19 August 2010

Is your religion better?

People often quote the phrase convert or die from the Quran. Many books, texts, religions, and philosophies include interpretations that people interpret or take literally to point out those ideas or beliefs are bad, strange, wrong, or just a cult. Others use these concepts to belittle those who are different, justify behavior, take away rights of others and give privileges to themselves, treat them as property, or even kill.

There are many references in the New Testament where it is said that you must repent and believe or die. Text like that can just as easily be taken out of context. There are many parts of the New Testament that are glossed over because people choose to not take them literally. Then of course there is the Old Testament. Many people argue that the New Testament does not totally replace the Old.

The point here is that religion can be used to make us better people, or used to motivate people to do horrible things in the name of God. Do you think God orders people to kill sinners? Do you think people who kill prostitutes, blow up abortion clinics, or beat up homosexuals are doing so in God's name or out of hate and fear. It is that hate and fear that we need to avoid, not each other and those who are different.

No comments:

Post a Comment

My only rules are be civil, thoughtful, and honest, including not pretending to be someone other than you are not. I may refuse to permit an obscene post or choose to edit it if possible. Say that you like or dislike a certain political policy for specific reasons that refer to the policy. Do not attack ideas or people because you just think they are wrong, stupid, or you don't like them.