From: Spudboy100@aol.com
Date: Sun Jan 26 2003 - 17:35:27 MST
<<The major religions unquestionably
all have atrocities that were committed for their
beliefs and their beliefs alone. >>
Unquestionably.
<<It sounds as if you
suggest they might have done this in China, but as my
knowledge (which is admittedly weak on the subject)
stands, it was far more complex. I also would say it
doesn't quite parallel if the religious communities
were documentably causing strife in the 'workers
paradise' so that their reasons for purging them in
the name of communism would atleast be logical (not
defending them or claiming that this was in fact the
case).>>
It was done on Marxist-Leninist-Stalinist-Maoist principles; where are
organically, involved with "socialist doctrines." One removes the outside
threat to the state and party rulership, and one defeats those forces which
detract from "scientific socialism"
which is antithetical to religious beliefs. What I am saying is these guys
(the commies) were atheists, amongst other things.
It might be fair of you to say: "Because Hitler loved to eat cream pastries,
we should all disdain from such desserts. But I would argue, that atheism, as
an ideology, is more than incidental to the communist movement.
<<To clarify the intent in my question I've actually
noticed a rising number, in america, of hostile
athiests, as it has spread heavily into the
disenfranchised youth. I'm utterly amazed that no one
has gone out yet and burnt a church or mosque down in
the name of athiesm and thought maybe it was just my
naivete that I've not found these cases yet.
Also take note, I'm not defending "my group" as I
don't consider myself an atheist.>>
The Atheists tend to come from homes and geography's in which they have been
pressured, from childhood to conform. The Christians have been more then
heavy-handed in their approach, and in many cases, have been intolerant of
other beliefs--no surprise on my part! I would contend against the notion
(not yours) that the Born Agains are merely warmed over kluxers (my
expression-not yours). Many are people who need social and psychological
support and have found it, in the focus on the J-man. Most Church-Burners
(and synagouge-burners) have been "nominal-Christians), those attend Church,
maybe once a year, or twice on Easter.
My sense is the young, alienated, Atheist, is more likely to take to art and
music to declaim his disdain for conventional Christianity. Goth-Punk and
Marilynn Manson grunge is my best guess.
<<
Now a question for you. You have said repeatedly of
the dangers of the islam in the war threads, no? And
suggested it justifies bombing them as long as the end
brings less intolerance. So, wouldn't this be killing
in the name of <insert whatever religion or lack of
you support> to the same extent as those who saw
religion as a direct threat to their communo-paradise.
How would this be distinct from what the communists
supported? Or perhaps, is it different?>>
I think I am not wrong in seeing what Islam has been transformed into, as a
result of its inability to tolerate representative government. Turkey is the
chief exception to the rule, and even here, it has been a very ill-liberal
democracy (republic). Yet amongst the Islamic states, its been party-rule by
clans, tribes, dynasties; that are scarcely different from the Europe of the
17th century.
I guess that the United States, because of 9-11, has been awakened to the
deadliness of militant Islam, and its intolerance. The uniformity of behavior
whether, militant Islam is in the majority or minority, seems clear. If there
was another faith or ideology that was proving as aggressive (nasty) I would
seek to dissuade them as well, from attacking the US or its allies. The
Peoples Republic of China may eventuate into such an additional threat. But,
one catastrophic threat at a time please!
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