Religon in Schools

[Mycernius]

In the States you are allowed to have whatever religon you want as long as you don't go around telling others what to believe

Tell that to the Mike Huckabees and the Billy Grahams of the world, or maybe the soon to be ex-president or the republican presidential wannabes, especially that nutbar Palin.
I know of atheists that live in the bible belt that dare not reveal that the are non-believers because of religious prejudice. Ones that could lose their jobs and even feel that they wouldn't be safe if their non-belief is revealed. That is your religious freedom in the US. I suggest you research such things before making such sweeping statements.

 

[Half-n-Half]

I know of atheists that live in the bible belt that dare not reveal that the are non-believers because of religious prejudice. Ones that could lose their jobs and even feel that they wouldn't be safe if their non-belief is revealed. That is your religious freedom in the US. I suggest you research such things before making such sweeping statements.

Well, no offense, but I think you should, too.

I have no problem with my atheism being out in the open. All of my friends know and have no problem. I would feel perfectly safe letting a future employer, or anyone for that matter, know.

Yes, I'm sure in some more conservative areas, such as the notorious "Bible Belt", you would face some prejudices. But overall I think religious freedom in the US is pretty good. Some higher up's might frown upon an atheist or non-Christian, but at least they are tolerant and non-prejudiced towards them.

 

[Zulan Grey]

Why sarcasm? It`s may fault and I say about it...

 

[ShadowSpirit]

Well, no offense, but I think you should, too.
I have no problem with my atheism being out in the open. All of my friends know and have no problem. I would feel perfectly safe letting a future employer, or anyone for that matter, know.

Mycernius has a point. Just because you might not have felt any scrutiny on the matter yet, doesn't mean it is non-existent. You might be confusing what is in a person's legal rights to do with that of how people as an entity operate. Example, I work in the U.S. military. Do you think I can openly discuss my atheist views in this workforce? Is there a law that is going to protect the evaluations I am given that determine my advancement, the attitudes I have to endure from compatriots, and the isolation that is readily exercised. Cause there isn't anything to stop people from making life as miserable and as difficult as possible for you if they as like-minded people disagree with your way of life. My example pales in comparison to what I've heard of other atheists having to endure. Though I still wanted it conveyed that I can relate personally to what Mycernius is discussing.

 

[-ShiroUsagi-]

Not only the churches responsiblity but the responsibility of our parents. Most of our parents take up the idea to leave it to the church and their children pick not to have a religon. There are plus and negatives to not being religous. But that can come up in a different discussion.
In the States you are allowed to have whatever religon you want as long as you don't go around telling others what to believe. Staying within family units or within neighborhoods. The bible speaks of us Christian trying to bring others to Christ. Not the easiest thing to do when parents did not do it themselves.

Well my parents for one let my brother and I have the choice when we got old enough to pick what we wanted..funny enough we both ended up as atheists. And I agree with you that people shouldnt tell others what to believe, but then we wouldnt have fanatics now would we? No offence but in the states, theres a lot of religious discrimination.Great example, the pagan religion lol After all people do tell others what to believe and how to believe it, isnt the "majority religion" catholic anyway? I just think it`s silly. And in my opinion I think you should do some research lol.

Mycernius has a point. Just because you might not have felt any scrutiny on the matter yet, doesn't mean it is non-existent. You might be confusing what is in a person's legal rights to do with that of how people as an entity operate. Example, I work in the U.S. military. Do you think I can openly discuss my atheist views in this workforce? Is there a law that is going to protect the evaluations I am given that determine my advancement, the attitudes I have to endure from compatriots, and the isolation that is readily exercised. Cause there isn't anything to stop people from making life as miserable and as difficult as possible for you if they as like-minded people disagree with your way of life. My example pales in comparison to what I've heard of other atheists having to endure. Though I still wanted it conveyed that I can relate personally to what Mycernius is discussing.

Wow that is harsh Is it better for you now though ShadowSpirit?


Well there was once a time when a christian told me when I was around the age of ten, that if I believed in something other than humans living in the universe, then well Id be going to hell. Great impression that made Really I find nothing wrong to not believe, or to have ''faith'' in any case, theres only something wrong when theres ignorance involved...

