> How is Killing in any way equal to Saving? > > Why don't you pose that question to the many religious zealots out there who > slaughter, maim, disfigure, torture, mutilate, etc. in their gods' or prophets' name. > Some even do it in the name of a state-sponsored religion known as patriotism. > > It's the zealot mindset: It's their lovely way of "saving" by cleansing the world of > all that's "unholy" to them. It's where "they're no good" is a key motivation. > > Think about it. >
Yes. I can think of modern day examples of where this happens, particularly in some (3rd World) Muslim countries... Where they do do horrible things to people that do not believe as they do (heck, even to other Muslims, such as Suni vs Shia(sp?)). But it's not a good idea to lump all religions into one group and say they're all out to kill everyone that doesn't believe as they do. Seriously. When was the last time you heard anything of a Christian killing anyone in the name of their God?
As for "(killing in the name of) state-sponsored religion known as patriotism" -I happen to liken that to the military industrial complex. But that's just from what I believe any of today's modern wars are being 'justified' for. Military spending is beyond ridiculous. The people that fund these wars only worship lord Moolah. Our government gives orders to "defend" us against "terrorists". So any red-blooded American will do what they can to help America... And I'm not saying defending this country is wrong. That would be completely stupid! I'm just saying (IMO) the wars we're in now aren't justified.
And I'd be ignoring the elephant in the room if I didn't say something about how the Hebrew/Israelites or whatever you want to call them (the very first followers of God) went to war with others way back then...
I can only say that they went to war with peoples that were of Pagan religions. These religions worshiped Idols, and anytime you have a physical object (e.g. 'graven image') of worship - you delve into matters of demonic powers. With these idols the priests of these religions would require human blood sacrifices. A little bit of research, say, on Molech - would show you that they placed infants into the hands of the statue of Molech. And this was just after the hands were heated glowing hot.
Wouldn't you think a civilization such as that would deserve justice to be brought to it? Well, you might not.
> It isn't supposed to make any sense to people who are rational, who don't wish harm > upon others, and to pursue constructive solutions to life's problems. Take that ethic > away, devalue human life, and place ALL faith in the hope of a divine reward after > the dastardly deed and you can see the horror of it all. People who have no hope and > feel that life is at a dead end are mere kindling on that bonfire. They literally go > out with a bang and hope to take a few unwilling victims along with them to gain > favor in that mythological afterlife. >
Hm-Hmm. Painting with a broad brush.
> That's why some people are creeped out by religion. They catch a glimpse of that big > picture and thus a seed of doubt is sown. > > All of that violent mess is based on nothing more that mythology thousands of years > old which has very little, if any, basis in reality itself. People should be wary of > religion and especially of those who deny the dark side of religion in general. > > Read up on history. You'll see. > > --Bekki
Study religion all you want. Try looking for Faith.....