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.

[(Anonymous)]

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

[(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.

[(Anonymous)]

just some dude

[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.

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.

[(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!!