dave, IMO, you are differentiating from the intent of the founders of these religions, and the tragedies caused by human interference in the name of that religion. The Bible, and the Koran, admonish their followers to be tolerant, and to treat all others as they would prefer to be treated. I have maintained, all along, that most religions are good in their original concepts, but the human beings that commit murder, wars, torture, slavery, etc. in the name of that religion, are not following the precepts of the religion. There are many Arabs, and other followers of Islam, that are very good, and tolerant people, while there are some that are evil by nature. The same is true of Christians, Jews, Buddhists, and Hindus. The Crusades were an idiotic campaign against the inhabitants of Jerusalem that got many innocent people killed for no good reason. Another example of human interference in religious practices that caused a major tragedy, was the Spanish Inquisition. It's kinda like the saying that, guns do not kill people, people kill people, which in my mind is a totally true statement.
~;=;o --haqi |
