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| Discussion Topic: Religious Stalemate | Posted By | |
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What is it that makes a human being so intent on convincing others that they are right about Religious beliefs? Is it our conviction that our beliefs are more pertinent than others? Maybe we see our belief systems as more plausible or probable?Do we not, as human beings of free thought and will, have the right to have a faith of our own choosing? Should we be subjected to the rule of others in order for 'Stability' in the world? The United States of America was formed, as taught by our History teachers in grade school, with the ideal in mind of Religious freedom. (Although this is true, I do realize that there are other reasons why they left.)We do not have to conform to societies standards or belief systems. While in a discussion with a few family members we came across this subject and it bore into the depth of night. On one side, side 1, sat my parents as well as an uncle and my youngest sister. Their stand on the subject was quite different from the other side, side 2, which consisted of me, my aunt and my oldest sister. As the conversation progressed, it became apparent just how different our belief of religious freedom was. Side one was of the opinion that the United States was formed by Christians and was based on the beliefs of Christianity, therefore was only right to continue these beliefs. They ruled that anything other than Christianity should be banned and anyone who was of another belief should be immediately corrected. On side two we argued that in the constitution, the law dictates that religious freedom applies to all established religious beliefs and that no one person could or should be allowed to persecute others for these beliefs. My father replied to this, "All other beliefs have pillaged, destroyed and murdered. They have assaulted Christians for millenia. Why should we allow any of those Barbarian Religions to continue?" "Christianity has also committed many crimes against humanity. One famous instance was the crusades where Christianity nearly destroyed paganistic beliefs as well as various others." Stated my aunt, "Christianity is also at fault on that front." That is the question that needs to be answered. Should one religion be allowed do destroy others, or persecute people not of the same beliefs system? Isn't it free will and freedom of religious expression that is supposed to rule? Not a single religion? I would enjoy your insights on religious freedom and welcome positive and negative replies.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008 at 1:08 pm
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Silverowl |
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| 4 replies so far | <reverse sort order> | |
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What is to say with all the possible interpretations of the existence of The Other (God/the gods, & etc.) that one single interpretation is perfectly correct? It is difficult to be so proud as to believe my own faith is the one perfect conceptualization and all others are terribly corrupted by various degrees. I suppose the best way to live is to follow universal wisdoms. For example, if the golden rule is found is so many different belief systems, then perhaps it is a good idea to follow. One does not have to be a believer to live rightly. In fact, I think the question of how to be is most important for atheists, because atheists do not have a pre-defined moral code handed to them. But consider the world in which we all agreed on certain principles, and strove to live by them. In such a world, religious affiliation would only be a preference (like the style and color of your car) and each person would live to a uniform moral code simply because it was the right way to be and one that lives rightly lives best. In other words, living rightly has its own rewards--religious implications aside. So I advocate the responsible and intelligent exercise freedom. Who can disagree with that? Sorry, perhaps I did not stick my neck out very much. :-) MP
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Silver Owl, I believe, without doubt, that freedom of religion belongs to all established religions. No religion can maintain they are the, "One true path". If that where so then a lot of good, honest caring people would go to "Hell". I do not believe The One would allow that. And I include all religions not just the "big three", Judaism, Islam and Christianity. Pagans deserve the same respect as they get in this country. I also believe that The One was directly involved in the creation of the Constitution in order to end religious persecution. Maybe that is wacky thinking but it's what I believe. |