 

[ShadowSpirit]

ShiroUsagi: I also was given freedom to choose my religious direction. Well, sort of. I was baptised Catholic as a baby. Though I'm Sicilian (Italian,) I think it's like an unwritten law that Sicilians have to be baptised Catholic. haha.

My mother had a photograph of the stereotypical Jesus Christ (i.e., the white man that doesn't look like he was from the Middle East.) Still younger than 6 at that time, I often wondered who this person was. I mean, he never came over for dinner or to say hello. Was he a relative of ours? My curiosity drove me to ask my mother who the man in the picture was. My mother said that she didn't feel she could do a good enough job of explaining who he is. So she sent me to a church school to learn about the Christian god. I didn't learn a whole lot about who Jesus was. Though I did get effective at pasting animals onto Noah's Ark.

Though just like you, I grew up to be an atheist by my own choice.

As for your question of whether I'm doing okay or not now. Thanks for asking, I appreciate the sentiment. The answer is that I just deal with it. I'm not a guy who can be easily bullied. I'm also not a guy who keeps things to myself. I'll speak my mind and deal with the consequences accordingly. I know what I'm setting myself up for when I discuss my take on religion around a bunch of conservative military personnel. Though they can shun me if they like. I still serve my duty every bit as hard as they do.

Oh btw. If you are allegedly going to hell like that one person told you that you would, then I guess I'll be seeing you there. Maybe you'll let me buy you a drink?

 

[Mycernius]

Well, no offense, but I think you should, too.
I have no problem with my atheism being out in the open. All of my friends know and have no problem. I would feel perfectly safe letting a future employer, or anyone for that matter, know.
Yes, I'm sure in some more conservative areas, such as the notorious "Bible Belt", you would face some prejudices. But overall I think religious freedom in the US is pretty good. Some higher up's might frown upon an atheist or non-Christian, but at least they are tolerant and non-prejudiced towards them.

Did you know that Texas once had a law that specifically excluded atheists from public office?

The Texas Constitution, Article I, Section 4: No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office, or public trust, in this State; nor shall any one be excluded from holding office on account of his religious sentiments, provided he acknowledge the existence of a Supreme Being

and Tennessee

The Tennessee Constitution, Article IX, Section 2 No person who denies the being of God, or a future state of rewards and punishments, shall hold any office in the civil department of this state.

This also holds true for North and South Carolina, Mississippi and Maryland.
Fortunately for you they have been called unconstitutional, but these laws exist.
I also take it you live in a tolerant area within the US.

 

[Half-n-Half]

Mycernius has a point. Just because you might not have felt any scrutiny on the matter yet, doesn't mean it is non-existent.

I certainly don't pretend it is non-existent. I just don't think it's fair to label America as a place where atheists are shunned and disliked. I don't ignore the fact that atheists are the least trusted group in the US.(Who's Counting: Distrusting Atheists) And I have felt scrutiny to a certain extent, just not as bad as one might feel it in less tolerant areas.

You might be confusing what is in a person's legal rights to do with that of how people as an entity operate.

I realize this fact, but your religion shouldn't even be an issue in most work places. You should never have to tell anyone your religion in a work place, therefore it really can't get in the way. I'm not sure how religion plays out in the military, however, so maybe you could enlighten us?

Example, I work in the U.S. military. Do you think I can openly discuss my atheist views in this workforce?

I'll speak my mind and deal with the consequences accordingly. I know what I'm setting myself up for when I discuss my take on religion around a bunch of conservative military personnel.

Did I correctly infer that yes, you can? Or is the answer, yes, but it can be difficult?

Is there a law that is going to protect the evaluations I am given that determine my advancement, the attitudes I have to endure from compatriots, and the isolation that is readily exercised. Cause there isn't anything to stop people from making life as miserable and as difficult as possible for you if they as like-minded people disagree with your way of life. My example pales in comparison to what I've heard of other atheists having to endure.

I'm very sorry to hear if this is what happens to you. But I still feel it is unfair to say that America is a country with little to no religious tolerance, masked or otherwise. That in itself is a blanket statement that just isn't true.
Atheists can be just as succesful as anyone else with little to no added resistance because of their religion. Although, I guess that depends on your career choice.

