Christainanity Discussion

[Feed the Monkey]

Hey Smartypants. yeah good points and I see them all. I think you should really be careful about wording though. What do I mean by a fundamentalist atheist. I suppose a non-beleiver who shuns all people who don't subscribe to their ideas of non beleif. in the same way as fundamentaalist christian shuns all people who don't subscribe to their belief.

You say that it is only the religious who use their beliefs to infringe upon the rights and safety of others. I'm afraid I disagree. Anyone who beleives anything can infringe upon the rights of others, regardless of religion. Our prime minister Tony Blair isn't a christian, but still went to infringe the rights of people in Itaq. If one passes a law that affects the rights of one group of people, be that any law, one could say that they are using their beleifs to affect one group of people. One could say that the recent passing of law in this country making fox hunting illegal could be seen as an infringement of rights, and forcing one group of people to submit to a particular view. Religion has had nothing to do with it.

Talking of abortions etc. There are groups of people who do beleive in 'right to life' views who aren't based in any religion. In terms of divorce etc. there are some who beleive that marriage is a vow that should be forever, outside of religion. I agree that there are groups of people who use, as an excuse, religion to fuel their hatred and anger. But these are, I feel, a minority. The majority of Christians are a good peace loving people. As are Moslems etc.

And you say that religious leaders are hell bent on dictating the behaviour and restricitn the rights of those who don't subscribe to their doctrine. Be careful here. Because when you say religious leaders, it does sound like you are talking about all religious leaders. Not all religious leaders feel this way. In fact, again, the majority of religious leaders don't feel this way. If they are truly religious leaders then they have the deep wisdom atached to their faith. I do agree that there are SOME who do. We're not in dispute there. And I strongly disapporve, as you do, of these actions. These are a minority of people with very loud voices, and very pursuasive means and should really not hold the positions they do. And it only takes a few fires for people to take notice. I just have faith in the slower moving, but ultimatly more powerful glacier of acceptance, compassion and giving that is, I feel, slowly taking more and more root in our society.

I really don't beleive that religion is the basis of al negativityl. Mankind is the basis of it all.

It's also worth pointing out that I am religious, and don't want to dictate anything to you, or anyone at all. So to say that it is the religious who want to do that is a misconception.

Regards,

FTM