"Do not mistake the finger pointing at the moon for the moon herself."

Not one of the brightest fortunes in the cookie.

Alan - Christians left their dark ages over 400 years ago; Muslims are a lot more stubborn.

Name any war that began to defend religion in modern times other than by Muslims. Name any other religion that any perceived insult to their god/prophet would cause thousands to attempt murder. Wars are started for many reasons but no religion other than Islam murders merely because they believe any that believe differently have no right to live. Most religions have evolved from days of barbarism, Islam hasn't. Hitler murdered millions of jews but was an athiest and did so merely to focus peoples hate.

AllanL.

Ignorance has done more harm to people over the centuries than "religion". You are pointing your finger at every christian by claiming christianity is the result of countless deaths. According to you there are no true christians and the christian faith is a criminal organization that has never done anything good for humanity. You are also stating that Christ taught us to kill, cheat and lie wherever his followers go. Are you sure that YOUR facts are straight? If you take the time to examine the historical FACTS you would have discovered that the catholic church (aka vatican) was responsible for the crimes you state and not christians. The vatican has a dark history comparable to that of the nazi's and they have murderered millions over the centuries including other christians who dared to stand up to them. True christians follow the teachings of the bible and murdering is forbidden by all accounts as is lying, theft, idolatry and any other immoral behavior. If you want to know who is a true christian then just examine how they live their life. If what they do does not compliment scripture then that person is NOT a christian and you have the right to say that to their face.

It's interesting that you would write the following:

" take a look. You will learn something important."
How very true. If you took the time to examine historical facts you would have learned that it's your "facts" that are the twisted lie here. You're no better than the muslims who are demanding the death of an innocent girl. People like you are the reason so many have died needlessly over time. Until you have something intelligent to say based on truth learn to keep your teeth together before you get them knocked out. I challenge you to verify what I've written and find out for yourself who is spewing lies and who is presenting facts. There is never an excuse for ignorance.

Northern Ireland. Catholics and protestants killing each other like shiites and sunnis

In case of Ireland is not a religious war, it is about terrritory.

About Christianity, follow the word of Jesus in the Bible that is all you need, and compare with the word of Mohamad. Jesus preach love, Mohamad was a warrior and preach with his sword.

@Allan The thing that you apparently do not see, is that medieval Christians who did what they did, actually did it in spite of their religion. Jesus never taught to do the things that those people did. In the Muslim faith however, they are acting in accordance with the Quran by killing someone for "blasphemy". Anyone can call themselves a Christian, but that doesn't make them one. What you have described in the article is a modern day Salem witch hunt as anyone can accuse another for blasphemy just to settle a personal score.

"Christians left their dark ages over 400 years ago", really I wonder what some American Indians would have to say about that. How about those lynch mobs? The KKK is considers themselves Christian, thankfully people are not ignorant enough to believe that I belong to the KKK even though I am white and a Christian. Friend = good, enemy = bad I am sorry to say, but the world is not that simple.

Sounds like they are having a Salem witch trial problem, which was one of the reasons for the need to present "evidence" in this country not simply accuse. How many years have we have this law? Is this more or less then the difference in time between Jesus and Muhammad?

We are a couple hundred years ahead is all, you want a cookie or a pat on the back? Be thankful you were born in this country and were not born in Pakistan. Since 95% of the population is Muslim guess what religion you would most likely be.

Competition is what causes people to segregate based on color, race, religion, etc. When we are in a fight or are competing we look for people that have similar traits as us to "befriend" and ally with. Just look at what happens to people in prison. You stick with your race because it is safe. Animals do the same thing, they will pick on the odd or different looking animal. Unregulated competition is not a good thing unless you like war. Even if you win over the other races you will find new enemies in your own group to compete and fight with.

I think we have lost sight of the issue here. The blasphemy laws are clearly draconian and unexceptable. The last attempt in America to convict somebody of blaspheming was 150 years ago, and the case was ultimately dropped.

The problem is that Islam is the state religion of Pakistan, and any expression of disbelief has the implicite implication that the disbeliever scoffs at the tenets and assertions of the officially sanctified belief system. Disbelief is a form of blasphemy. The Muslim scholars then use the blasphemy laws as a bully tactic to persecute religious minorities.

Blasphemy is a medeival bully tactic to protect the tenets of superstition from any form of question or challenge. It is because the superstitions are so indefensible that they rely on such tactics.

Islam has become a cruel old queen who lives in denial and uses too much makeup, then kills anybody who says she is not beautiful.

I don't know you but God bless you. very well said.

Blasphemy....Only in the middle east....direct from the religion that supposedly preaches peace....

Religion - noun. 1. A set of beliefs concocted to explain things not understood at the time and also used by many to oppress and control others. See "Superstitious nonsense."

Religion.

re·li·gion

   /rɪˈlɪdʒən/ Show Spelled[ri-lij-uhn] Show IPA

noun
1.
a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.

There is no doubt that Religion provide power and control, because the essence of the unknown . Sadly used by many groups to dominate and conquer.

I believe that definition should read:

a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a superhuman agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs

This young woman needs to be released.

The guys that kept adding stuff to the Qur'an and the bible down through the ages because they thought that their God would have wanted it that way must be having a great laugh up there, or down there. Yes the human race is going to survive, lol, really dont see how. The world cant agree on one thing! Not even one thing. Our side needs to start thinking dirty, playing dirty, and for keeps, these Muslims are.

Hummmmmmmmmmmmmmm "Blasphemy" the new buzzzzzzz word to convict your neighbor? lol

"Now we see society is becoming more and more intolerant, and such incidents are increasing at an alarming rate. There is an extreme mindset, and the intolerance is increasing. People are not open to talk about it."

Sound familiar? .... just read the post here ..... and look around your community ..

Intolerance .. the key word ... Do you practice "Tolerance?" Or do you believe "my way or the highway?" ...

It's all about ideas and the freedom of choice .... and allowing others to practice theirs without prejudice or interference ... "fair & Impartial" ....

I'm beginning to believe that it's not really a natural human characteristic ... without education .... it's really about being "ignorant" ...

Trust2112: Thank you for the Monty Python-ish skit, LOL! Also, excellent choice in music!

And don't forget the Salem witch trials...in reality a land grab. Also, Massachusetts executed four Quakers in the mid 1600's for being, well, Quakers.

This is why it's a capital error to mix politics and religion. I don't need to be told that someone's mythical man in the clouds is judging me. Keep your bronze age fairy tales to yourself. It's sad, really...science has debunked so many of the myths of religion and yet people still cling to them like an old worn out baby blanket.

I have nothing against God, it's his fan club i can't stand.

They say there are strangers who threaten us
In our immigrants and infidels
They say there is strangeness too dangerous
In our theaters and bookstore shelves
That those who know what's best for us
Must rise and save us from ourselves

Quick to judge
Quick to anger
Slow to understand
Ignorance and prejudice
And fear walk hand in hand...

(Rush, Witch Hunt)

Athiests and non believers drool at the mouth for stories like this... So then you can claim that religion fails and is good for nothing. Ever try to convince a believer to give up their faith? GOOD LUCK!!!! I'm sure it happens but the person already has to want to stop believing, they have to be on the fence... I'm on the fence right now, but after reading some of your non-believing posts, I think I'm going to give religion another try. I don't want to sound as pathetic as some of you. Most of you think of yourselves as builders but you're really destructors. Your negative comments towards religion prove it. Quit spewing your athiest hate and try for something called tolerence... Before you start in on your freedom of speech crap, ask yourself, why am I so mad at this post... Probably because I nailed it and people HATE the truth!!! Personally, I think you guys sound like the gun contol nuts who wait for a shooting so they can come out in force and say "I told you so..." It's pathetic. Stop doing it.