Did you know that Texas [and Tennessee] once had a law that specifically excluded atheists from public office? Fortunately for you they have been called unconstitutional, but these laws exist.

Yeah, and a monkey in South Bend, Indiana was once convicted of smoking, and then subsequently fined $25. Of course they are unconstitutional. It goes directly against the first amendment stating the government shall make no laws respecting a religion.

I also take it you live in a tolerant area within the US.

Indiana, a conservative state, but pretty tolerant. Perhaps I wasn't very clear in my response. The reason I responded is because I thought your statement that "That is your religious freedom in the US" was a blanket statement.

 

[Remixer]

Conseritives would say yes, because Muslims are allowed to do whatever they want and Christian can't because it would offend the Muslims. The USA was built on religous freedom.

------------

I skipped through the rest of the Thread.

Now that is a statement that has me baffled.

Isn't it the other way around?

Doesn't quite a portion of the American population hold a stunningly hateful prejudice against Muslims?

Since, you know, muslims are arabs and arabs are terrorists who bomb little school children on their way home.

Or citing an old lady in a rally of John MacCain's:

"I believe Barack O'Bama shouldn't become president, because.... because he's an arab (read ayrab)"

Although it's a ridiculously stupid reasoning, it exists. No doubt, the larger ignorant (and mostly Christian) part of America thinks the same.

All in all, I as of yet have to meet another nation whose population is so full of themselves. Even the Iranians, the Germans and the English are beaten by the Americans, and they are already quite a handful.

Thankfully, the Euro is replacing the US Dollar now, so I'm reassured that the Americans will know their place soon enough.

( Yes, obviously I'm not exactly a fan of America. Please forgive my overly cynical perspective )

Wish you all a happy New Year!



Remixer

 

[Ma Cherie]

Conseritives would say yes, because Muslims are allowed to do whatever they want and Christian can't because it would offend the Muslims. The USA was built on religous freedom.
------------
I skipped through the rest of the Thread.
Now that is a statement that has me baffled.
Isn't it the other way around?
Doesn't quite a portion of the American population hold a stunningly hateful prejudice against Muslims?
Since, you know, muslims are arabs and arabs are terrorists who bomb little school children on their way home.
Or citing an old lady in a rally of John MacCain's:
"I believe Barack O'Bama shouldn't become president, because.... because he's an arab (read ayrab)"
Although it's a ridiculously stupid reasoning, it exists. No doubt, the larger ignorant (and mostly Christian) part of America thinks the same.
All in all, I as of yet have to meet another nation whose population is so full of themselves. Even the Iranians, the Germans and the English are beaten by the Americans, and they are already quite a handful.
Thankfully, the Euro is replacing the US Dollar now, so I'm reassured that the Americans will know their place soon enough.
( Yes, obviously I'm not exactly a fan of America. Please forgive my overly cynical perspective )
Wish you all a happy New Year!
Remixer

You pointed out there Americans hold negative views towards Muslims, but yet you're stereotyping Americans by saying that everyone here holds this view.

 

[ShadowSpirit]

I'm not sure how religion plays out in the military, however, so maybe you could enlighten us?

I wasn't trying to put a backing on the legal ramifications behind what people can or cannot do in a workplace. Mycernius has already put all the effort necessary for strengthening that argument. I've just been bringing up the mindset that comes with religious persecution in the whole theism vs atheism mentality. You act as though it isn't an issue, as if these groups peacefully coexist. I'm trying to say it is otherwise. To answer your question though, religion plays the following role in the US military:

1) It is labeled on the dog tags. Mine says NPR (no preference)

2) Prayers can and are given as orders. The command is. "Let us pray." The follow up command is. "Amen." Just try not to bow your head during this order and see what happens to you.

3) I'll admit, this next point isn't a problem often, but it does become an issue at times. That is, when other service members notice you don't attend church, it can bring about unwanted negative questioning or attention. Normally this isn't an issue because who's to know if you go to church or not as there are so many to choose from. That is unless you're on deployment, in which there is usually only one church to choose from. Nobody sees you there, you don't participate in the religious services, eyes start looking your way.

