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Possible shower min 12° - max 22° Joe's on a mission from God
9:32a.m. 5th March 2008
Maroochy mayor Joe Natoli has a vision to help unite religious believers on the Sunshine Coast if he is elected to the new regional council.
“Buddhists and Moslems believe in God, Jews believe in the Old Testament – all their values are still fantastic, and bring with them a set of disciplines,” Mr Natoli said.
“It is so unfortunate the interpretation can be misread from a range of directions, but I’m supporting all of them. Religion should build tolerance.”
Mr Natoli has been speaking about his previous passion at evangelical churches across the Coast, but the devout Roman Catholic said he had not become a “born again” Christian.
“I’m not born again, I’ve never been born again, but I’ve always been a believer and have a strong faith,” he said.
“I believe in one God and religion is about the relationship with God – different churches celebrate in different ways. Some evangelistic churches don’t believe in the Virgin Mary, but I do.
“She was the mother of Jesus Christ; if anyone can influence their son it’s their mother. She was given a special place in the eyes of God.”
Mr Natoli said he had once wanted to be a missionary.
“For years I wanted to work in the poverty-stricken areas in South America, but obviously God had a different calling for me,” he said.
“On my honeymoon we went to South America and I worked in some areas and saw what my life could have been like – it was the best part of my honeymoon.”
But it was not his destiny to become Father Joe and he instead chose business and public service.
“I’m a business person but I’m a still missionary at heart, as I still have the yearning to help people,” he said.
Mr Natoli said while he had no intention to switch faiths, he appreciated evangelical worship. “My children love it, there is a lot more singing and outward expression.”
For our election coverage and candidates nominating for council, visit our election '08 page.
Recent Comments
There was another one of those annoying flashing ads again. No it's gone again now. I want to know what's causing them.
As far as I am concerned religion and politics should never be mixed. How can you possibly work for the good of all when we are NOT all believers? While I can agree that religion has some place in the community there must remain a separation between church and state, at all levels of government.
Even worse is reading that he wanted to be a missionary.. ie he wanted to convert people from their native beliefs to Christianity! No thanks.
My understanding is that each religion paints a 'God' or God's with many differing characteristics. As such an education theologian would not attempt to describe these as the same deity, Calling them all the same is the work of a politician looking for an electoral vote.
I'm sure that Joe would be able to handle the global fallout just as well as George W has.
Today, traffic at Mooloolaba remained gridlocked for the third day in a row. Nevertheless residents and gridlockees sang out hymms and rejoiced ...for on Sunday Father Joe will finally reveal just how many angels can dance on the head of a pin.
I'm an athiest, and I firmly believe that religion should stay away from politics and vice versa. Religion is a personal thing and should be kept that way... too often the fundamentalists feel they have a right to tell other people how to live their lives. He's your God, YOU do what he says.
Some of you bloggers must have been so burnt by churches in the past that you really have a very cynical and uncharitable view towards them.
Look around folks - there are churches doing good in the community every day - and yet rarely do we hear about it.
Now that a mayor has had the courage to share his personal views on faith, you want to stone him.
Sounds very familiar. I'm not suggesting Joe Natoli is a saint - far from it - but he's got his heart in the right place on this one.
And don't forget Noosa mayor Bob Abbot has also been doing the rounds of local churches - and has already formed partnerships with them on local projects.
Here's what's going to happen.
1. We are forming a new international organisation.
GORL: Global Organisation of Religious Leaders.
2. The Suncoast Grumpies will take on the executive positions in the short term. Joe Natoli will be invited to be Patron.
3. We will hold the first international gathering of GORL on the Sunshine Coast. Tenders will be called for meeting venues and billeting arrangements.
4. We will invite all of the world's religious leaders:
The Pope
The Queen
The Ayatolla
The Dalai Lama
The Panchin Lama
The Grand Rabbi of Jerusalem
Tom Cruise - representing Scientology.
Darth Vader - representing the dark side.