OMG! Another article about an unjust and Totally intolerant Islam, once again persecuting a Christian minority in their country (look at Africa, look at the other middle eastern countries), and Christianity and all religion is on the defense Again on this vine! Get real!

I don't really have much of a problem with the religions themselves, but I have a big problem with the churches and institutions that claim to be the protectors of their respective religions. If you spend the time to really read the Bible, especially the new testament, for example, you will see Jesus preach tolerance and love, regardless of what your enemy does. Greatest commandment: love God. Second greatest commandment: love your neighbor as yourself. Also judge not, lest you be judged, don't throw the first stone, etc., etc., etc. Nowhere in this do I see any condemnation of any other religion. Yet Christianity has been used to persecute and subjugate many peoples in the name of the Church.

Is true of every religion. God maybe reveals himself (herself?) to mankind, but mankind then perverts that revelation. I have very little use for any established church or religion, as I find all of them have very little to do with the god(s) they profess to believe in. Doesn't mean I don't believe in god - just that I don't trust mankind to understand it.

LOLinyourface------Please. "Believing" is the result of programming that begins in childhood. Thereby, it is too difficult for many to reason when they become adults. Most cling to what was taught to them as children. The topic here is about all the war, death, and persecution performed by those who continue to fight over who has the best imaginary friend. Try to stay on point.

LOLinyourface, the reason that many atheists react stongly to stories like this is because it's another example of religion proving to be a detriment to society. Also, atheists are still looked down on in this country - we still insist that people in government have a belief system and go to church/temple. For centuries (and still today) atheists were condemned for being satanic and immoral. You don't need to believe in a higher power to be ethical. Indeed, having ethics and morals because it's the right way to live, and to treat others respectfully has more merit, in my opinion, that doing the right thing because god says so, and you'll be rewarded when you die.

Kathy -- how right you are.
It is an open question whether any behavior based on fear of eternal punishment can be regarded as ethical or should be regarded as merely cowardly.

The only thing to fear is fear itself.

It has been theorized that there is a global conscientiousness. What we as a human population think and feel is translated into what we experience in our day to day lives. We can create our own reality. Love each other as you would yourselves. They want us to fear because they feed off of fear.

For all the Christian experts out there, just so you know, modern Christians are free to discuss and criticize the Scriptures openly without persecution and also shocking many Christians question the existence of God and confide in Priests this belief without being accused of heresy. Most Christians I know seem more interested in Physics, history and technology. The laws that I live by were written and and are enforced by Christians and under these laws my rights as follows are protected:

I can attend Church whenever I please, free of any type of religious clothing and I can sit beside a man, shake his hand and no other person will condemn me or seems to give a darn.

I can plan my own future, choose who I wish to wed and can decide how many children I wish to have.

There are no gender specific laws that I must follow.

I feel safe and protected from molestation, false accusations and polygamy.

Now if any person wishes to take away my rights then they can expect a fierce fight.

It is blasphemy for Christians to burn the Koran, but it is quite alright for the muslims to burn the Holy Bible and churches (even houses used as a church) in almost every predominantly Muslim nation. I can't defend what my ancestors did, but most Christians now would not inflict harm on a non-Christian. Yes, unfortunately there are some who claim to be Christian that seem to believe only Caucasions (and I am one) should live freely here in the USA. I am speaking of the skinheads, and the KKK members.

I sincerely hope the Pres. of Pakistan will see it in his heart to release this girl and she and her family are permitted to go somewhere where they can practice Christianity and Love without fearing for their lives.

Fear. Plain and simple. Went times are changing, challenging, or simply bad (as in economy) people will forcefully cling to their religion. Unfortunately, Islam, as it is practiced in Pakistan, is pretty intolerant and bloody. We can be thankful that our own "extremists" are not as quick to "exercise their second amendment rights". I sigh when I hear that FDR quote: "We have nothing to fear, but fear itself!"

"People enraged by the accusations gathered at the police station, demanding the girl be turned over to them, so she could be burned alive."

What in the hell is wrong with these people? Have they completely lost the ability of independent thought? I can't for the life of me conceive of what's going on in their heads to have so much hate, ignorance and stupidity jumbled around in their apparently hollow skulls. Maybe they should do the same to the supposed religious idiotic zealots who put these notions in their heads. I can't believe any group of people can be so completely stupid. They should just go back to herding their goats and growing their poppies and give themselves a good dose of the latter.

Islam's blasphemy laws are b.s., and at best should only be applied to those who profess that faith. [Remember the Inquisition?] Pakistan is a failed state, just as Fundamentalist Islam is a failed religion. We in the west should tolerate neither.

Allan...the question is do christians murder people because they aren't christian? Do christians penalize non christians as a matter of course? I have a feeling that you would answer in the affirmative regardless of any information to the contrary. Comparing christianity to islam is like comparing apples to oranges. I think you are confusing what followers do with what their respective religions teach. Christianity and Islam are very far apart in what they teach. Islam is a 6th century system of tribalism that currently as we see it now a 11th century religion. Do you want to go back to living in a 11th century system? I know I don't

I would like to know why the signs are written in English when those people don't read or write in English.

Mr. Boom’s version of the recent incident in Dearborn, Michigan, is the yellow press version, intentionally exaggerated for emotional impact. Christian groups, Bible Believers, and By Any Means Necessary (BAMN), incited the riot by taunting and waiving a pig’s head at the muslim festival goers. Six were arrested, five of whom came from out of town to stir things up.

Recommend readers do their own research. For example, see:

http://dearborn.patch.com/articles/multiple-arrests-made-at-anti-islamic-protest-during-dearborns-arab-international-festival

http://www.freep.com/article/20120616/NEWS05/120616015/Christian-missionaries-with-pig-s-head-taunt-Arab-Americans-at-Dearborn-festival

In case of Ireland is not a religious war, it is about terrritory.

It's always about territory. Even al-Qaeda and the Taliban are in response to invasions of territory.

About Christianity, follow the word of Jesus in the Bible that is all you need, and compare with the word of Mohamad. Jesus preach love, Mohamad was a warrior and preach with his sword.

That must explain why so many billions followed Mohammad willingly and whole-heartedly. Because of his big sword. Right.

Former Punjab Governor Salman Taseer spoke often about his vision for a "progressive" and "liberal" Pakistan.

.....................

He was gunned down by one of his own bodyguards in the parking lot of an upscale shopping area in January 2011.

I guess they don't like us libtards in Pakistan either, hmm.

Kannin

Alan - Christians left their dark ages over 400 years ago; Muslims are a lot more stubborn.

Don't be so naive to think that the American public is not getting on the track to go backwards into the dark ages of religious persecution. The rise of the Tea Party and people CLAIMING to be staunch Republicans have been quoted multiple times stating that our forefathers never intended a separation of Church and State, and even go so far as to say this country was founded as a Christian nation. Even though quotes from people like Thomas Jefferson and James Madison (both REAL Republicans) prove otherwise. In fact, the founding fathers' recorded statements directly contradict such ideas from people like Rick Perry and other radical conservatives.

The fact of the matter is, even though many of us might laugh and some of the things coming out of politicians mouths, those comments are still going out into the universe and gradually gain support from people that would like our constitution to be interpreted from strictly a Christian point of view. Simply laughing at it is dangerous. And the more ground the Christian Conservatives gain, the more legislation will be passed and the more accepted the religious standard will be.

Can you really say if this pattern continues that 50 - 100 years down the road there will not be laws that contain harsher punishments for violation of Christian ideals in this country? I am not saying that we will have the death penalty, but I wouldn't put it past us to mandate jail time for such violations.

