stupid walking around City Centre!!

[qatar.livejournal.com]

I'm not the one who gets comments when I wear pink at City Center. It's expected of girls.

Did you get Greg's SMS in time, then? :-}

[(Anonymous)]

If Greg be an agent of the Purple Oyster of Doom, then no.

[qatar.livejournal.com]

Do you suspect Greg?!?!?

What are the signs that someone is an agent of the PO(oD)?

[(Anonymous)]

The Pizza Test!!!! I see you have the brackets in the right place fellow traveler.

[qatar.livejournal.com]

I have witnessed Greg eating pizza with pineapple -- is that sufficient?

[(Anonymous)]

Poor Greg, I haven't a clue who he is or you neither. But Pineapple & HAM is a prerequisite of the faith, so smuggle some in to test his leanings! I have often flirted with the dark side myself, though mushrooms on pizza only the darkest hearts desire.
I'm going to stop this now as it makes me feel far too much like a stalker :D You might be on QL for all I know and we may of corresponded. Adey.
Its a moot point if She is invisible, pink or both, a feel a schism coming on.

[qatar.livejournal.com]

Aww, I was 93% sure you were a friend of mine from work. But now I'm sure you're not, since both that friend and I are vegetarian and therefore spurn HAM.

My favorite pizza is pineapple and onion, and I feel certain that Her Pinkness (and Invisibleness) approves.

But I *like* being stalked! And I was on QL long ago, I think as Marjorie, so you'd know if we had talked.

[(Anonymous)]

Hmmm, stalking could be my next hobby. But do I have the time to give it the devotion it requires? Will have to get back to you about that....maybe by persistent heavy breathing phone calls lol :D