Religious zealots are all over the news lately. For the most part they are full of shit as far as I'm concerned.
While I can respect a good knowledge of The Bible, one must also understand that since the time It's Books were written, or orally handed down, the stories have been told and retold millions of times. Who really knows what actually is God's Word and what are merely the words of some misogynist asshole with slaves?
I have no problem with God. And if Reverend Warren thinks I'm going to hell because I don't worship in his church. Or that I'm not a good Christian because I think Ugandans wanting to put Gays to death for being gay is despicable, and I will not be reticent in saying so like Reverend Warren is, then... Hell. I don't care what he or any other self righteous dickhead says.
That being said, many on the non religious side need to lighten up. There will always be some idiot that thinks posting a picture or statue of The Ten Commandments will make us better or get them a ticket to Heaven. A Christmas tree can either be a symbol of the season or just a tree made to look pretty with lights and stuff.
I'm not offended by a Menorah or a Mosque. If we can all support and encourage others to share their beliefs and cultures, who doesn't appreciate Native American culture? How many cities have districts dedicated to ethnic heritage. Could be a German Village. French Quarter. Nobody is asking you to convert to Chinese when you visit Chinatown. If some judgemental moron wants to think you're going to hell because you don't show proper reverence to his Cross or other display, he's the one with the problem. Relax. If God had meant for life to not be a pain in the ass sometimes, he would have smited these self righteous assholes long ago.
16 comments:
Not commenting on this post other than to say points well taken.
And this morning I officially added you to my blog roll.
Have a great day.
You're dead on in that last graph.
I don't get crazy when I see a nativity scene on the front lawn of a city hall building. But I understand those who do.
I believe in secular government, that represents all people, no matter what their faith. I appreciate my government for protecting me from having to live by the rules and dictates of religious extremism.
The laws given to Moses by God, were laws in society. I guess God was not happy with the compliance rate, and for good reason.
The Ten Commandments, is not the only source of laws like killing, or stealing is a crime.
The added punishment from God, was being barred from Heaven. Hell is a later concept of Christianity.
Telling stories and fables was a main communication practice 2-4 thousand years ago. Not much on written records back in those days.
Anyone who interprets the Bible literally word for word, is an extremist and not to be trusted for their religious critical thinking. In my opinion.
As soon as the persecuted gather and become an organized religion. They immediately become the persecutors of others.
I believe in and tolerate complete religious freedom, but I also believe in the religious community being more TOLERANT. I am sick to death of people like Warren and Pat Robertson trying to turn us into a theocracy, or acting as thought they were the personal police, judge, jury, warden, and executioner for Christ!
Amen Jack.
Rachel Maddow has been covering the Uganda "kill the gays" proposed legislation for several days now (in a segment titled "Uganda be kidding me"). It was inspired by a book from self-proclaimed ex-gay Richard Cohen who claims that gayness can be "cured" -- along with members of "The Family" (the religious cult which a number our members of Congress belong to).
Rick Warren and others at first refused to speak out against the "kill the gays" legislation, saying that it wasn't their place as an American pastor (or American politician) to interfere in the political process of another country.
After all the attention this issue has garnered in the media, thanks to Rachel Maddow, they've had to make (reluctant) public statements in opposition to the Ugandan legislation. Although, as Rachel pointed out, the statements they made were to the American media, and not directed towards the Ugandan government.
I wouldn't call these people "religious"; I'd call them evil. Or at least purveyors of evil.
I believe in religious tolerance, and have found that the only thing I cannot tolerate well is intolerance. In that, I have a good example. Jesus was tolerant of all, except for those religious hypocrites who refused to tolerate anyone who would not bow to their legalistic piety codes. He condemned them.
However, there is little difference between the intolerance of the religious right and the intolerance of those who attack any faith at all.
Do you see what they are doing at Pamelas??? I'm trying to stay calm and its taking all I have, but PLEASE kill me if I ever tread over to that blog and utter another word to those fuckin morons!!! PLEASE save me from the insanity!!! I'm gonna have a heart attack!!!
Pamela is like the Ghost of Christmas Present to the righties Sue. They run to her for protection. They figure if they post drivel there, Pamela's sanity and conduct will not make them seem as stupid as they are.
well with her long list of do's and don't's, I guess it just applies to liberals? I'm not downing Pamela, she has been very nice to me, it's her "friends" who are so totally RUDE! I don't intend to go back there, ever!
OK, who's Pamela and where can I find her? Just out of curiosity.
Pamela is: "The Oracular Opinion."
There is a link to her site on my link list.
Thanks, Tom. I'm probably going to regret this.
Oh yes. I went there once and said, "No thanks."
On this post - I agree with some of what you say. About things like religious zealots, putting gays to death, making things sacred that aren't, and buying a ticket to heaven. Truth - it's good to have you telling it.
Post a Comment