Call me crazy or a conspiracy theorist, but to believe that there is not an increasing number of Americans with similar attitudes to these Pakistani people is simply showing your own ignorance.

Byron Raum

In case of Ireland is not a religious war, it is about terrritory.

It's always about territory. Even al-Qaeda and the Taliban are in response to invasions of territory.

What do you think the whole conflict in the middle east is based upon? The Israelis are guilty of the same thing. The whole land grab for Jerusalem is based on the Jews belief that the Holy Land belongs to God's chosen people. They are breaking international law by settling on what is occupied land. And many Israelis would not leave the land that was returned to Palestine because of the belief that all of the holy land belongs to the Jews.

People claim land for themselves and back it up with some lame excuse about their religious beliefs. At the end of the day it is all about greed!

Send her to us, perhaps under an Asylum request. We'll take care of her, and even help build on her Christian faith, as any Christian should be obligated to take care of another in this circumstance.

@Larry-367607, there is nothing definitive that Hitler was an atheist. In fact, some people who knew him most intimately insist he was a Christian.

Hey! Why did the Monty Python skit get collapsed? Does NO ONE have any sense of humor anymore?

And lolly probably claims republicans to be the fear mongors. Lol

Send her to us, perhaps under an Asylum request. We'll take care of her, and even help build on her Christian faith, as any Christian should be obligated to take care of another in this circumstance.

Doesn't matter what religion she is. If she is suffering persecution, she is welcome in the US. (At least, most of the US, excluding all the immigrant-haters.)

Hitler was no Christian. Any claims he was so is simply revisionist history. His theories on a "master race" were solidly rooted in Darwin's survival of the fittest. Guys like Stalin & Pol Pot were also Atheist. At least you can't argue that. In fact, Soviet society was officially atheist. From what I recall it was not the most pleasant place to live.

On the other hand, organized religion does have a lot to answer for. Both of the world wars were mostly fought in "Christian" counties (Japan being the notable exception), where members of the same religion killed each other.

Ironically, the bible teaches Christians to "be no part of the world". Hard to be "no part" of something you are trying to control.

One last point: I've noticed the group that teaches diversity and "peace" is extremely intolerant of any opinion that deviates from the official script. Someone who opposes gay marriage is automatically "homophobic" and a hater. If you don't accept blind evolution than you are stupid and uneducated. Religion isn't unique in creating intolerant buffoons.

A mentally challenged little girl is being threatened with burning and all I read here is hatred for Christians. Anyone here concerned about the safety of this child???

Save your Biblical quotes. Haters and bashers on here use Biblical quotes out of context and for your own convenience with claims that you eschew Christianity but you just can't wait to get to these stories.

How many still think that the Partition of 1947 was a good idea???

Please take another look at christianity. You obviously not seeing the reality of the christian hands of destruction.People were eating other people before there was Christianity

People were eating other people before there was Christianity, if your going to comment on history, at least do it a little more in depth.

plork

Most religions have evolved from days of barbarism,

Maybe, but christianity isn't one of them. It's just not as blatant now as it was during the Crusades.

You do know how the Crusades started right? Briefly: Turk muslims attacked the Byzantine army, cut off access to Jerusalem, and the emperor asked the Christians for help (sounds familiar?). Try cutting access to Mecca, see how muslims react.

Anyway comparing christians and extremist/fundamentalist muslims living today, using events that happened hundreds of years ago, is like comparing apples and oranges.

And enough with the politically correct statements, the truth is that while there is many peaceful muslims, there is no question that there is a problem with extremism in the muslim world today (as there was hundred of years ago). Even peaceful muslims know that. My muslim friends do what they can to denounce violence, through poems, videos, petitions, etc., they don't deny it.

Meanwhile, while you are blabbing about how bad christians are, there is a very young girl, Rimsha, who's life is in danger because of extremists, who are ready to burn her alive because she may have burned a few pages from a book (and don't start with the burning of witches please, its over). There is also others who get beheaded, stoned, flogged, hanged, etc, under Islamic law. Why don't you make yourself useful instead, and go sign one of the petitions to free Rimsha (do a search, there is more then one).

People, please stop letting the atheists and muslims put you so much on the defense about Christianity. As near as I can tell, this article is about how rotten Islam is to Everybody else. Let them defend themselves.

I love how the trolls make any topic a political one, the topic here is about radical Muslims that I personally think should be exterminated, they're like a cancer that needs to be destroyed, they have no intention of coexisting with anyone else, this world would be a better place without them.

Psychotica apparently doesn't understand the difference between the old and new Testament. Jesus the Savior wasn't born until the new Testament. Your quote from Leviticus was from the old. If we weren't saved by the grace of Christ, I'd be going to hell for my tattoo, which isn't going to happen.

Moderators - Please re-think collapsing #1.37 by Mr. Brisaber.

I find it interesting that as soon as religion, especially Christianity, is brought up people start swinging their big blog. It's real easy to pick on Christians and their beliefs. "Non-believers" seem to enjoy stirring up Christians. It's awfully "fun" to point at the completely horrible and crazy things that have been done in the name of Christianity. Look at all the horrible things Christians have done. Of course the atomic bomb was NOT invented by a Christian, just employed by one.

You don't even really have to believe in God to say you're doing things in his name. I will tell you that if I am making war, I will put God on one side or the other with certainty that I can manipulate both sides. I don't need to look any further than the string above this comment to prove this statement. I generally place the word "non-believer" in parenthesis for several different reasons. Many "Non-believers" are quick to insert that God does not exist and Christians caused the problem. Even when Christianity wasn't the topic. Many "non-believers" seem to be very angry at a being they do not believe exists. I have also seen "non-believers" (me being one of them at the time) appeal to a higher authority during combat. "Please, God, let me make it." Appealing to a being that does not exist?

Believe in God or do not, contrary to popular belief, I do not have to convert you to Christianity. I merely have to tell you the gospel. I understand that Christians can get very judgemental. Many forget that the Bible is a set rules for us to live by, not to enforce upon one another.

As a "non-believer", please don't pretend to be so intelligent and so enlightened that people of religion are somehow beneath you and therefore, based solely on your superior intellect, it is acceptable to degrade and demean them and their beleifs right out of the chute.

God created humans in his image. We have a tendency to try to "create" God in our image. Human's are complete, self centered, imbeciles. Pick any comment (to include mine) as proof of this statement. Some of the "greatest minds" we know Albert Einstein and Carl Sagan did not reject the existence of God. I see and hear people argue both ways regarding Stephen Hawking. Most will say he is athiest yet he has stated he is agnostic (meaning he doesn't reject the idea of God). All of them had or have stated that they do not know exactly how or why the universe was created and that there are natural laws or rules that they cannot explain other than, it simply is.

As a "non-believer", please don't pretend to be so intelligent and so enlightened that people of religion are somehow beneath you and therefore, based solely on your superior intellect, it is acceptable to degrade and demean them and their beleifs right out of the chute.

It must be nice to have such a pleasant world view ... atheists are blind and stupid and arrogant so they obviously cannot see God. Spare us your self-righteousness.

All of them had or have stated that they do not know exactly how or why the universe was created and that there are natural laws or rules that they cannot explain other than, it simply is.

This does not mean that we think your explanations are any better.

@Pistol Instructor

Indeed you don't need to believe in god to claim that something is being done in its name. But that's really more of a problem for the believers who are swayed into action simply because god is thrown into it, rather than giving considerations to the merit of said action.

