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Fine words. Shame most Christians are quite happy in their morally superior vory tower, judging non-Christians and trying to use their faith to influence public policy.
Actually, what you've said pretty much amounts to an argument for total secularisation of politics which is something I believe in quite strongly. Must bear your comments in mind...
And Christians are any worse at that than other people?
No, I don't think it is. Religious beliefs are solely a matter for individuals, and one set deserves no higher status - legally, especially - than any other or none at all.
I respect it - insofar as I respect everyone's right to their own beliefs - but do not and will not share it. And I am not prepared to have Christians, or any other faith group, lobby to have my rights restricted just because their beliefs say that the exercise of those rights is morally wrong. That's the real crux of the issue: it's not what peopel believe, it's what they try and do with their beliefs.
Agreed, but I do believe that politics and religion should be separated as far as possible, and public life - in the sense of public institutions and political discourse - should be as secular as possible.
No worse than any other religion, just more visible in this country.
I dont think there are effective Christian lobbying groups here really, not compared to the States. Big Business has a FAR bigger influence.
Yes, to a certain extent. I just think that non religious people can be just as close minded, just as restrictive of freedoms of others and just as arogant as to whats best for the people. Its not religion that is the issue, its making sure there are checks and balances in the system so that small pressure groups can not change policy against the will of the majority.
Is that addressed to me?
If so, of course not.
BB
Big Business is pretty damn influential stateside too... However, I quite agree that there aren't the sort of right-wing religious lobby groups here that there are in the 'States - thank fuck.
Agreed.
Yes it was, and it was a nudge to remind you that it's people that are the problem, and more often than not, not actually the religion.
Don't you think they are?
But the religion is composed of people...
Have you actually been reading my posts?
People created religion, so that's rather a circular argument I think.
You're arguing in circles again.
Go ahead.
Is everyone's sense of right and wrong correct?
:banghead:
not at all, at least, there is one exception.
What does that mean? Is your sense of right and wrong correct simply because it's printed and leather bound?
And just to make things clear, it does not matter what I think here, I'm asking the questions they give no real indication of my opinion.
That's like saying to a Taoist, or a Muslim, or a Buddhist, a Shintoist or a Jewish person that because they believe something that was written years ago, some legend or in some sort of deity that they're not examining themselves?
How are we conditioned in to 'morals'? We go with what society tells us maybe? Or what we learn in school... We read signs and see movies where the bad guy gets killed... That's no more superior to the Bible really as it's simply people telling you what to do and how to live your life.
I really don't understand how dedicating yourself to a religion is an 'easy way out'. Personally I think that a person who's ignorant has the easiest life.
Really though, this line of debate, if you're remotely interested, requires the question be answered. And as uncomfortable as it may make you it really is as simple as either everyone's personal sense of morality is correct, or everyone's is not, that there are some (maybe all) who's morality is incorrect, flawed, in error, wrong etc.
I think an attraction to the physical part of a person, for example being a boobs guy or liking a tight male arse is no more bizarre than any paraphilia out there... It's just what ya like.
People make such a big deal over 'sexuality'.