Does anyone know who are the leaders of Hinduism, Born Agains, Presbyterian, United, Mormons, Jehovas, SDA, Orthodox, Sihkism...and that guy from the Crystal Cathedral.
Oh dear...who have we missed. I think that we need another Think Tank.
It also perfectly obvious from history and current events that religion doesn’t build tolerance, and never has; in fact the opposite is true. America may be on the verge of a massive surge in intolerance as religion gains strength there, and turns in into a copy of the middle-east.
By the look of the comments here already I know I'm not alone in thinking you've just blown it big time. No one, perhpas other than the evangelical or the people you go to church with, is interested in your views on god or bibilical misconceptions.
Most of us run of the mill ratepayers are only interested in your honesty, integrity, leadership qualities, approach to local issues and business acumen, and how you successfully you are or aren't going to head a multi million dollar organisation funded by our hard earned money.
Can't wait for tomorrow mornings sermon!
Iglesia Maradoniana - (the Spanish "Maradonian Church") created by fans of retired Argentine football player Diego Maradona.
Raelism - the religion which believes scientifically created humanoid extraterrestrials created humans.
Church of Euthanasia - whose fundamental philosophy is "Save the planet kill yourself".
I don't know who the leader of the Jehovahs is, but perhaps we could invite Prince (the artist formerly know as a symbol), as I believe he's a member. And famous polygamist Warren Jeffs could wave a flag for the Mormons ... if he's not in jail.
Thanks jaybee. That's very helpful. I also forgot the Methodists and Obe1 Kenobe, representing the Force. We can't invite Darth and not Obe.
Joe, you're like Tom Hulett. The more you open your mouth with these desperate ideas, the more votes you lose!
So, he wants to help people, but only if he can make a dollar out of it.
- That's some way of twisting a comment - Editor
Have you read your Bible lately Jo. Perhaps doing so you could sort out some of your confusion.
I admire Joe for bearing his heart and soul in relation to religion. He has my vote. Let's face it, religion is a global topic and to pretend it doesn't exist within our society and politics would be like walking around in life blind-folded.
I'm impressed with your view on religion - respectful of all types. Joe Natoli is a man of great diversity and knowlege. A true statesman who will lead the Sunshine Coast into the future.
What religion do the Maoris follow.
But if the Buddhists don't have any god, the Hindus make up for it by having thousands of them.
I don't know what the Maori religion is nowadays. But the question does suggest a whole new branch of religions for our Summit - paganism, voodoo and animism.
Come on Luke and John. What have you got to say??
You cannot say the church is not relevant or contributes to communities. Hospitals were actually an initiative of the church, our judicial system was initally based on the ten commandments - take them out of the community & where would our society be? How about the Salvo's, Lifeline, Vinny's, perhaps we should abolish them for being religiously based?
Yes the church in general has a lot to answer for, but don't blame God for the bad things people choose to do. Get the bigger picture of what Joe is saying - he has a value & belief system that extends beyond himself. You are never going to please all the people all the time - especially in public office.
Good on you Joe - you have my vote!
Wait until after the 15th....you'll have a heap of time to do your missionary work.
But, he may have picked up some votes.
It worked for George Dubbaya, (and yes, the political/religion dynamics in the USA and the Sunshine Coast are not comparable.)
But, there was one reference up there ^^^^ to the matter of employee superannuation. That matter was recently brought to my attention. The rumour being that Joe was a partner in some business which went legs up, and worse, the business had not been remitting the statutory super payments for employees. My comment at the time was that if the rumour was correct why isn't Joe wearing some sort of conviction. He isn't it seems, so I conclude the rumour to be false.
- Joe's former fruit and vegetable store Natoli Bros did owe a former employee money.
http://www.thedaily.com.au/news/2007/apr...
My understanding (from the father of the young person owed the money) was that some of it was paid only recently. - Editor
- Not sure on that one Bob - Editor
It is admirable that he is trying to build bridges between the various faiths and denominations, some of which can be very nasty and tribal towards each other. Equally his honeymoon story appears to be selfless and positive.