If you want to observe manipulation, just look at any religious institution. Christianity doesn't have to be the direct topic at hand for something to be properly and rightly attributed to it or the actions of its followers. The anger tends to be due to the actions of the followers rather than the being that doesn't exist.

I don't doubt that people will appeal to a higher authority, whether religious or not during a time of strife. Indeed it is possible that that's how religion began.

Interesting that you should bring up the concept of one group of people being beneath another. Isn't that how religion operates? They hold up their book and say unto the masses, we are doing the work of god. The degradation and demeaning of individuals happen once they've chosen to reject evidence in favor of faith. To be honest, its a side effect of being proved wrong, but being unwilling to improve or move on.

How ironic that your last paragraph follows the one you just made about being pretentious. You make great claims to knowledge here.

I did not say atheists are blind or stupid- Byron Raum. Pleasant view of the world? I'm one of the guys that believes in a mythical man that got mad because he made a man from dirt that listened to a snake and ate the magic fruit from the super tree. (This was how my faith was explained to me once) Self righteous? I'd say more like indignant. My explanation? What exactly is my explanation? What am I forcing upon you?

Creditwherecreditsidue- great claims of knowledge? It's pretty difficult to actually cite references on a news blog- the things I stated about Einstein, Sagan and Hawking came from hughwilliamson.hubpages.com Everything else is personal observation

This really boils down to somebody having to be right and somebody having to be wrong doesn't it? Is everyone entitled to their beleifs or not?

Pistol Instructor: You will find liberals expect open open minds and tolerance until you deviate from their script. The are intellectuals because (and only because) they claim to be. The rest of us are morons awash in superstition.

Your are correct in the "job" of a Christian is to tell other of the "gospel". There is where it should stop. It is not my job to enforce the rules. Just like its no my job to enforce the law of gravity. There are natural consequences. Just be happy to live with them.

However, just as many have pointed out the failures of religion (most are legitimate), i see absolutely no evidence that our more "secular" society is more loving & less violent than previous generations. I'd suggest the opposite has occurred.

@Pistol Instructor

"God created humans in his image"

That, is a claim to knowledge.

Creditwherecreditisdue,

I concede on that point. That is a belief I can not prove.

Tell me of any war in the last 150 years that was based on any religion besides Muslim??

It’s very interesting reading posts from “true believers” although most of them are sincere many of them are filled with venom. I find it upsetting that some people feel they must attack those who do not agree with their religious beliefs. If religion is such a comfort to those who believe shouldn’t that be enough. Is it anger that motivates attacks on nonbelievers or is it simply insecurity and personal doubt.....

Please note: I’m not taking ether side I’m just asking a question……….. BTW, this news story is about religious barbarity in the 21^st century; that in it self should disturb any civilized person…….

Religion of Peace keeps buning ppl alive, beheading ppl who don't agree with them 100%. These a usually their ow country men. Let the world beware.

The religion of "Piece": A piece here, a piece there, . . . (the after-effects of a bomb vest).

Not funny if you have to explain it.

Try instead:

"piece of bomber, piece of target, piece of innocent bystander..."

and in theaters, in schools, in front of the Empires State Building, . . .

There is peace for everyone, anywhere.

Amen, Psychotica.

http://thereligionofpeace.com/

psychotica, good name for you and your picture.

Psychotica

Yes, and meanwhile Christian warriors continue to occupy their land after killing more than a million of their people in the name of the "Prince of Peace."

First of all Pakistan is not occupied, they are our reluctant allies. When you mention "Christian warriors" I am guessing you are referring to NATO soldiers ... First of all the Crusades have been over for hundreds of years, and they don't burn witches anymore either. Also many NATO soldiers are not even christians, and also that it (occupying Afghanistan, Iraq, etc) has nothing to do with religion (as far as NATO is concerned), and they are not killing in the name of Jesus either, what happens is called "collateral damage", in other words when civilians get killed it is not intentional (contrary to people like the Taliban who use civilians as shields). Also the article is about something happening in Pakistan, we are not at war with them, and eventho there has been victims of covert operations, we are not talking about millions.

And yes Jesus tried to bring peace in the world (I am telling you this and I am not even christian), his message was of love and tolerance for one another.

What did christians do to you anyway? You speak as if you had been persecuted by the Church or a family member was burned at the stake. Personally I know a few christians (I even have some in my family) and they are very nice people.

Anyway if you hate christians so much, and since there is quite a few in the US, maybe you should buy a one way ticket to Afghanistan, or Pakistan, any muslim country of your choice. I'm sure you will be very happy there.

And while you are busy badmouthing the "horrible" christians there is a young girl in Pakistan who's life is in danger because of a bunch of nut jobs who think she deserves to burn alive because she burned a few pages of a book.

According to the lyrics, the Salvation Army has the militant lead.

well I guess they will have to let her and her entire village come here. Along with housing and jobs waiting for them.

Apparently they are not so ignorant. They can print signs in English. Could you print signs in Pakistani? (wink, wink)

Yes, religious zealots are ignorant and intolerant, whether Christian or Muslim.

If the rethugs win any election this is the direction in which they will steer our country. They are busy trying to infiltrate our government to make it easier to impose their backward and outdated "christian values" on the rest of us.

The Treaty of Tripoli 1797, article 11 clearly states that our country was NOT founded on ANY christian doctrine.

JHall, wrong. The Constitution states the government cannot promote any one religion. That stated, our Government is/was founded on Christian principles.

Founded on Christian principals? Name one. Scripture tells people to be obedient to their king, and servants to be obedient to their masters. If anything, Scripture supports the claims of monarchists and King George III, who we broke with in the 18th century. Scripture does NOT speak of "rights" or of the freedoms that we cherish as Americans. Our founders were mainly DEISTS. They believed in a Creator, may have identified as Christian, but not in any sense that prompted them to found a nation based on Christian principles.

The founders didn't want what was the rule of law in England - enforced state religion that persecuted those of other faiths. Actually, read Roger Williams and the Creation of the American Soul by John M. Barry. It's a fascinating overview of the founding of the colonies in the early 1600s. Rhode Island was the first state to fully separate church and state and indeed, did not require oaths on bibles for government proceedings. Massachusetts was a scary place at the time...a classic example of theocentric government gone wild. And that's where I fear we're heading.

John,
Though many of the founding fathers were indeed Christian, our country's constitution was written with "Moral" intent, not Christian. It was written to include all religions, not only Christian. Believe it or not, there were different religions in the US, even then. The largest consideration however was between Protestants and Catholics, hence "religious tolerance".

The focus of this article is the primary reason why the US Constitution stresses a separation of church and state. As a primer for the First Amendment

The right to freedom of religion is so central to American democracy that it was enshrined in the First Amendment to the Constitution along with other fundamental rights such as freedom of speech and freedom of the press.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof..."

-- The First Amendment
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In order to guarantee an atmosphere of absolute religious liberty, this country's founders also mandated the strict separation of church and state.

"hundreds of Christians who have been charged with blasphemy have died, many in suspicious circumstances in jails and at the hands of extremist armed attackers."

So practicing your religion in Pakistan results in the death penalty?

The World needs to isolate those countries that refuse to protect freedom of religion - economically and politically. If they want to practice an intolerant religion of the Sixth Century, they should live in the Sixth Century.

+1

It does not show there is no God it shows how stupid men is

Man kind has come from what ever (Gods of nature, Volcanoes?) to a Living God, Idols, to a A Holy Ghost to a Son of God, Valhala to Great Spirits and some I probably haven't heard of just to list a few. But to single out a Child (Having a mental problem or not) is disgusting in my "Good Old Boy" ideas of right amd wrong. That's like saying if your house is on fire and you don't get your quoran out in time and it burns you loose your head. I probably shouldn't put this in writing as it will give them another idea to take something petty and go to another extreem. Here's a thought, maybe we could make them extreem themselves into submission. Nothing else seams to be working.

hmm, we have plenty of fighter-bombers >:)

Carl, I disagree because of a few simple facts.

