[Callace]

That sort of stuff pisses me off What they are claiming is a right to religious freedom, right?? But the interest they are really promoting, is one of religous indoctrination, forcing their children to adhere to their religion, without being given the chance to chose. I would rahter like every parent who prevents such a course to get charged with violating the religious freedom of their children.

Religious freedom means you have the right to chose what to believe in yourself. It does not give you the right to force your beliefs on anyone else. This course is a good way to give children real religious freedom, without the mental coercion of their parents to believe in only what they tell them, or the impression that there really is only one choice.

[fetch]

I agree. And people are supposed to learn things at school, not just review everything their parents already teach them at home.

[sunnykerr]

Christian faith in Quebec? Are they kidding me? Haven't they heard of the Quiet revolution?

If they'd been opposing on the grounds that they wouldn't want their kids to received ANY religious education whatsoever, then I could understand.

I'd disagree, but I could understand. It would more in line with our times at any rate.

But, come on, a curriculum that teaches kids about Catholicism, Protestantism, Judaism and native beliefs is not offensive to anyone.

[Callace]

It is, to zealots who are in the process of manipulating thier children

[sunnykerr]

I get that, but that's why they're zealots, isn't it? They don't realize that knowledge isn't intrinsically threatening.

It's just the idea of Christian zealots in Quebec is just so odd... Seriously, I grew up surrounded by born-again kids, and even they didn't care what your beliefs were (as long as you didn't start in on them).

[Callace]

Yeah. when facing a paradox, the teachings of scripture against the experiences of RL for instance, something's go to budge, in order to reestablish balance, Then most people chose to take scripture less seriously, and either abandon religion or claim that the writings are metaphorical and allegorical and whatnot, and thus sensemaking when read right. Zealots take the other route, trying to dispell RL from their perception, if it contradicts what the can read in their Holy Book. When school interferes, and wont let them do that to their children, they freak out.

I get that feeling I had quite the shock myself a few years ago, when I realized that some friends of mine who I had always considered very reasonable, turned out zealously fundamentalist. I ended up in a weird discussion with them on whether or not there have ever existed dinosaurs Zealots cn appear where you least expect them.

[sunnykerr]

The thing of it is, though, is that taking Sciptures (of any religion, really) seriously would lead people to one conclusion: ethics and compassion are the way to go.

Because that's the thread that runs through all religions: Compassion, love, morality, humility.

A real religious zealot would be a modern-day Buddha.

[Callace]

I dont think that comes from religions itself. the religious books have all kinds of contradictory messages, just like life itself has. I think everyone who has been around, lived and experienced things, will have come to that conclusion, at some level, whether or not they read a holy book. Those values are a core part of being human.

zealots have a way of putting scripture (and autoried interpretations of it) before humanity, and human needs, that scares me.

[sunnykerr]

I think zealots never take a whole faith in its entirety, though. Because there are so many contradictions and because the message is never one of violence anyway.

Zealots, as far as I can understand them, tend to be after a very black-and-white sort of existence where there's a rule and a reason for everything and where life is very simple.

Well, no holy book that I know of provides that. None. It's all about experience, compassion, life, spirituality and all the rest. None of it is simple, most of it (if not all of it) is left up to personal interpretation. With the possible exception of the Old Testament, which was the codified system of law in Biblical times, but even that clearly doesn't hold up as a consistent pattern for behaviour.

[fetch]

Church altar smites devout Catholic • The Register

[Callace]

Originally Posted by sunnykerr (View Post) I think zealots never take a whole faith in its entirety, though. Because there are so many contradictions and because the message is never one of violence anyway. Zealots, as far as I can understand them, tend to be after a very black-and-white sort of existence where there's a rule and a reason for everything and where life is very simple. Well, no holy book that I know of provides that. None. It's all about experience, compassion, life, spirituality and all the rest. None of it is simple, most of it (if not all of it) is left up to personal interpretation. With the possible exception of the Old Testament, which was the codified system of law in Biblical times, but even that clearly doesn't hold up as a consistent pattern for behaviour.

and would be a gruesome one if it did Not laws any of us today (even way most of the zealots) would want to go by.

they dont focus on everything their holy books says. they pick some things and make everything be about that. And then they often use their holy books to egitimate things that arent very clearly in them. (I mean to have read, for instance, a claim that the teachings of most of the Christian Right factions in America are much closer to the program of the Republican party than it is to the Bible

[sunnykerr]

Originally Posted by fetch (View Post) Church altar smites devout Catholic • The Register

Well, according to Catholic belief, that man is now in heaven, isn't he? So, in a way, you could say he was rewarded for his faith and his gratitude.



Or, you know, if you're not so much with the religious faith, then at least you could say he probably didn't have time to suffer.

[AlActor]

Well said!
and the earth is 6,000 years old. That's a fact like we humans lived together with the dinosaurs at one point in our history. Also, near my house there is a burning bush and somehow has an apple on it. The other day I met this guy at church that told me he is getting ready for the rapture in about a year from now by building an arch. By the way, who said there are no marsupials in nyc? Go to the zoo.