The question is, whether Joe will use Council funds, time, authority or resources in promoting religion not whatever beliefs he wears on his sleeves.
Jas73, you mind be interested to know that as an example the ancient Greeks had hospitals, well before Christian churches were even thought of. Our own judicial system/common law can be partly traced to the pagan Germanic courts of pre Christian Europe. Point is, religion doesn't have a monopoly on morality and never has. If only religion was subject to truth in advertising and trade practices.
Atapro you've forgotten The Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster who have recently fought the good fight against ignorance in the science classroom.
1. The belief in the existence of individual spirits that inhabit natural objects and phenomena.
2. The belief in the existence of spiritual beings that are separable or separate from bodies.
3. The hypothesis holding that an immaterial force animates the universe.
Bob Bates, I think that we could probably assume that this one is vote neutral.
And, Yes I know that it was actually Karen from Gympie who brought up Buddhism.
Well this has been fun too. Thanks Daily. I never thought that this election was going to be so much fun.
What do you have for us tomorrow ?
- You'll have to wait and see - but the report on Tom Hulett v Christian Dickson at tonight's meeting could be interesting - Editor
Ed. You might think me cynical but it looks like it was paid because it might have been a potential election issue.
They used to in Caloundra, so I'm told, but haven't done for some time now. It was more recently something else. That's why I thought the Regional Council might have some leeway to do other things.....
HAKA, Harmonica recital..........
http://www.thedaily.com.au/news/2007/apr...
I was not surprised that he would use religion as part of his campaign strategy. Just recently he was quoted in a report in the Daily on Josh Hunt and his proposed development. This stated that:
"Mr Natoli confirmed he attended a dinner with Mr Hunt late last year but said it was a attended by several others to welcome the new pastor at King’s Christian Church, where Mr Hunt is a leader.
“There were other members of the church leadership there – it wasn’t just myself and Josh.
“I have known Josh personally for quite a while – a number of years – and have had a close relationship with him in terms of his involvement with the Kings church"
Of interest is the fact that a Jeff Penny is on the Hunt Board of Directors. The Hunt website states that Jeff was instrumental in founding the Family First Political Party.
This organisation's website has called for people to stand for local government. Perhaps the next revelation is that Joe has forsaken the Liberal and National Party for this group!
Why is it do you think the least popular politicians collect the most flak in these blogs? Takes me back to the battle of the Rebel Alliance versus Tom Hulett in a way. Anyway where is Tom? Haven't heard from him in ages!
Rumour has it that he is somewhere in a road named after a wise man meeting young David in a church.
Do I recall another Mayor giving some attention to this matter of what religious or other ceremonial thing ought open a Council meeting?
Oh yesiree, I do! And they were pilloried by the Daily.
Thanks savetherane from Mapleton for the Haka suggestion, not sure about harmonica recitals though, hmmmm.
savetherange, I am actually from KULANGOOR, not Kallangur (which is near Brisbane). Kulangoor is the lush, green scenic spot between Nambour and Yandina that Joe & Co want to fill with dirty garbage over the next 30 years - instead of being waste resourceful that is.
And so, Bob Bates, no.. I for one would never vote for Joe in the first place, he intends to stuff my area up enough without another 4 years under his belt to dream up more unjustified squillion dollar infrastructures, but todays blog has been the best in entertainment, thanks to all participants!
(Hanging out for tomorrow's dose on Tom - Go Christian, give him all you've got!!)
But I always enjoy seeing conversations(/arguments) when religion is involved. Probably started in High school, with one very religious friend, and one very much atheist friend.
Ironically, it was always the Atheist trying to convert the Christian.
My question to all those saying 'religion shouldn't be a part of politics' and "he's lost my vote" because of this article and his belief. I ask of you this.
Does being religious make you a worser person? Does having a passion about something, that encourages kindness make you naive?
