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Pastimes : Religion on SI -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: X Y Zebra who wrote (448)	9/3/1998 4:28:00 PM
From: mark silvers	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 1542

XYZ <<As organized religion, OR ANY FORM OF ORGANIZED "SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENMENT", I continue to say it is brainwash to various degrees>> That is an opinion to which you are entitled to hold, but to which I disagree. <<However, the minute that you begin your preaching, and "missions to convert", to others, then I see such as an infringement on the rights of privacy of those upon whom the preaching, or "missioning" is performed. Particularly when others are either unwilling, or too young to make an informed decision on these issues.>> I have never tried to convert anyone, but we all have the right to discuss with anyone whatever we wish. Just as you have the right to walk away and ignore the conversation. Attempting to limit what is and isnt acceptable in terms of starting conversations is tricky at best. If someones prosletyzing bothers you, I would suggest walking away. <<Moreover, when I read the "core" beliefs and the fact that they "pray" upon children, (I do not mind if they do it to their own), and in fact "brainwashing" them, my problem with the entire idea increases.>> The statement that it is brainwashing is only your opinion. I personally dont follow any organized religion, but I think it is necessary to be tolerant of others beliefs. I also think that there is great beauty in most of the major religions, despite the fact that I disagree with most of the ritual involved. <<I only have to cite many, many historical references, and current events in which such preaching and missions are perfect examples that the influence of religion and "spiritual" missions are hurtful, aggressive, and downright criminal because their influence impairs rational and free independent thinking.>> If someone was truly an independent thinker, there independence would not be impaired by anyones dogma. I know many religous and spiritual people who are fiercly independent thinkers. I am running out of time, and would be happy to discuss the reswt of the list with you tomorrow if you so desire. I just want to address one more thing before I go, however. <<Also do not assume, that because I am an atheist, by default, I lack morals, I have no ethics, and I promote the use of drugs, etc. etc.>> I never said that, nor do I believe it to be true. Sincerely, Mark