Re: [slug-chat] Seen today somewhere out near Parramatta...

[Craige McWhirter <craigem@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

*bite* :)

Thus spake Nick Croft (nicko@xxxxxxxxxxx):

> Aside from the Inquisitions, Bosnia and other mistakes not
> necessarily attributable to Christ's teaching, Judaeo-Christian
> societies have produced individual freedom, democracy (yes,
> a pre-Christian idea), trade-unionism, benevolent agencies
> like the Red Cross, most advances in medicine and science and
> society generally, etc ...

Neither the Inquisition, Bosnia or other religious blights are
attributable to Christs teachings. They are attributable to Church,
it's hunger for power and expansionist nature. None of these were in
Christs teachings.

The achievements listed were acheived in spite of religious dominance. Religion
(in these instances) was against these achievements (and in most cases
still are) as it eroded Church control and power. Movements like Unions
were openly embraced only because the entire working class were in them
and the Church had no choice. You'll find these days the Church is less
welcoming towards Unions as unions have greatly reduced membership and
relevence. Most (not all) benelevant societies were/are Christian but
not originally (or even now) officialy Church sanctioned or bank rolled.

> Slug-chatters are invited to knock me down with a list of the
> achievements of Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism and atheism other
> than the Taj Mahal (doesn't help everyone), yoga, chopsticks
> or prawn-laksa.

They're all works of fiction, so I have little interest in any of them
but I have respect for Buddhism as a result of it's non-expansionist
nature. I'm not aware of any conquests in Budda's name.......

> Why do people from non-Christian societies risk their lives
> to move to Australia the U.S. England, Germany? Why don't people
> from Christian societies rush to move to countries where Easter 
> isn't celebrated?

Most of Australia's immigrant intake (about 56%) is from Christian
countries. Why do most immigrants come to Australia? Freedom. Stability.
Lack of religious interference.

My rant is not an attack on Christianity (or any other religion). I
personally find the teachings of Christ be quite good. My beef is with
organised religion (of any creed). Organised religion (not the teachings
of the faith) are the cause of most current and past sufferings and are
a blyte upon humanity.

I respect peoples faith and do not wish to question their beliefs, but
read your bible carefully and take note of your denominations practices /
decrees and you'll find many conflicts between what is written and what
is taught / practiced.

I love a religious discussion, so rare these days. I could go on but I
will stop here :)

-- 

Cheers,
      Craige.

Non-believer and enemy of organised religion.