I'm not religious, but i have great respect for those that hold by their beliefs. All he has done is relate a part of his life, an experience that very, very few people will have experienced, and yet many of you are interpreting this belief into something else.
As for his talking to religious people abouts politics, are they not constituents? are they not people that will be interested in his beliefs and experiences?
How about the various Spiritualist Churches? They have faith in God too, but still not allowed to be called a religion?
really? all he really stated was his want for the religious people to be able to work together.
not convert anyone. not belittle anyone. not change anyone.
as for 'using religion for his campaign'. he's religious. he's letting you into a part of his life. to deny it from the media would be to deny it from himself.
You all applaud Bob abbot for being passionate about the environment (for which Joe is too, mind you), and yet criticize Joe for being passionate about his religion?
I don't think any of you are aware as to how lucky we as a community really are. We have two great choices for Mayor, regardless of what you think of them personally, if you look at both their records and achievements, they are both going to be great.
Or those scoffing at him for saying one of the best moments on his honeymoon was helping communities much worse off then our own. to those i say go to third world countries, see how they live and help them (I've had the wondrous opportunity to do this in my lifetime and therefore can relate to what he means.. the feeling is truly indescribably good).
And no. I'm not religious. (heh heh. which is probably why I love erroltompkins reasons for not wanting to go back to church. well said! hahaha)
I really wish there was a third candidate!!!!
My problem is that Joe has stated that we wanted to be a missionary. Why is this an issue for me?
If you look up the definition of a Missionary you will understand:
"missionary is a member of a religion who works to convert those who do not share the missionary's faith"
This completely contradicts any statement about uniting religions not to mention the bias it shows for his 'own' religion.
We are a Christian country so it is appropriate to start with Lord’s Prayer.
Star Wars, my favourite movie, is not an option as we cannot afford the royalties.
Doing the Haka is an insult to the traditional NZ tribes, maybe a local Aboriginal welcome ceremony?
But the big question we should be asking ourselves is why do we judge someone on their religion? Bob is an avid lover of jazz yet I do not see blogs about "the evil music of the deep south" taking over the coast! Why? Because it is Bob's love and passion and he is good at it but he never brings it into council. When has Joe brought his religious beliefs into council?
Focus on the policies of each candidate. Pity only one can win
Then there was fixing the housing affordability crisis yesterday.
"The Commonwealth shall not make any law for establishing any religion."
Over a sixth of us are athiests (I presume the real number would be much larger, but people are for some reason afraid to admit this), so why bring religion into politics?
We want to vote for someone who can represent all of us equally, without favouring church groups or bringing their religious views into policy making.
Religion is just something that will always spark argument.
Geeky Guy that is the dictionary meaning, not necessarily his interpretation. he states it as wanting to help people.
As much as there are the many jokes about religious people being the only people that can share imaginary friends, regardless of if there is or is not a god, 95% of religious people are better/nicer/kinder people because of it, and the other 5% are extremist, interpreting the religion for their own desire.
Joe doesn't strike me as an extremist.
And geeky guy. i agree. i wish there was a third candidate. one that was a mix of both Joe and Bob. they really do both have so much to offer (can we vote 1 in both boxes? haha)
Note the lack of blogs on this one?
And to whoever said we weren't likely to vote for him anyway.. yes I was.
Could this have something to do with all those ads Joe has on this web site. We haven't heard much about Bob lately have we?
- Story about Bob Abbot on the front page right now - the accident main picture quotes Bob - Editor
perplexed, true and maybe this is because of the first paragraph so lets see what was really said.
Ed, maybe you can confirm did Joe actually say "If elected Mayor I will unite religious believers on the Sunshine Coast."
- I don't think it was a direct quote - Editor
Now, does this make the story a bit different for anyone????
I didn't bring religion into these debates and where in any policy documents from either Joe or Bob does it say this? Nowhere, so lets leave it out.
As to are we a Christian country. Catholic 26%, Anglican 21%, Other Christian 21% as of 2001 census. Source http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0107296.h...
