reply to post by Freeborn
Unfortunately this thread has been buried in the nether regions of Off Topic Discussions so I very much doubt it will receive the exposure and
contributions it would have done.
Seriously - off topic? From which topic would this be off ? :-)
I'm certainly not pushing any agenda's.....and if I was I very much doubt it would be a pro-Islamic one.
I firmly believe that organised religion is the bane of mankind.
I also believe the very question of 'Gods' existence is a complete irrelevance.
However, I recognise that I am in the minority in thinking that and religion is a great comfort to a lot of people in this world.
But that is all a discussion for somewhere else.
I’d promise not to blather on about this for a full page - but I think everything you just said is completely relevant here and now and worth a
discussion. And anyway – it’s not like anyone is listening
So, it’s just a chat then. Religion and/or atheism can’t be discussed without pissing somebody off – and most people think that they are
tolerant – it’s everyone else that’s an irrational threat. And everyone who isn’t as afraid as they are are stupid and dangerous
especially leftist peaceniks – they’re the most dangerous of all :-)
fear and uncertainty gets to all of us one way or another. Thing of it is – it gets to all of us – even the Muslims. Everyone feels threatened,
draws their line in the sand, digs in their heels and prepares for the worst. Some people stop preparing for the worst and go on the offensive instead
– on both sides
I’m going to stop talking like a girl scout now and just say - I’m with you. Religion isn’t an opiate – it’s more like a full frontal
lobotomy
there – that ought to do it
having said that – I really only believe that to be true when it comes to fundamentalists and extremists – and that is the god’s honest truth. I
may not share other people’s beliefs – but it’s not as if I don’t understand them. It’s not even that I don’t think they’re beautiful
– I simply don’t see our existence the same way as they do
but when
some god fearing people start talking about killing people that don’t fear the right god – it’s hard not to see the lie
– and I see that lie everywhere
as someone mentioned recently in another thread – religion isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. So it comes down to empathy, mutual respect – and
tolerance
oh, yeah – and calm, clear headed, rational thinking. So, we’re screwed - pretty much :-)
As I stated earlier I have real and genuine fears about Islamic extremism, associated acts and it's increase in influence throughout the
world.
It could possibly be the biggest threat to our continued development and evolution.
'The West' and it's belief in individual freedoms is the very antithesis of Islam.
If we are to peacefully coexist then it is imperative that we understand each other's viewpoints, beliefs, priorities and ambitions.
To do that we must study each other.
absolutely – and not just study each other, but experience each other. And that goes for both sides – when you actually get to know someone and
spend time with them – the strangeness disappears – and so does the fear
OK – before I start hinting around for a group hug – just wanted to say – I really do appreciate the attempt. It's been pretty bad here in the
States for several years now - but lately the anti-Muslim drumming has gotten louder and louder. I was beginning to lose sight of the fact that most
people are rational. Please tell me I'm not wrong.
even if you have to lie
This series of programmes offers an ideal opportunity for people to learn something about Muhammed's life.
It will be interestig to see how the details of Muhammed's later life are covered and what Muslim reaction will be.
Unfortunately I doubt we'll get much of that here now.
unfortunately – but hope springs eternal :-)