Originally Posted By jonvn "I am confused as to why it would be considered an insult to Islam to name a bear after Mohammed." Because they are looking for an excuse to be violent, and they want it to be an offense. They are using their religion as reasoning to behave in the manner in which they would anyway. They're animals.
Originally Posted By Witches of Morva ORDDU: What really harms the human race isn't religion, itself. It's the subtle desire to control others that's the real culprit. If professed followers of most religions were truly practicing the guidelines that were set down, there wouldn't be so much harm caused. God gives people the freedom of choice along with the freedom to be persuaded in their own minds. But, unfortunately, many followers of various religions think it's their job to convert others to their way of thinking to the point where they don't realize how easy it is to get caught up in their own pride and prejudices. Before they know it, they start seeing themselves as being better than anybody who doesn't agree with them. In many cases this leads to holy wars, etc. But this same horrible attitude can be found among Athiests as well. There are many overbearing and controlling individuals in the World who don't belong to ANY particular religion. It's an evil human trait--not a loving, spiritual one.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <Returning to the original article posted, I am confused as to why it would be considered an insult to Islam to name a bear after Mohammed. People name their children after Mohammed all around the world. In fact, I think I read once that it was the world's most popular name to give a child. So, in effect, didn't the children in the teacher's school give the bear that name as a way of honoring Mohammed? I'm not sure I get why it was considered an insult in the first place.< Hope they never get a TV braodcast of a Chicago Bears game when Musim Mohammed makes a catch and all the fans start yelling "moose"
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan >>I'm not sure I get why it was considered an insult in the first place.<< To people who aren't hysterical and unhinged, it clearly isn't an insult.
Originally Posted By DlandJB The Witches have it right. "Religion" is a human construct - made by man/woman and therefore able to be damaged/warped/deluded, etc... by human frailty and self interest (or sin, to be more sucinct). Faith or belief that is about a relationship with God is going to transcend "religion" every time. MLK was a man of faith who had a relationship with the Lord and who, especially as a man well versed in scripture, understood the need to serve God as he was called was to speak out against injustice and to model non-violent civil disobedience. I don't believe for a minute anyone could have gone through what he went through without trusting God that there was a purpose for the suffering he and others endured to shine a spotlight on that injustice.
Originally Posted By utahjosh I believe that true "Religion" was instituted by God. And that people did write scripture - as inspired by God. Jesus called apostles and instructed them to teach, he organized a "relgion," and I think He is more than just a man. That being said, I believe that many many bad men have taken advantage and twisted the true forms of religion for their own gain.
Originally Posted By jonvn "And that people did write scripture - as inspired by God" Which particular version of the scripture and for which religions? All of it? Just yours?
Originally Posted By utahjosh Well of course I think it's just mine. Otherwise I wouldn't believe it. By the way, mine includes the Old & New Testment, the Book of Mormon, and other modern-day revelation. You know, us mormons believe that God still speaks through prophets, so it would be silly for us not to have more scripture.
Originally Posted By jonvn "You know, us mormons believe" I know quite a bit about what Mormons believe, actually. So when you say "true" religion was started by God, you really mean YOUR religion was started by God. The rest can suck dog knees, that about it?
Originally Posted By utahjosh I mean that God spoke to prophets all through time. Starting with Adam, again with Noah, later with Abraham, and so on. Then Jesus himself set up a church. As you know, I believe it was corrupted by men. And now I believe God has spoken to man again, and organized The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I know you don't believe that, but I do. As to "all other churches," I believe each is different. They are thousands and thousands. Some set up by man for gain, others set up by man with a sincere heart trying to reach God.
Originally Posted By jonvn "Some set up by man for gain, others set up by man with a sincere heart trying to reach God." But only the one you belong to is the right one.
Originally Posted By utahjosh It really is. I'm a smart enough man to guess what direction jonvn is going with his leading questions. However, I am secure in my beliefs, and it gives me a chance to share with whoever is reading what I believe in.
Originally Posted By jonvn I'm simply asking him questions, and am saying nothing negative. Now my next question: How do you reconcile your belief that your particular religion is the one true and correct one with that of Catholics, who adamantly believe their religion is the true and correct one?
Originally Posted By jonvn BTW, I promise I won't say a negative thing about your religion at all. Just curious, because I really just don't understand.
Originally Posted By utahjosh I try to be civil, and appreciate that you are being that way, too. Feel free to ask anything you want.
Originally Posted By jonvn OK: How do you reconcile your belief that your particular religion is the one true and correct one with that of Catholics, who adamantly believe their religion is the true and correct one?