Did I correctly infer that yes, you can? Or is the answer, yes, but it can be difficult?

Yes, but it can be difficult. Although there was the case of an Air Force officer who claims he was discharged for being an atheist. Since I don't have the article on that story, I'm not going to pass it as fact without the proof. So I'll stick with what I'm certain of. There is difficulty in being an atheist while serving in the US military.

I'm very sorry to hear if this is what happens to you. But I still feel it is unfair to say that America is a country with little to no religious tolerance, masked or otherwise. That in itself is a blanket statement that just isn't true.
Atheists can be just as succesful as anyone else with little to no added resistance because of their religion. Although, I guess that depends on your career choice.

It's almost like you're trying to prove my point in this statement here. So atheists either can be as successful as they want, or they can't. Which is it? Career choice shouldn't matter unless it directly applies to religion (i.e. priest, pastor, nun..) Because afterall, one should be qualified for the job they're applying for.

As for Remixer... I might have some indiscretions with my homeland. From which although America might be far from perfect, it is still one of the best options to live on this world. If I didn't believe such, I wouldn't still be a citizen here and serving in its military which I volunteered for. If you have something specific that you'd care to discuss or express discontent about in regards to America, then so be it. Yet be warned, before you make such a vast generalization about how bad you think America is, realize that no country is a flawless eutopia. I could just as easily pass negative judgment and broad complaints about your country that you would feel are an injustice for me to do. Though that would be careless and ignorant of me to do such. So try to mind your manners a bit.

 

[Remixer]

You pointed out there Americans hold negative views towards Muslims, but yet you're stereotyping Americans by saying that everyone here holds this view.

Dear Ma Cherie,


please read my comment again.

I pointed out that the ignorant part of the American population does so.

Unfortunately, that part of the American population seems to have quite the number of members.


Happy New Year



Remixer

 

[Remixer]

As for Remixer... I might have some indiscretions with my homeland. From which although America might be far from perfect, it is still one of the best options to live on this world. If I didn't believe such, I wouldn't still be a citizen here and serving in its military which I volunteered for. If you have something specific that you'd care to discuss or express discontent about in regards to America, then so be it. Yet be warned, before you make such a vast generalization about how bad you think America is, realize that no country is a flawless eutopia. I could just as easily pass negative judgment and broad complaints about your country that you would feel are an injustice for me to do. Though that would be careless and ignorant of me to do such. So try to mind your manners a bit.

I believe the contrary regarding life in America.

I can't even count anymore the amount of times I have been to your country and the amount of time I have spent there, but suffice to say, the cultural development in America is one I see no real sophistication in.

Iran is a country I'd prefer to live in rather than go to America. And yes, I have been to both plenty of times.

Europe can't even be compared to America.

I acknowledge that every country has its mistakes and negatives, but looking at them all in an objective and educated manner, it is quickly visible that America not only does stupendous mistakes regarding outside involvement, but it stands out in the crowd of wrongdoers in foreign affairs as well as national affairs. At least concerning first-world countries.

To each their own would apply at this point of time, but yeah, let me just end it with the following:

Rammstein - Amerika ist Wunderbar

Cheers



Remixer

 

[ShadowSpirit]

I believe the contrary regarding life in America.
I can't even count anymore the amount of times I have been to your country and the amount of time I have spent there, but suffice to say, the cultural development in America is one I see no real sophistication in.

No sophistication in American culture? Again, a very broad and in this case, careless judgement. You practically judge the world itself when you say America has no sophistication. American culture is comprised of ideas, religions, and practices from all walks of life and all over the world. If America is such a bad place, then how can the religions of so many be readily exercised here? Could I go to Iran and freely do the same? Why do people of various countries try so hard to get into America and many with the desire to become citizens?

Better question is, why do countries outside of America try so hard to emulate it? How many McDonald's do you have in Dubai? If America is so bad, then refuse our business.