1. I cannot/do not have the knowledge or power to create another human or a tree etc...

2. If I were to accept your simple argument there are so many flaws I can't count them all.

3. The God In know will accept all on one simple fact: Accept Him and repent.

You have no basis for comparison Carl. For nearly all of the history of humanity, people have believed in some kind of deity or higher-power. If you're going to get all logic-based, then how about atheism? Yeah, let's tell the world that morality is actually not real and doesn't actually need to be adhered to because you can't prove it's validity. Let's see how that world works out. Whether you like it or not, you live in a culture that was influenced primarily by Christian values and you want them gone. Do you think it's a coincidence that most values you likely hold are found in the ten commandments? If you want things that can't be scientifically proven gone, wave goodbye to morality.

Scientists are always redefining "what life is", so it isn't just "what it is". It will always be "more". I can't prove that there is a God, but you likewise can't prove that the music of Bach is beautiful, that an apple taste good, or that a poem moves you. Any comments to these effects are based on personal experience. If you dismiss "God" for lack of proof, then you may as well dismiss the better half of our humanness as being "real" too. Much of what makes us human - our creative impulse, or willingness to self sacrifice, our ability to be noble, charitable, of service to others, can't be examined under a microscope, and that "much" is often called "spirit" or "soul". We are finite beings, according to you, yet we can sense the infinite and translate that into art, music, dance, poetry, and yes, science. This makes part of us more than finite, and for millions of people, the infinite is defined as "God".

Dexx24 - you assume too much. Religion does not equal morality. Religions teach morals (although the estabilished religious institutions have proven themselves over and over again that morals are a shifty target at best). But many people that are atheists have very strongly grounded in morality. You don't need religion to tell you that killing is wrong, that lying and cheating is wrong, or that persecuting people because they are different is wrong. Morality is real, whether or not it is grounded in a religion.

Ya'll need to remember, religion is man-made....faith is divine inspired.

For those who believe, no proof is necessary.

For those who don't, no proof will ever be enough.

Carl, just because YOU don't believe, that doesn't necessarily make it so.

@ Brisaber

You don't need religion to tell you that killing is wrong, that lying and cheating is wrong, or that persecuting people because they are different is wrong. Morality is real, whether or not it is grounded in a religion.

I agree with you Brisaber. You don't need religion to tell you that killing is wrong. Morality is definitely real, but that's got to come from somewhere, my friend. To be a moral human being, you have got to have a good soul and also have a good conscience with infinite reasoning capabilities. Those are intangible/spiritual qualities that can only come from a Creator... whether you believe in Him or not.

These people that want to set a girl on fire and burn her alive are pure evil. That can only come from somewhere else.

"People enraged by the accusations gathered at the police station, demanding the girl be turned over to them, so she could be burned alive...."

Morals (and freedoms) are always in the context of the local culture. You would be surprised at what some so-called Christian leaders have done in the past in defense of their so-called religious morals. Don't make the mistake of looking at other countries and cultures through the filters of our own. True - we place great value now on the value of life and liberty, but it has not always been the case, even in the US. And in the past, the roles were quite the reverse. Muslims during the Crusades was much more tolerant than the Christians were.

Don't get me wrong - I don't think the blasphemy law in Pakistan is either moral or acceptable from our cultural point of view. All I'm saying is that Christianity does not have any monopoly on morals, and morals ain't what they used to be, lol. My response was pointed straight at Dexx, who seemed to imply that atheists have no morals. The athiests I know all have very high moral standards, more so than some Christians I know.

John1111750 said - "I cannot/do not have the knowledge or power to create another human or a tree etc"

Dude, yes you do! If not you specifically, a scientist/doctor. I know I've created both.

Shepherdspeak said - "Those are intangible/spiritual qualities that can only come from a Creator."

My creator is my mother & father and yes, they gave me morals/ethics.

It is because of my parents (Creator) I am endowed with certain unalienable Rights, among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. And I am in gratitude to them everyday

You have a right to your belief, Carl. Just don't take away mine.

banning religion is coming but believe me the results are not going to be good

Banning something is not going to make life any better. Opening your mind will. Questioning everything that you have learned since you were born will. Listening to other ideas then formulating your own opinion based on facts and data will.

When you get down to brass tacks, all religions are cults. They force you to accept stories and oral tradition as facts without question. It is to believe in our traditions and ideology or be ostracized and condemned. Christianity, Islam, Judaism & the list goes on ad-nausea.

Like John Adams said, "This would be the best of all possible worlds, if there were no religion in it”.

Banning something is not going to make life any better. Opening your mind will. Questioning everything that you have learned since you were born will. Listening to other ideas then formulating your own opinion based on facts and data will.

Also known as "Thinking Liberally". Thank you very much!

BC,

You bring up a valid issue, that is why the conservative element within our own government are pushing to "dumb down" America. With an ignorant populace, and education out of reach for those without money, rewriting history and manipulation of the population becomes easy.

Cheap labor, Lords and vassals, serfdom...do any of these terms sound familiar?

The same ignorance that is being displayed in Pakistan is similar to the potential for our country if we continue down the road we are on. The extreme beliefs the Muslims display in the middle east are only a thin layer below the surface here in the US. We constantly bicker over "Evolution" and "Creation"...children and adults are beaten for their sexuality, and sometimes killed, because it's not part of "God's design".

We don't understand radical Mulsim beliefs, now, because the nature of our belief system. The irony being that over the last 50 years, there have been phylisophical battles throughout US society as to whether the US is a Christian nation. We are not. We are a melting pot, consisting of every cutlural, religious, and racial extreme from around this tiny planet.

Still there are elements within our own society that are equally radical and extreme as any we find in the middle east.

Because humans are humans, religion in some form will always exist. People seek comfort in bad times.

To tell someone they can not do this is the same as telling them they can't conduct some other 'human' activity.

The crusades were started to get the 'knights' out of Europe. The Vikings were no longer invading and the knights were causing real problems. (Think gangs). The Pope gave them a purpose and off they went to kill the infidel. Muslim countries face a problem with their young unemployed. They give them a purpose and off they go.

Some people feel religion is needed to control people. Why would people behave if their was no punishment? We can't catch them all so we need a God to watch the. What if I'm 'good' and because I am, I can not compete with an 'evil unbeliever'? Then there are those who just seek comfort. These are usually the poor who know nothing of science or history.

To hold yourself superior to others because of your stance, is what creates the tension and subsequent problems. We are all humans living within a controlling culture.

Military Man -- Apathy keeps our country from moving forward. With the preponderance of our population too self-centered and unconcerned, a movement has evolved and that movement will someday dominate just like Islam in Pakistan. Ironically, the apathetic will awaken one fine morning and ask, "Hey, when and how the hell did all this happen?"

Annie,

It's only apathy if its not forced upon us.

Those with wealth and power will always look out for those with wealth and power. Religion is a convenient tool for this type if mindset. You are familiar with "United we stand, divided we fall," The outstanding viewpoint is that by eliminating the "middle class" and doing away with "Labor Unions" somehow that will solidify our society and allow those with power to run the country as they see fit.

We took 200 years to become the country we were, and so far it only took a decade to push us back over 100 of it. Apathy was cerainly a part of it, but greed and corruption was far more influential. If we are not careful, the US will wake up in the not too distant future wondering why "Rome" fell.

