[whenitbegan]

I think 9/11 probably wasn't what the media said it was, but either way, i think people should stop treating their religions like frat houses or rival football teams...it seems like most of the major religions that argue over things like that all have some code or scripture promoting peace and inner faith. i just think once you get political you kind of lose focus of the point of your religion.

i definitely see the potential for controversy on this particular subject but see more potential for hatred and bigger controversies. maybe little think first-act later state of mind would help.

[planckman]

Originally Posted by whenitbegan

i think people should stop treating their religions like frat houses or rival football teams...it seems like most of the major religions that argue over things like that all have some code or scripture promoting peace and inner faith. i just think once you get political you kind of lose focus of the point of your religion.

I agree that religions deserves more reverence from their practitioners. It does seem natural for it to become politicized given it is an easy route to power for a run of the mill megalomaniac. The behaviors of religious groups are more of a reflection of human nature than the theologies that they "promote". The goal is often less about upholding the concepts of the religion than for it to serve as a banner to unite people under. The unfortunate reality of this phenomenon is that committing to a banner means one spends far less time than they would prefer actually pursuing spiritual enlightenment which is presumably (or is it supposedly?) the goal.

It is no accident that those most strongly pushing their religion in public arenas are the least likely to epitomize its message; consider the acts of Mother Theresa.

[prufrocker]

Originally Posted by planckman

The unfortunate reality of this phenomenon is that committing to a banner means one spends far less time than they would prefer actually pursuing spiritual enlightenment which is presumably (or is it supposedly?) the goal.

It is no accident that those most strongly pushing their religion in public arenas are the least likely to epitomize its message; consider the acts of Mother Theresa.

Well argued. Case in point is the preacher/church in Florida planning to burn copies of the Quran. Much more Old Testament than New Testament, eh?

You can bet that a Bible burning ceremony would have him calling for God to rain fire upon the infidels. What does he expect in return?

[planckman]

That pastor is just trying to make a name for himself and his flock. I have always loved that term "my flock", why doesn't that offend anyone ?

Why muslims are protesting the burning of an inanimate object is beyond me, be annoyed sure but to actually waste a day whining about it? Mr. and Mrs. angry muslim, if you have a day off to defend your religion why not spread kindness and/or goodwill in the name of your deity? If your god is indeed a god do you think it cares about a few burning books? The paper is meaningless, the words live beyond corporeal form..or is this about power?

Mr. and Mrs. angry muslim, mainstream religions have defeated their own ideals in sensationalizing every little detail or hint of an affront like a desparate child alternating between tattling and tantrum to get what they want. While doing so one forgets the original reason. Don't fall into this insanely deep hole - rise above it, a god is not a material object so you don't really have a reason to flail in the streets like some mindless reactionary drone.

Riddle me this angry muslims, when is the last time you saw the Amish wailing in the streets? Where is that civility that you demand from your imaginary oppressors?