Religion has had it's time.

[whell]

Of course there are extremists on both ends of the spectrum of the religious debate that give their respective causes a black eye. The folks in the middle are caught up in the damage caused by the folks on the extremes who can't seem to embrace the concept of "live and let live". For example, while you might admire his conviction, here's an example of someone who can't "live and let live":

http://www.detroitnews.com/story/new...sade/22253013/

As far as religious types who don't get it, one need look no further than what's going on in Iraq and Syria.

[Rajoo]

Originally Posted by whell

Of course there are extremists on both ends of the spectrum of the religious debate that give their respective causes a black eye. The folks in the middle are caught up in the damage caused by the folks on the extremes who can't seem to embrace the concept of "live and let live". For example, while you might admire his conviction, here's an example of someone who can't "live and let live":

http://www.detroitnews.com/story/new...sade/22253013/

As far as religious types who don't get it, one need look no further than what's going on in Iraq and Syria.

I disagree. From the link above:

"Everybody knows this is a Christian place, not a Muslim place, not a Hindu place," Matt Kooienga, associate pastor of Harvest Baptist Church in Hudsonville, said during the Jan. 13 work session. "We don't have to lock our doors. The reason for that is we're Christians."

Is this sentiment OK with you? To say the least, it is discriminatory and illegal.

[Tom Joad]

IMO George Carlin got it right where religion is concerned.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8r-e2NDSTuE

[merrylander]

Originally Posted by BeamOn

I disagree. From the link above:



Is this sentiment OK with you? To say the least, it is discriminatory and illegal.

No in fact the Constitution states that upon assuming public office no one is required to swear a religious oath so the pastor is misinformed. And what if the thief is not a good baptist?

[nailer]

Originally Posted by merrylander

No in fact the Constitution states that upon assuming public office no one is required to swear a religious oath so the pastor is misinformed. And what if the thief is not a good baptist?

You'll never convince a true believer/patriot that there is no God in the Constitution.

[merrylander]

Originally Posted by nailer

You'll never convince a true believer/patriot that there is no God in the Constitution.

The Declaration of Independence speaks of a 'creator' and from what I have read most of the founders were 'deists' in fact did not Jefferson create his own bible by simply cutting out the bits he agreed with and pasting them into a blank book?

We have seen what a theocratic government can do and surely want no part of that.

[Wasillaguy]

Originally Posted by merrylander

The Declaration of Independence speaks of a 'creator' and from what I have read most of the founders were 'deists' in fact did not Jefferson create his own bible by simply cutting out the bits he agreed with and pasting them into a blank book?

We have seen what a theocratic government can do and surely want no part of that.

I think pretty much everyone does this to some extent, though few go through the physical process of actually cutting and pasting. As we all know, you can find support in the Bible for just about any stance, if you look hard enough. I think it's by design, to appeal to the widest audience.

On the thought that the world would be as moral and non-violent without religion, I'm not so sure. They were practicing cannibalism in the Fiji islands until the second boatload of missionaries showed up with cattle.
You know what happened to the first boatload.

[merrylander]

Originally Posted by whell

Of course there are extremists on both ends of the spectrum of the religious debate that give their respective causes a black eye. The folks in the middle are caught up in the damage caused by the folks on the extremes who can't seem to embrace the concept of "live and let live". For example, while you might admire his conviction, here's an example of someone who can't "live and let live":

http://www.detroitnews.com/story/new...sade/22253013/

As far as religious types who don't get it, one need look no further than what's going on in Iraq and Syria.

There are obviously extremists who are non religious, except that one might consider atheism to be reverse religion.

Why do people go so extreme escapes me although I have noticed this among folks who convert to a religion - are they trying to convince themselves that they did the right thing?

I know what I believe and since it has made me so happy (well it helped me find Florence and she has more than made me happy) so if I get preachy sometimes it is only with the wish that others be happy.

The Catholic wedding prayers suggest the 'the husband and the wife become one." and there are days when I swear we are one soul that just happens to occupy two bodies.

Of course since I was divorced we had a civil wedding, even the Anglicans (God's Frozen people) would not let us renew our vows in the American Chapel at St. Paul's in London.

[d-ray657]

Originally Posted by whell

Of course there are extremists on both ends of the spectrum of the religious debate that give their respective causes a black eye. The folks in the middle are caught up in the damage caused by the folks on the extremes who can't seem to embrace the concept of "live and let live". For example, while you might admire his conviction, here's an example of someone who can't "live and let live":

http://www.detroitnews.com/story/new...sade/22253013/

As far as religious types who don't get it, one need look no further than what's going on in Iraq and Syria.

Unfortunately, it sounds like the responses to him are anything but "Christian." I do suppose that there are some instances in which atheism can be considered religious extremism.

Regards,

D-Ray

[whell]

Originally Posted by d-ray657

Unfortunately, it sounds like the responses to him are anything but "Christian." I do suppose that there are some instances in which atheism can be considered religious extremism.

Regards,

D-Ray

So he says. However, looks like he's also made a career out of taking on municipalities over religious iconography.