Banning religion will work about as well as gun control, or the war on drugs.

Ban Derek!

As Cyberpriest, I condemn anything that is Anti-Christ. I condemn Mahammed & this Islamic Religion who rejects our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and our Holy Bible. I reject this Anti-Christ Obsurity and I reject Aithism Obsurity as well because all it is is Dookie Dingleberry on the hair of a crack where the Dung fall out into the Toilet and nothing more. These condemned will be blessed by God come judjement day and what a Glory that will be for these Condemned and to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ whi willm bless these Condemned forever more for the sake of our Lord and Creator God himself. Amen and may God bless these Condemned Christians.

Interesting that the little girl so close to being burned alive for alleged blasphemy is totally forgotten in the ensuing arguments.

Shame on all of you.

Even during the days of the Inquisition, the Mentality Challenged (otherwise known as the Village Idiot) were taken out of the Village and kept hidden from the Inquisitors. It seams all religions have their extreem period, so could Islams and Muslems be going through their point in time of Religious Evolution.

Christians are once again getting the blame for the actions of those who are likely non-christian.

6dogs they have always been like this. In medieval times they would murder the jewish and deface the holy city, and the artifacts. They tore down the temple that was supposed to be gods home(God had visited the first temple, but not the second witch was torn down)

Good point! Man created religion for a variety of reasons, I imagine. Not the least reason, may be that it is a convenient way to grab (and hold onto) something solid in picturing "THEM" (vs "US")! We have more civilized trappings in our "religious differences" here, today, (most of us don't try to maim and kill those who don't live the way we want them to live, [anymore!])! We are too "civilized" for that. But, don't tell me that there aren't a ton of fundie Xtian leaders who wish they could wreck just a little actual havoc, on nonbelievers. Or, who aren't jealous of a religion with such rabid followers as Islam!! You just know Jerry Falwell (for instance) wished, with all his might, that he had had a single congregant resolute enough to strap explosives to his body, and go blow up a bunch of "secular humanists"!

At the base of ALL MONOTHEISTIC religions is hubris. Its a way of saying, "I know THE TRUTH!!!" (Course, to do that, you first have to believe that there is ONE TRUTH!, not many.) And, we are willing to kill each other, and destroy the world (if necessary), to "PROVE" that we are right. (Though, I'm not sure how winning some military, or nonmilitary, contest "proves" anything of the sort. Wouldn't it be funny if you and I are met after our deaths, by a "St. Peter" type who informs us that we don't believe in the correct version of God, so we can't get into Heaven?! But, the kicker is that nobody can get into Heaven, because ALL BELIEVERS of the true god, were wiped out in a war in prehistoric times, and that the "TRUE" religion just disappeared!!) Groucho Marx had the right idea (In my opinion). Who wants to believe in an omnipotent, creating, judging God, that is so fragile that he gives a hoot whether I believe in him, or not?!

Make that Medieval Catholicism, and I'd agree with you. Christianity is not the same thing. Catholicism is a perversion of Christianity.

“Live a good life. If there are gods and they are just, then they will not care how devout you have been, but will welcome you based on the virtues you have lived by. If there are gods, but unjust, then you should not want to worship them. If there are no gods, then you will be gone, but will have lived a noble life that will live on in the memories of your loved ones.”

Marcus Aurelius

What??? Come on Joe! Is my sarcasm that subtle?? The whole rant is an attack on ALL religions! And you want to be sure I don't confuse "perverse" Christianity, with the real thing? Ahhhhrrrrgggghhh!!!! (Pounding my head against the wall!!!) I gotta go get some sleep!

Relinquish total control to the government?

You know, through laws and enforcement.

Man will be controlled, either through religion or governmental control.

One seeks to accomplish control through a voluntary willingness to please a higher being, while the other accomplishes control through force.

Some religions seek to accomplish control through a combination of the two, and Islam without question is control by force.

People's ignorance about religion can be seen as a methodical eradication by powers seeking to control the masses through governmental intervention.

If your total understanding about religion and cults is defined by Webster, then your simplistic views give no credibility to your conclusions.

A wart is a wart to the common man, but to a scientist it is more complex.

Big ed,

LOL, thanks for the laugh. I needed it, this type of story is disturbing in the extreme, and reading many of these posts are equally disturbing. It's interesting to note there is nearly the same amount of ignorance displayed in the discussion as there is portrayed in the article.

Interestingly, based on what both you and Joe said, nearly every religion can be looked at the same way. Both Christianity and Muslim were derived from Judeism, and that was an evolution of others, many that were Pagan in origin. You can see elements from Greece and Rome in the formation of Catholocism, along with elements of the pagans in the British Isles in the Protestant form of Christianity.

There is no such thing as ONE true religion.

There is no such thing as ONE true religion.

As far as YOU know, which is nothing.

@gensch

Thank you for that thought provoking comment, did it take you an hour to form that?

Proving what???

Proving ignorance.

@greengo,

Most of these people have never lived outside their Hometowns, much less the US.

Having been involved with the "Middle East" since the 1980s as a US Military Asymmetric Warfare "Middle East" (Islam) Qualified US Military Officer (having to live with the locals for years of consecutive tours);

I would ask you to explain many of the things that I have previously explained before; however, I will not do that, since they will start their uneducated, emotive, non factual opinions against what you will post from Firsthand Experience.

Kind of like the US Politicians (All Parties) that refused to listen to their "Experts, Boots on the Ground" for Decades, to the point of threats of being hauled into those Close Door US Congressional Hearings (potential prosecution, Life Sentences to keep us quiet).

I lived in Pakistan 20 years ago, and your assessment was not what I experienced. There was a pride in their progressive, civilized government that has been destroyed by Mushariff and his successors

It would be nice if you read the article and educate yourself as to who is carrying the signs. Pakistani Christians do not hate America.

yes - English is considered to be one of the national languages... there are other languages spoken as well... The Pakistani Christians do not 'hate America' as the US is one of the only countries that has pressed Pakistan govt. to allow non muslims freedom of religion...

English is spoken over there as well as there native language. There has been english influence for about 300 yrs or better. That includes India and Pakistan.

Unfortunately Bill, China will deal with them by turning them into one more client state. This whole "paying attention to what's going on in the world" thing is a bother, I know. But, try to get some idea about it. Our oceans hid us away for a while, but they don't provide much privacy, these days. Like it or not, we are not only part of the world, but the leading country, at the moment. If we are going to last for very long, we need to start to realize we don't live in the 19th century anymore (domestically, or internationally). Joining the rest of the world will require some work on our part! (My guess is that the average kid in the world, knows not only more about the world, than most of our kids do, but knows more about US, than a lot of our kids do!)

We have to start to be interested more, in the world. Then, to learn more. And then, to take part more. Much as Republicans love the 19th century, and are uncomfortable with the modern world, this trying to crawl back into that hole can really come to no good end. If we wipe out our domestic gains (in making the average person's life immensely better), as Republicans want to, and refuse to take part in the world (in a thoughtfull way), as too many of all factions seem to want to, we will have an unhappy, and short experience as a world power, I'm afraid!

Medieval Neanderthals? Like people in the U.S that kill their own children because they're stressed, or shoot up a movie theater with innocent people(some U.S War Vets), or maybe a guy that mistakes Indians for Arabs and shoots up a temple for his self righteous cause? Medieval Neanderthals like that?

