VS.

Okay, this section really shouldn't be called corporatedethburger vs. Schtuff, but you have to admit that it is a catchy title though. Anyway Jason Schreurs has been doing this zine called Schtuff for a number of years and also does an informative and useful local punk directory called Schtuff Road Map. I recently received Road Map #5 from him and it had the article copied below in it and I figured I'd respond, so I contacted him and he agreed to a discussion in the hopes of starting a forum on spirituality and how it relates to punk. Hopefully next issue will feature further discussion.

My Response

My belief has always been that I have every right to live my life the way I see best as long as it does not infringe on the rights of others, which I am sure is a viewpoint shared by most others in the punk scene. I think of myself as a very spiritual person and I've devoted my life to following Jesus, however I feel that I do not have the right to force my beliefs on others. I will however share these beliefs with others if they ask me to, as you have in the last issue of the Schtuff Road Map. Although I am a Christian, I'll be one of the first to admit the outright embarrassment and disgust I fell towards a lot of people who label themselves Christians. Just like the jock wearing the Green Day shirt in the mosh pit as he beats the crap out of defenseless bystanders claims to be a punk although he is far from what most in the scene would define as punk, a lot of people have labeled themselves Christians even though they are as far away from the teachings of Jesus and the Bible as the jock is from being a punk. According to Jesus' teachings the most important guideline in life after loving God, is to love your neighbor as much as you love yourself. This means you are to show love for all people regardless of their beliefs, appearance or sexual orientation. You can not expect someone who does not hold to the same moral guidelines as you do to follow these morals. It also states in the Bible that we are not to judge the way others live because God is the only one who has the right to do this. Therefore no person has the right to bring the wrath of God on another person like the nut cases who blow up abortion clinics somehow believe, let alone tell others how to live. I believe this world would be a truly better place if more people who claimed to be Christians actually took the time to actually read the Bible. Instead a lot of Christians listen to the nutcases (televangilists being a perfect example) who seem to be so vocal and just blindly follow the lies and hatred that so many of these nutcases spew forth. It would be nice if Christians actually followed these teachings instead of trying to force them on others. How can Christians expect others to have any respect for them when they don't practice what they preach. In regards to your problem at the youth centre, I think it is totally wrong for you to be banned. Christians should be the last ones imposing on other people's freedom. Personal freedoms are very important to those wishing to hold beliefs that differ from those of society, especially Christians. Christians have had a history of being persecuted due to their beliefs, so you think we would be very concerned to make sure that the personal freedoms of all people are not imposed on. I also believe though, that it is important to be considerate of others when exercising are freedoms and I think that you probably were a tad inconsiderate with some of your pamphlets, but still this is no excuse for being banned. All you were essentially trying to do was express and share your viewpoints. One thing I feel that I have to ask you though, is whether you would allow a Christian organization the same right you deserve and provide them with an information table at one of your concerts? If you have something original to contribute, I agree with Jason that its pointless to write if your just going to say things we've heard, then contact me at my address or e-mail or contact Jason at 7110 Westminster St./Powell River/BC/V8A 1C6 or email him at sctuff@hotmail.com. You should also send a donation to him for a copy of the new Schtuff Road Map or write him for a catalog of stuff he sells.