Religion

Submitted by CanadianChris (Canada), Jan 12, 2009 at 17:20

I do not promote a discrimination against religion, but I do promote a required teaching of a philosophy of tolerance and respect for differing ideologies prior to indoctrinating children into religion. In public life, the differences between religious ideologies spark heated and at times violent disagreements. And at times violent acts against those with different beliefs. It is a source of separation in society. In our modern world, there is little room for ideology to replace common sense and respect. There are many cases of "Christians" judging who is worthy and unworthy of respect. The Bible said Judge not lest ye be judged, but we still see the "God Hates faggots" groups, and the people who promote Christian fundamentalism which is often guilty of projecting hatred as the representation of what Christianity is.

With regard to religion offering "Moral Fibre" I say that I have more respect for the humanist who promotes a duty to his fellow human rather than an obligation to God. The religious do good because it is required of them to gain favor or avoid disfavor of their specific diety, and the idea of "good" varies depending on religious perspective. The humanist feels an obligation to do good and to contribute to the development of humanity simply because they see the path of humanity as one that can be chosen instead of imposed. The religious see the path of humanity as preordained by God and will work at times, against their fellow humans, because their God or holy book instructs them in such regards. The God of the Bible has some pretty horrific commands to his followers, the Cannanites faced Genocide due to the belief that the land they occupied was given to the Hebrews by God. And that is only one example of the lessons of the Bible. the Koran has many easily located passages which are controversial to non-muslims, and needs no further explanation. I say that the religions which use the bible as guidance are also in danger of literal understanding of the passages of the bible rather than the symbolic messages which have the power to heal.

I hope that answers your questions. I believe in an architect of the universe, but I would be arrogant to try to define what that is for another person.

Humble regards
CanadianChris

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