Daddy. That guy never said " in the name of Christ" before he shot that place up nor did he state that he thought they were muslims. He was a skin head nazi, whatever. They weren't white and thats all he cared about.

don't get it twisted. There are plenty of red neck crazy half cocked white boys armed to the teeth just waiting to lock and load here in the South. There aren't worried about blacks and a few mexicans any more. They have a bigger fish to fry. So all you muslims out there be careful where you put your temples and mosques at. There might be somebody hiding in a bush close by. Don't you hate it when that happens? You will. I wont.

preaching hate, death, prison, and war against any other religion or culture ARE EVER GOING TO BE NICE?

Sounds like another religion I know. It also tries to oppress beliefs not their own. They preach inequality and wage wars against other religions as well. Matter of fact, this religion tries to, and often does get laws passed based just off of its beliefs and any equality be damned.

Can you name the religion I am talking about?

In truth, other world views offer no semblance of equality, including the atheistic world view. It is just as intolerant as any other world view based on the nature of truth. Truth is exclusive, it is its nature. Contradicting claims to truth cannot exist together with both of them being true. Christianity is the only world view that offers true equality. Look at what the Bible says and not what many who claim to be "followers of Christ" say and do. What ought be is not often seen as Christians are not perfect either and are prone to the same prejudices and corrupt thoughts from corrupt minds. Equality innately comes from the value ascribed to us by the Creator. No man can add or subtract from this value, despite their attempts. Do you disagree with anything that Jesus says? Would not His teachings, if all applied them to themselves make this world a wonderful place to live in? Many people who claim to be Christians fail at being what Jesus taught us to be. "Love your neighbor as yourself." "Do not repay evil for evil." We have a choice. We can go through life pointing the finger at others and criticizing their actions, or we can choose to deal with ourselves and practice what is right as taught by Jesus. So in response to your post , the teachings of Jesus make all equal. He says not to use violence and wage war. Perhaps those who claim to be followers of Him aren't actually following His truth, but their truth and that is why you are justified in your view of modern Christianity. But Please, study what Jesus taught. It changes everything if we can put it into practice in faith in our own lives.

Are their nice Nazis, you know, the kind that believe Jews have a right to live in peace too? I F^&^&^&^ DOUBT IT? Are there nice communists, you know, the kind that believe in election results and freedom of the press? I F&*&*&*& DOUBT IT? Why do we keep thinking the people in these backwards hellholes who call themselves Muslims and tolerate brutal warlords, the talibab, al quaida, owning women and little girls as property, preaching hate, death, prison, and war against any other religion or culture ARE EVER GOING TO BE NICE? Wake up and smell the coffee. Get out. Let them mire in their own wacked ideology of hate, war, slavery.

Agreed. It would be one thing if they even WANTED or made ANY attempt to live in the same century (or maybe more correctly- millennium) as us. But they DON'T. These people are viciously, violently and diametrically opposed to EVERYTHING Western (NOT just the U.S.) cultures stand for. This culture is NOT really compatible with Western culture. Of course, you'll NEVER get the politically correct masses here (BOTH RELIGIOUS and NON-RELIGIOUS) to admit this.

As you said, the best course of action is to just let these people stew in their own self-inflicted violence and let the world pass by them. We here have our own people to take care of. We have far more pressing issues than to meddle in civil wars between tribal jihadist thugs duking it out for bragging rights over who loves what god the right way.

Well said, Lee.

Lee, I'm glad that you've found comfort in Christianity, however by saying that "Christianity is the only world view that offers true equality" is yet another way of saying "my religion is better than yours." And atheists believe in the truth - REAL truth, not the inner philosophical truth that you've found in your religion. Truth that can be quantified and tested, aka reality.

Do some reading on Taoism, btw, and Sikhism. They are offer much more equality than Christianity. And don't tell me to read the bible - I have. If people lived according to the bible precisely as it is written, we would all be living in a very similar way to Muslims. Women at home, silent in church, keeping their heads covers as an example. And that's the New Testament.

Yes I can, NYMike: Christianity: It's got its bloody and corrupt histroy, as bad as Islam is today. The older I get, the less I like organized relgion. I was raised Roman Catholic and I can see the good the church does. On a small level, it provides comfort and answers in the most trying moments of life. But people need to belong to something. The bad news is the larger picture or organized relgion is one of intolerance, divisiveness, unacceptance, segregation, rejection of science and knowlegde, and submissiveness. I do NOT dislike Islam because it is NOT my religion. I dislike it because of what I see it brings in practice: Women and girls as property, girls traded as wives for gifts, intolerance for other religions, preaching for hate and war against the infidels, Isreal, the West. But I know the Christian religion, the Roman Catholic church and church of England has a bloody and stained history, and even today, it preaches ideology and doctrine not even in the Bible. Example: Birth Control: Where in the Bible does it say anything about that? Oh, well, it has to be interpreted, Exactly. And by whom? I get it, someone ordained by God, or someone who is authorized to ordain someone in God's name. As long as Islam continues in its current state, I will have little good to say about it. As long as the Roman Catholic church circles its wagons and preaches hate against gays, and tells women to have children they don't want or can't take care of, or tells people to stay in marriages where there is alcoholism, drug addition, or abuse, I see a church that causes as much harm as it claims to spread good. It gets worse with the Jehovah Witnesses, who won't give children medicine but don't hesitate to use cell phones and drive cars, or the Mormons, who tell us sacred underwear keeps them safe, or the Scientologists, who have all kinds of crazy, made up rules made by some guy who came down in a spaceship. Too much nonsense in God's name.

Kathy

We have to realistically look at the the world-view of atheism too. Christians aren't the only people who have to answer questions. Although atheism may not consider itself a "religion" per say, it must answer fundamental questions regarding 1. Where we came from 2. The nature of morals and their genesis 3. Is there purpose and meaning in life 4. What happens after we die. They are questions that have plagued man from the beginning. Just in the area of equality, there is no basis for equality in an atheistic world-view. We came from some primordial slime and there is no value to ascribe to ourselves, but the value that WE ascribe to ourselves. It takes a relative turn at that point and will only work if everyone is willing to ascribe equal value to each other, which will never happen. It's the same thing with morals. Why should i care about other people if morals are relative. Evolution will state that i do what is best for myself and then maybe consider others, but only for the general purpose of the survival of species. There is no equality there. Equality can only be referenced within a moral framework, that of which atheism does not provide.

Secondly the atheistic world-view and that of any claim to truth is equally exclusive and narrow minded. They say the only way to believe is that there is no God and I'm a "crazy evangelical" for believing what i do. This is of course unless you believe an eastern view of truth where contradictions don't seem to matter. A circle can be a circle and a square at the same time and that doesn't seem to pose a problem which is what we see in the many offshoots of Hinduism including Taoism and Sikhism. logic is overlooked in search of the quintessence or the force that unites all things in unity and diversity.

Third, I would charge you to list these teachings of Jesus which do not promote equality. The Bible never states that women must stay at home or keep their heads covered at all times. The interactions that Jesus had with women are some of the most remarkable stories in the Bible. He highly valued women as those who follow Him should also. He even first appeared to women after His resurrection which is significant in that women in that culture could not even testify in court, but He did it. We also read that in heaven there will be no "male nor female, Jew nor gentile, slave nor free." This is because the human barriers that we set up to ascribe increased value to ourselves will not exist, as they are of sin nature which will have been removed. We will see each other clearly by the value given us to us by God, the only value that is true or matters.

It seems like Muslims don't know any better. When I see all the responses on this, it's funny. But, in other words, Hate isn't cool. Funny when I see comments about people bashing Christians and then say what happend 500 years ago like the crusades, It was Roman Catholics its way deeper. REAL christians devote in Love and understanding rather than hate and "better than all" attitude. All I can say is End times are coming. You Ready?