 

[Remixer]

No sophistication in American culture? Again, a very broad and in this case, careless judgement. You practically judge the world itself when you say America has no sophistication. American culture is comprised of ideas, religions, and practices from all walks of life and all over the world. If America is such a bad place, then how can the religions of so many be readily exercised here? Could I go to Iran and freely do the same? Why do people of various countries try so hard to get into America and many with the desire to become citizens?
Better question is, why do countries outside of America try so hard to emulate it? How many McDonald's do you have in Dubai? If America is so bad, then refuse our business.

I couldn't care less what the Arabs choose to do in regards to their ties with America. I only live here to do business. EDIT: And just to add: Yes, I have no business relationship with any kind of US company. Mostly because German printing technology far outweighs that from America. The closest to America I come to, is a company from Canada.

As you mentioned above, American culture is an accumulation of many cultures from all over the world. Does that mean YOUR culture is sophisticated? No.

Australia applies the same cultural principle as America, probably to an even higher extent. In that respect, is Australia's cultural sophistication higher than that of America's?

Because you provide freedom of choice, does that mean your culture is sophisticated? Still, no.

It's funny, the argument about so many people trying to get into America is always put forward by Americans I talk to. As if it speaks for the awesomeness of a country.

Currently, the EU is literally being flooded with immigrants. By your logic, the EU is the best place on earth to live.

I hope you see the logical fallacy, that higher economic opportunities are equal to the greatness of a country, by yourself. The vast majority of immigrants are immigrants because they hope to earn more money and be able to spend more.

Nevermind as well, that you have more than 45 million citizen without health insurance. Something unheard of in the EU.

And yes, in Iran you can freely live with your own ideology. You just have to comply with some appearance regulations. Surely, that doesn't kill you?

Cheers



Remixer

 

[Mycernius]

And yes, in Iran you can freely live with your own ideology. You just have to comply with some appearance regulations. Surely, that doesn't kill you?

Really. no persecution whatsoever? Talk to the Bahai faith. Regularly persecuted in Iran.
http://www.voanews.com/uspolicy/archive/2004-04/a-2004-04-19-2-1.cfm
The constitution of Iran only recognises Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism as official religions. If you are not one of these then you cannot hold public office. The death penalty still stands for Apostasy, although you are more likely to have criminal charges bought up instead (progress) It still happens though:
Hanged for being a Christian in Iran
Iran also operates the disgusting and barbaric practice of Sharia Law. The US may not be perfect, but the use of sharia hardly makes Iran the perfect utopia. At least women are treated with a bit more respect in the US than Iran.

 

[Remixer]

Really. no persecution whatsoever? Talk to the Bahai faith. Regularly persecuted in Iran.
The constitution of Iran only recognises Islam, Christianity, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism as official religions. If you are not one of these then you cannot hold public office. The death penalty still stands for Apostasy, although you are more likely to have criminal charges bought up instead (progress) It still happens though:
Iran also operates the disgusting and barbaric practice of Sharia Law. The US may not be perfect, but the use of sharia hardly makes Iran the perfect utopia. At least women are treated with a bit more respect in the US than Iran.

Dear Mycernius,

I did not consider public offices being held by other faiths. Please forgive my mistake in that respect.

I cannot tell you in a meaningful way how ridiculous that article in regards to being a christian in Iran is. There are established christian communities in Iran. For example, the Armenian Protestant Church, or the German Christian Community, Teheran. And yes, they are very public with public member lists. I know quite of them, since I studied at the German Embassy School of Teheran, Iran.

The article refers to an Iranian national who converts from Islam to Christianity, which is a completely different issue altogether. Also, it's an internal issue, which does not affect foreigners and their beliefs and conversions while in Iran.

My point was, that one can live a normal everyday life without persecution, as long as the clothing and intersex regulations are adhered to.

I have lived there for two years as an atheist and did not come across any troubles even when I openly proclaimed to be an atheist, which I did.

Adding to that, I know plenty of people in Iran with different faiths who live the normal everyday life you and I do in our respective countries.

Sharia Law per se is not a barbaric system of law. If you were to understand the philosophy behind it, you would be able to empathise. One cannot apply the same principles of their own culture on another. What if you are the one with the shallow thinking and wrong principles?

