From: Fireeye978@aol.com
Date: Wed Jun 24 1998 - 19:50:27 MDT
In a message dated 98-06-24 15:49:39 EDT, you write:
<< > Religion is trying to help humans in their
lives, but not forcing them to believe >>
Since when? Every major religion on this planet has as a core tenet some
variation on the theme that if you are not "of them" you will suffer some
horrific consequence and instructs its followers to go out and "save" those
who are non-believers. Missionaries have as one of their main goals the
conversion of "infidels" into believers. Religions and the practioners
thereof have routinely and consistently attempted to control the behaviour of
all peoples, not just those who are its follwers.
While it is certainly true that for some people religion, with its customs,
rituals, and tradition, brings stability, comfort, and peace of mind, all to
often they insist that I and all others embrace their need and their belief
system.
It has been said on this list that it is only fanatics who act in this manner,
yet I can offer you an easy experiment to demonstrate otherwise. Wear a t-
shirt out some weekend with a religious message printed on it..Jesus Saves or
some such. You will rarely if at all be remarked upon. Go out the next
weekend wearing a t-shirt with an anti-religious statement on it. Observe the
difference in the behaviour of those around you. I don't think you'll like
the comments you will receive.
For those who think that my life is an empty meaningless shell with out some
god(s) to worship I can only say that it simply isn't so. I have neither the
time nor the desire to attempt to "prove" this to you. All I ask of
religionists is to leave me alone and stop using thier beliefs to legislate my
life. If you think none do, then you haven't read the papers lately. (Sen.
Nickles statement that Mr. Hormel is unfit to represent the US as an
Ambassador because, and only because, he is a homosexual. That ought to scare
the bejabbers out of anyone with half a mind.)
Thanks all, Cori
..."Ignorance and Prejudice and Fear walk hand in hand..."
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