Lee:

1. Where we came from: this is something that science is still puzzling out. There was a big bang - there's evidence of it. There may be multiple universes indeed, also more dimensions. Life isn't so simplisitc as saying "god made it." People used to think that a human was made from sperm and the woman was just a vessel. We learned otherwise. I am confident that science will solve the bigger questions. Just because there isn't an answer now doesn't mean you can say "you're wrong, it's god!!!"

2. The nature of morals: we are a social species...as are many other creatures. They have socials skills as do we. The difference is that humans realized that we die...and then questioned why and what happens then. We needed religion to answer those questions and to provide the means to live in a civilized society...and the definition of civilized has changed over the years, i.e. from slavery being acceptable to being unthinkable. It's an evolvede trait. Nothing more.

3. Is there a purpose an meaning in life: see #2. Humans have evolved to try to answer the "big questions" - again, an evolved trait that has resulted in some amazing art....and some equally horrendous abuses. i.e. the Sistine Chapel v The Crusades

4. What happens after we die: no one knows. No one can know because they're dead. We can come up with explanations to make us feel better - even have a near death experience. But it's all conjecture. And really - does it matter? What matters is how you live your life, not if you're going to be punished or rewared when you die.

As for your answers to these questions, they're ridiculous. Read your bible. All of it. Not just the Beatitudes. Jesus told his mother "woman, what have I to do with you." Paul said that women must not dress in men's clothing and keep silent in churches with their heads covered. Men were told to love their wives, yes, but women were told "be submissive to your husbands" since women were to men as humanity was to Jesus. Read. The Bible. Don't just parrot crap that you think supports what you think.

As for the Sikhs - they agree in their writing, going back to the 17th C, that both women and men are equal and can speak in their rites.

Kathy,

I suppose we'll just have to agree to disagree. God bless

If you'd been paying attention more closely you would have noticed that the world is pretty much strapped finacially. The UN really only has 2 countries that hold their own, The US and England. Russia has been strapped since the Wall came down (this was because they went Bankrupt trying to keep it going). Than there is China, friendly or not still Communist. Even they are having finacial problems in their country. In order to try to understand things you really have to look 360 degrees around anymore.

Well maybe the English taught them their language?

Precisely!!!!!!! All we have to do to see how we ought be is to look at Jesus. People so often look at the behavior of those who claim to be "Christian" throughout history instead of looking at the life and teachings of Jesus. Jesus changes everything!

Jesus/God/Holy Spirit also caused a flood and wiped out almost the entire population of Earth, killed the first-born of each family in an entire area and has passages in the Bible where it says to stone people...so let's chill on the whole - Christianity is great, Islam is evil - thing...as Christianity has killed many in the past in actual wars and in their Bible stories/rules.

Also, weren't Adam and Eve put here to start the Earth? They procreated, then who did their kids procreate with - their brothers/sisters or mom/dad? So, it sounds to me like Jesus/God/Holy Spirit didn't think that out all that much, making sure incest happened to populate the world. That's some of the teaching of your religion too.

Isaiah 45.9 Woe to him who quarrels with his maker. .. . does the clay say to the potter "what are you making?.

Genesis 6.5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, that every thought of his heart was evil continually

Adam and Eve had many sons and daughters. They did marry within. The effect of sin had not yet fully contaminated the earth at that time.

Omigod, Franz Josef, I keep forgetting that one cannot argue with a true believer. You can't argue with nonsense if nonsense is the defense and the explanation.

Don't worry Kathy, we feel the same about you atheists.

Sleep asked a question and I tried to answer it.

These people are purely barbarians

Franz Josef, I apologize about the "nonsense" comment - you were a gentleman and didn't call me a heretic. I didn't follow my own "no name calling" "no insults" rule.

Regarding the "who gave more" question - why would a loving God require the death of his human son to save the world? As a child, it shocked me (I questioned a lot). As an adult with children I can't understand it. As a logical person, I don't see why the death of a good man would pay for the sins of everyone in the world...if you believe in original sin, that is.

A person who believe in such things wouldn't question or would think that I don't understand. And they'd be right - I would never put my child in harm's way or consider them fit for sacrifice. I thought that was something that the "uncivilized pagans" would do.......

Kathy as to why God did it this way I can not answer. But the cross was no emergency plan. The redemption of man through a sinless Christ was fortold many times and in different ways in the Old Testament. The Christ would have to be from the line of King David, born to a virgin, born in Bethlehem, born at the time that he was born. The Jews had a Passover feast where they slew a spotless lamb (Indicating without sin) and that the Christ was crucified during the Passover feast. That the Jews would be scattered amongst all the nations and then be brought back to the holy land. That there would be a new covenant with the laws written on peoples hearts. That the Lord would gather all the nations against Jerusalem for the final battle and half of the city would be cut off (remind you of anything?). Kathy I attemp to be a very rational person, but there are just far too many events that have been predicited that have come about for me to just dismiss the bible.

I recommend a book by Josh McDowell called "evidence that demands a verdict". It can be bought online. Peace.

The problem with claiming that prophecies have come true, is that you had this great council that determined what went into your bible. So essentially you had the editor that chose to match stories with some prophecy.

gud- Have you read any of the posts here? Moslems putting down Xtians? These are Xtians putting down Muslims!! We're ALL THE SAME. We are absolutely certain of our view of things, so there must be something wrong with people who don't see things our way!!! Human history is about invasion, after invasion, after invasion. We all started out in Africa! We are all immigrants, and invaders! Every single weakness that you tried to point out about Muslims, is found (in spades) among Xtians. You yourself made most of the mistakes that you lay on others (in pointing out their mistakes)!!

Ironically, Spain during the Muslim reign was enlightend compared to the rest of Europe and remarkably tolerant of Jews and Christians since they were also "people of the book."

Turning to intolerance and unquestioning, blind worship encourages ignorance, allowing those in power to have power absolutely and to breed more hate in the populace. Huh. Sounds like the US at the moment.

Mohammed just took the Old/New Testaments and created a new religion from it. The Quran is only 1 person's testimony. You really beleive the testimony of 1 man? Furthermore, Moh and his followers murdered those who didn't convert. Modern Islam mirrors it's founder.

Yes Islam is less of a spiritual awakening and committment toward morality, ethics, personal freedom, and most of all non-judgmental compassion towards all of God's creation, than it is a quasi-fascist way of organizing society.

Maybe someday this will change. Until then, I fear any major growth on Islam in the United States. The United States is meant to be a melting pot of various individuals from various racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. Any group which clearly opposes this, and declaims that it will not and can't adhere to this, to extent that life and personal safety is threatened on religious grounds, ought to be profiled, monitored, and deported as fast as possible.

Christians live in fear all over the Muslim world. This is nothing new. Mohammed, if he actually existed, was a murderer and a pedophile.

Where to?? Everyday muslimes kill hundreds of Christians all over the world. In every country Obama has helped overthrow the government of in the lst 2 years Christian killing has be come a high priority. All of these countries are now controlled by the muslime brotherhood snd al-qaeda. Obamas religion of peace is the cult of deth and will not stop till all infidels are killed. Syria is next. The ' rebels 'there is al-qaeda.

3 cheers for Obama, now all we have to worry about are the muslim fanatics

Reminds me of the Obama fanatics who follow blindly without question.Just read all the hate filled messages here against republicans,calling them names and telling lies about the republican party and what it is about.

Or the crazy people all upset about people trying to stop the murder of the unborn.Its a sick world.

I said that half in jest. If you listened to Ron Pauls speech at the convention you would relize he is the only sane one. Freedom and liberty what a scary concept.Romney and Obama are the same old bought and paid for thing that got us here.Its alright,our congress wont let anything constructive happen anyhow.