To be honest, the Islamic view on women is much more respectful than most people know of. A woman's consent is always a must and she has freedom of choice, so long as her actions don't have negative implications on others, which is universal common sense.

Regarding the clothing regulations for women, which I'm assuming to be one of your contra points in the big picture, many people outside Islam do not know that the clothing regulations don't only apply to women. There are regulations for men just as well.

Whether a culture incorporates and executes Sharia Law and Islamic principles properly, is a different issue.

Cheers


Remixer

 

[Gackt21]

Well my parents for one let my brother and I have the choice when we got old enough to pick what we wanted..funny enough we both ended up as atheists. And I agree with you that people shouldnt tell others what to believe, but then we wouldnt have fanatics now would we? No offence but in the states, theres a lot of religious discrimination.Great example, the pagan religion lol After all people do tell others what to believe and how to believe it, isnt the "majority religion" catholic anyway? I just think it`s silly. And in my opinion I think you should do some research lol.

That is true. Everyone saying that their religon is better than the other or one religon is false and the other is true. That is our main problem, you don't know what is true or false. Made up or real life. Everything is confused and that is how we get hatred for another person's religous group.

What do you follow and what is the truth? God claims to be the truth for he does not lie as the bible says, but how do you know he is here? They say that God loves and does not condemn in Apostlic Church but in the Presybrian they condemn you as a sinner no matter what. So which is right? I am unsure about it.

Do you have anything for me? To help me along my path.

 

[Remixer]

I don't believe we can ever be absolutely certain of God's existence.

Not even the most staunchly in God believing Preacher can be certain, just as much as an Atheist can be certain that God does not exist.

We don't have certainty. All we have is evidence, logic and a belief with which we can decide to believe in one way or another. Some people choose not to decide and remain Agnostic.

It's up to you and no one else what your belief is.


Remixer

 

[ShadowSpirit]

I couldn't care less what the Arabs choose to do in regards to their ties with America. I only live here to do business. EDIT: And just to add: Yes, I have no business relationship with any kind of US company. Mostly because German printing technology far outweighs that from America. The closest to America I come to, is a company from Canada.

I'm not accusing you directly of dealing business with America. That would be presumptuous of me considering I don't know anything about you nor what your line of work is. I'm making reference to the international business that circulates strongly through America. It all builds an economic and financial chain that countries depend upon. If you work with a company that deals with America, then you are contributing to its core principles.

As you mentioned above, American culture is an accumulation of many cultures from all over the world. Does that mean YOUR culture is sophisticated? No.

This comment is bewildering to me. What is American culture if not that of the people from other countries that make it what it is? America is a young country that was build from the ground up by the blood of many countries. However dark this birth may appear, you are denying the investment that the people of these countries put into America. Irish, Chinese, African, Italian, the list goes on. They are American culture. So what exactly is MY culture if not that of those who helped build America?

Australia applies the same cultural principle as America, probably to an even higher extent. In that respect, is Australia's cultural sophistication higher than that of America's? Because you provide freedom of choice, does that mean your culture is sophisticated? Still, no.It's funny, the argument about so many people trying to get into America is always put forward by Americans I talk to. As if it speaks for the awesomeness of a country. Currently, the EU is literally being flooded with immigrants. By your logic, the EU is the best place on earth to live.

I don't think sophistication can be measured in these terms. Something either is, or it isn't. I never said America is perfect, but you seem to act like I think it is. I pulled the cliche 'immigrants wanting in America' card not to portray America as the ultimate solution to every person's problems. I point this out to show that America is not the evil empire you make it out to be. I'm sure for a person's unique taste, there are places better for them to live than in America. For all I know, I might one day find a place I'd prefer to live or retire. Though I will never forget the opportunities that America awarded me and the dreams it helped bring to fruition for many who sought a better life in America.
All in all. If you were a person who was trying to say that America is perfect, you would get to hear some of my rants about the faults that America shares. Though you chose to go the other extreme and act like America is one of the worst countries out there. I have the rare privilege of working with people from around the world and seeing direct influence that America has on other countries. Both in its positive and its negative aspects. Though you would know nothing of this. Since you insist that America is kept on a pedestal that all Americans allegedly adorn with highest praise.

