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Originally Posted by Boss Radio
Beautifully, eloquently stated. And certainly words to which we all aspire.
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Thank you.
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Originally Posted by LSPoorEeyorick
Enter derail...
You're welcome to that opinion. And my opinion is that a great deal of negative effect can come from people who are overly dogmatic, particularly to the point of believing everyone else is wrong, wrong, wrong. And particularly if they feel compelled to evangelize in a violent fashion, i.e. war. But on the other hand, I have seen religion do some very positive things for people. So while I have major problems with what people sometimes DO with religion, I don't think that spirituality - even organized, shared spirituality - is not a bad thing in and of itself, when used for connection, peace and emotional strength - and not for harm. (So please don't lump us all together like that.)
But then, I've the same problem with evangelical atheists that I have with evangelical Christians. What works for one person is simply that - what works for ONE PERSON. I don't really care what you believe, so long as in your actions and thoughts, you're not bringing harm to others.
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Not a derail at all, imo. It's perfectly Germane to where the discussion has gone. I have been accused, in the past, of being a hater of Christianity because I speak out against the actions of
some Christians. I have met many, many fine people in my life; Some where religious, some where not. I've also encountered many who are not so good. Again; Some where religious, some where not. I couldn't care less what religion someone does, or does not, belong to. Belonging to a certain religion does not automatically make you a good person; just as non-belief doesn't automatically make you a bad person.
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Originally Posted by Motorboat Cruiser
And again, with all due respect, you assume that my comments are directed at you specifically. They aren't. As I said, perhaps you don't harbor any of this hatred, but there are plenty of people that do. Not necessarily in this thread even, but in general. That's what I'm trying to address.
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Fair enough.
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Originally Posted by Motorboat Cruiser
I actually don't think that Helms could have gotten away with those remarks today. I do actually think we are making progress. Take a look at George Allen, the former Republican senator from Virginia. Even in a place as conservative as Virginia, his comments didn't fly. He lost his seat and his Presidential aspirations, all with one uttering of a racial slur.
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I certainly hope you are correct.