Ding Dong bin Laden is gone

[JWBear]

Originally Posted by alphabassettgrrl

I think part of it is because some of the people believe that all people must be converted to Islam. That no infidels must be allowed. Who are they to enforce orthodoxy? But they do somehow feel it is their duty.

I think some of it is born of insecurity- if there are other choices for religions, they can't feel as secure in their choice. If there is only one, they know they're doing it right. I think a lot of things boil down this way- that people don't want to have to make a choice, because they might make the "wrong" choice.

I think some of it is that Western civilizations have a lot of temptation, for people who are forbidden alcohol, the freedom of women, etc. I'm wondering if this taps into the dissatisfaction of some people with their religion- they follow it, but they don't really want to. In an area where there is no other choice, the path is clear. But once you know other things are possible.... and you want them...

And the people don't want to recognize the dissatisfaction. So you wipe out the temptation, and supposedly your people will be happy again. Doesn't work that way, but I think that's the plan.

Other factors tie into why they hate us.

Everything you just said can also be applied to some Christians and Jews... Or, for that matter, fanatic followers of any religion.

[scaeagles]

Originally Posted by JWBear

Everything you just said can also be applied to some Christians and Jews... Or, for that matter, fanatic followers of any religion.

This is true, but I think (note the word think - not stating anything as fact because I have no data to back it up. it's opinion) the difference is that this behavior is encouraged by a large portion of the Islamic community. Not saying a majority, but a large portion.

While there are radical groups within any religion, it seems to be most supported and widespread within Islam.

[JWBear]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

This is true, but I think (note the word think - not stating anything as fact because I have no data to back it up. it's opinion) the difference is that this behavior is encouraged by a large portion of the Islamic community. Not saying a majority, but a large portion.

While there are radical groups within any religion, it seems to be most supported and widespread within Islam.

I'm not so sure that this isn't just what we are being fed by the media. Remember, not all Muslims are Arabs, not even a majority of them.

On the other hand, the silence coming from mainstream American Christians regarding their most violently fundimentalist bretheren is deafening.

[scaeagles]

Originally Posted by JWBear

On the other hand, the silence coming from mainstream American Christians regarding their most violently fundimentalist bretheren is deafening.

Ummm....I'm truthfully not trying to be ignorant here. Abortion clinic bombings and death threats against abortion doctors are condemned, and I haven't heard of a bombing in ages. I'm trying to think (seriously) of other widepsread violence out there. Maybe this is what you are referring to - that it just doesn't come out in the media? But in terms of scope, I figure I'd hear about it if it were something on the scale of 9/11 (duh) and even other smaller acts, such as embassey bombings and the like.

[JWBear]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

Ummm....I'm truthfully not trying to be ignorant here. Abortion clinic bombings and death threats against abortion doctors are condemned, and I haven't heard of a bombing in ages. I'm trying to think (seriously) of other widepsread violence out there. Maybe this is what you are referring to - that it just doesn't come out in the media? But in terms of scope, I figure I'd hear about it if it were something on the scale of 9/11 (duh) and even other smaller acts, such as embassey bombings and the like.

Sure, the individual acts of Christian terrorism are decried, when they happen. But, how many mainstream Christian leaders speak out regularly against their fellow Christians who preach hate and intollerance? Not very many. By their silence they condone and support those fanatics, even if they do not mean to.

[Not Afraid]

I think religion should be outlawed world-wide. It would solve a lot of problems, wouldn't it?

[JWBear]

Humanity would just find something else to kill each other over.

[alphabassettgrrl]

True- radicals of all stripes tend to follow the same patterns.

[BarTopDancer]

Aside from the idiocy being spewed by religious talking heads wanna be Republican candidates/pundits I haven't heard of any asinine acts being done in the name of Christianity. I can't remember the last time I heard of an abortion clinic bombing.

[JWBear]

Originally Posted by BarTopDancer

Aside from the idiocy being spewed by religious talking heads wanna be Republican candidates/pundits I haven't heard of any asinine acts being done in the name of Christianity. I can't remember the last time I heard of an abortion clinic bombing.

It's not very frequent, but it happens. And there are groups that have the potential to be very violent in the name of Christianity (Hutaree, anyone?) Just google "Christian Patriots" and "Christian Identity".