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If only all religions had been thought up in the past few decades, then we would be able to heavily criticize all of them equally for outrageous acts in their early histories. I agree, more scientology scandals then it's only a matter of time before people turn their back on all religion and we can all move on.
then it's only a matter of time before people turn their back on all religion and we can all move on.
I wish. But there's always going to be some fanatic proselytizer/scaremongerer and people foolish enough to believe them...
Eliminating religion is impossible. Even Atheists technically have a religion based on science. And you, to me, are a fanatic proselytizer for your religion. Don't expect everyone to believe exactly as you do, and nothing beyond that. Besides, could you really stand to have hundreds of people exactly like you in the world?
At the risk of attracting a hail of bullets from McNeil, I'll say it's not religion itself I have a problem with. It's the way people like to try and force it upon you (and each other). In particular, some people force babies and young children to be members of their chosen religion. That's not your bloody choice. Wait until the kid's old enough to decide. If yes, then fine. Don't expect me to take much interest, I certainly won't actively approve - but I will defend his or her right to do such.
Were it my responsibility, then yes, religious discrimmination would in most cases face increased sentencing powers - but equally, doing such things to your children as baptism etc when they can't possibly understand the concepts behind it would also be an offence.
Criticism generally comes in the form of focus on the management aspects of the organization, not so-called religious beliefs.
I said religion. Not this 'religion', I was talking about real religions.
Yeah, well, for more information on views about that particular matter, the multi-award-winning TIME article "The Thriving Cult of Greed and Power" has lots of interesting details.
You expect verbal assault for that comment? Iain, you should know better; I fully agree.
Religion is the one delusion given a get-out-of-jail-free card in the DSM-IV. But, can you imagine trying to criminalise indoctrinating anyone below the age of consent into churches or cults?
1) Yeah, I expect sarcastic comments about the utter rubbish of all religions and how we'd all be better off without them ;)
2) Yes, unfortunately I can. It might be achievable, though, but fairly polarising. I'd set a fairly low age for consenting to religion.
Well, yes. It'd be the cause of enormous outrage.
I'd love to see Richard Dawkins try that. ;-)
It would also make faith-schools illegal. I won't cry any over that; I imagine the rest of the nation might be a little more sympathetic.
Knee-jerk Murdoch-run, Jebus-loving, press whipping them up into a frenzy?
Praise the Lard!
Wait, ... Wasn't that Roy Hattersly's stand-in on Have I Got News For You?
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