Joe did it himself, most likely in a misguided attempt to gain favour with the voters. It goes with all those ads he has flashing all over the place.
I'd be forced to believe then that you'd criticize him for the sake of criticizing.
And as for it not being a direct quote i believe that makes a world of difference. if it were a direct quote then yes, it would be a shame for bringing religion into this, however by not being a direct quote, then all it is really saying is that it would be something he would like (for all religions to get along and so forth) and then it has been changed a little, and mis construed by (apparently) quite a few readers.
My apologies Kulangoor, for confusing you with Kallangur. One of Kallangoor's issues, as I recall, was the chemical spill at the industrial estate quite close to a housing estate......Is there something we should learn from that?
Honestly, give it away fellas. I don't think that you are helping Joe's cause at all.
- The story was not initiated by Joe - it was a story we developed after hearing Joe was doing the rounds of local churches - Editor
- No not a concocted one at all - just one not generated by Joe (ie. press release or campaign announcement) - let's not twist things too much atapro...
Just excuse me while I go and wipe the egg off my face.
- Sorry about the ads atapro but someone has to pay for for the free news service we deliver each day - Editor
and thank you Editor for clearing it up.
And Atapro I'm not "trying to help joe's cause" at all, quite honestly if Bob abbot was copping one sided flak, i would try to point out facts from the other side. as i've said before, they're both good men, and can both be great mayors.
Kulangoor, near Nambour has a dump proposal on their doorstep and Kallangur, near Brisbane has already had a chemical spill on their doorstep.
Kulangoor from Kulangoor, have I got that right now? I suspect the predicament is somewhat similar, like the spelling.
So long as Joe isnt a Christian / Freemason, we might have a chance? We can mention the "craft" here cant we without any bias?
Anyone dare to interpret this dream?
What is a Jainian ? I think I'll have to Google that one...Ah! I see.
1. Jainian Cycle Market, Esplanade Road, Chandni Chowk , Delhi from Sulekha India Yellow Pages (damn cyclists get their tendrils into every nook and cranny)
2. Society&Animal Forum - Society & Animals Journal - Jainian ethics hinge on the belief that the liberation of the soul from ill deeds and negative thoughts requires active participation in creating the world.
That's more like it. "Liberation of the soul requires active participation"... from the residents I suppose that would be ?
Very insightful Pescadero. I think that we could found a new religion on that basis.
Particularly because they were smaller local papers, which have a tendency to do things like that.
jboast has a REALLY good point in asking for a fair representation of ALL candidates.
Unfortunately those with only negative things to say are generally too closed minded to realise that they're not always correct. (note: 'generally'. meaning that yes, some of the negativity is correct (perhaps just could be more tactful), however even with that point.. they're still a little too 'once sided')
joe is elwood and bob is jake - - half a pack of cigarettes, its dark and we have our sunglasses on
I hate noosaville nazis
baby clothes - this place has everything
And Vanga, i agree.. not so much generalizing all noosa people in that sense. but quite literally i have seen a 'noosa nazi'. parked outside a hospital was a car with writing all over it talking about 'the holy land' and the 'sacred land' (referring to noosa).
Kind of scary to think that people may actually believe that, and think that way.
An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth...hmmmm what a fantastic value to have.
Advice for Joe think, really think, before opening your mouth.
I used to be a born again christian someone above said 95% are good 5% are fanatical- I would reverse that statistic.
I wasn't bagging Noosa, and in fact I have taken holidays there, even though it is but a shire away.
I was just pointing out that whilst the majority certainly don't believe they are the elite (from what I've gathered) there are clearly some that are.
all i did in regards to 'bagging out Noosa' was point out one vehicle I had seen with Nazi-ism writing all over it.
"separation of church and state"??? We are NOT American!
BTW - what is wrong with voicing his beliefs? You have voiced yours! I don't agree with all he said - but how about some real tolerance?
Thank you.
so very much.
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