 

[ShadowSpirit]

That is true. Everyone saying that their religon is better than the other or one religon is false and the other is true. That is our main problem, you don't know what is true or false. Made up or real life. Everything is confused and that is how we get hatred for another person's religous group.
What do you follow and what is the truth? God claims to be the truth for he does not lie as the bible says, but how do you know he is here? They say that God loves and does not condemn in Apostlic Church but in the Presybrian they condemn you as a sinner no matter what. So which is right? I am unsure about it.
Do you have anything for me? To help me along my path.

I am an atheist, so I'm not certain how much into account you would want to take in my advice. Though I sincerely would like to help if anything I could say would ease your confusion on the path of enlightenment.

You are right, no matter how you look at it, one religion is going to contradict another one. If you choose to draw logic out of any one religion, then it is only going to end up disappointing and confusing you. Though something that most religions are in agreement with, is to live your life as a good person and to try and treat others fairly. I recommend you do what makes you happy in life and try not to wrong others around you. If you believe in a forgiving and loving god, then there shouldn't be any reason that you wouldn't be recognized for the good actions that you have done in your life. Don't concern yourself too much with the words of men. There are plenty of theistic believers whom do not follow any specific religious doctrine.

Otherwise, if you just need moral guidance. Then religions like Shintoism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and others have noble intentions involved that can help give you something to believe in. Meanwhile, the purity you keep in your heart will no doubt secure you a place in whichever heaven or plain of higher existence that you choose to believe in.

At the very least, just try to read about other religions. Don't stop at just Christianity. Learn about what the rest of the world thinks too. Then you can make a sound decision as to what you believe in or agree with. Afterall, what harm will it do you to just read another religion?

 

[Ma Cherie]

Dear Ma Cherie,
please read my comment again.
I pointed out that the ignorant part of the American population does so.
Unfortunately, that part of the American population seems to have quite the number of members.
Happy New Year
Remixer

I read your comment, but still, I'm just saying that people don't want Americans stereotyping them, but they stereotype us.

Just know that there are people in America who do know the media does portray Arab Muslims in a negative light. There are a lot of Americans who don't agree with the foreign policies.

Also, you pointed out that America doesn't have sophistication, so how would you define sophistication?

 

[Half-n-Half]

ShadowSpirit; thanks for answering my question.

It's almost like you're trying to prove my point in this statement here. So atheists either can be as successful as they want, or they can't. Which is it? Career choice shouldn't matter unless it directly applies to religion (i.e. priest, pastor, nun..) Because afterall, one should be qualified for the job they're applying for.

Perhaps I was a little unclear. That statement was directed towards your particular career choice; the military. I put that in there because it seems you are providing evidence that the military is one career choice where it can be difficult. And yes, the obvious others like priest, nun, rabbi, etc.

I can't even count anymore the amount of times I have been to your country and the amount of time I have spent there, but suffice to say, the cultural development in America is one I see no real sophistication in.

That's not a very fair statement for two reasons. One, as Shadow pointed out, America is very heterogeneous. Second, America is a relatively young country. We have only been around since 1776, or I guess 1607 if you count Jamestown. But even then, they held on to their British/Dutch/French/what-have-you roots.

 

[Jericho Desu]

I think its very important religion be taught in schools and by that I mean learning about all kinds of religions, not even just Christianity, Jedaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism, but others too like Zoroastrianism, Taosim, Sikhism, Shinto , Santeria and so fourth. Reason I say this is because we should show kids that there is a variety out there yet they all centre around the basics of peace and unity, which would help them be more open minded in the future.

 

[gaige]

Does government have the right to banned religon from schools?
Yes, but what i dont understand is supposedly they have banned students being able to silently read their bible, but its perfectly okay for the islamic students to read, and do daily prayer during a school day


Do you think your rights are being threaten by big government?
well, mine personally yes!
What does the constitution of the United States say?
that all should have religious freedom...
What is the veiw point of the bible?
no earthly clue!




p.s. Remixer not all Christians are ignorant, and not all Christians think Muslims are bad, but most Christians do think that the extremist Islamic party should be detained,or otherwise known as the bomb-loonies!