BK,
On your first point. This may not fit with everyone's views but,IMO, there are several types of Christians around. There are the "old time" denominational, hell fire and brimstone, types that feel they should insist that everybody else lives their lives like they do. Of course, when their lives are examined, a lot of hypocrisy comes to the surface. This sort of Christian attitude is what drove me away from the churches, of the day, and into a life style that I am, in no way proud of. Then there is the radical nutcase that proclaims to be a Christian, and, then, proceeds to do unlawful acts that are 180 degrees away from the Christian ideals of the Bible. I feel shame when these people use Christianity as an excuse for their own criminal acts. The new Christian movement, of which I am a part, is one that believes in the joy and promises of the New Testament. Instead of an organ playing hymns that sound like funeral dirges, we have bands that make a joyous noise unto the Lord. Our doors are always open to anyone who wants to enter, and join us but, we do not go out and try to intimidate, or shame, anyone to join our ranks. Much the same as you feeling that Christianity is on the wrong path, we feel that muslims, hindus, etc. are on the wrong path but, we don't harangue and denounce those people. We hope that they will join us but, do not try to force.
Personally, I don't care if the Ten Commandments get posted in schools, or not. Any Christian, who is worth his salt, already knows them, and does not need a constant reminder. I do not just say "Not me!". I say there are a whole bunch of us that are not what you think we are.
School prayer should be a personal thing as, one's relationship with God, is a very personal thing. I think a moment of silence should be provided for those who, really, want to pray, or reflect on whatever they believe. My feeling of revulsion at the life style of homosexuals is something I have felt long before I came to Christianity. I was once married to a ballerina, and dance teacher, and witnessed a plethora of homosexuals and heard them speak of their practices. I can not, and will not, change my dislike for the life style of homo sexuality, but it has nothing to do with religion.
If I do not respect the human, I will not set aside my beliefs to accommodate him, or his feelings. Muslims don't, Hindus don't, Buddhists don't. Why should anyone, regardless of their beliefs, respect an unrespectable person? TD |
