Protest the past

ren wrote:
Because it's a much smarter thing to do than declaring war to two countries an bombing the crap out of a few others?

There is no human right to kill or destroy whoever you hold responsible for someone else's actions. But we have a human right to express ourselves.

As such, I would like to ask the following question: In what way is it wrong for someone to purchase property and destroy it as a means of expression? (Besides the environmental factor?)
Is book burning (by one old guy lol) considered a violent protest?

His right to protest (in the US, of all places!) should unequivocally be greater than any needs the military may have. I find it hard to believe the guy was arrested exclusively for mishandling fuel.

Is that our only two options? burning a book that like a billion ( I have no idea how many people follow islam) hold sacred or declare war on them?

Brenna wrote: What are they expecting the action to achieve?

The perpetuation of hate and ignorance. Seems to be working.

I saw this guy trying to do this every year and we were able to defuse the situation which had escalated into riots in the Muslim world. Here's an interesting perspective: The Antichrist is a false prophet, preaching in Jesus name but not the true Gospel.

sidvkili wrote: focused on a different side of the spirituality. It didn't feel the need to apologise for everything it said etc.

I have to admit, I only read it so far (as it is incredibly repetitive as if the author didn't think the message was clear, understandable or believable right the first time - so, frankly, it gets me bored every time I try to read further) but even the book itself apologizes for what it says. Seriously, you don't even need to go half way through, its right in the second Sura (in fact, its one of my favorites; look it up, 2:216). That is, of course, if the intro verse of about all of them weren't enough to justify what they say.

But yea, I see what you mean. The Tanach and the Bible don't contain quite as much self-judgement and self-justification and apologizing so the reader is sometimes left to evaluate them on his own.

Speaking of Muslim racism. Found this on upworthy

Just note how only one of the dozens and dozens who come around actually is agreeing with the antagonist, and not even loudly and aggressively but subtle. Its amazing how the studio portrayed this as a big problem before even showing the footage that actually testifies for how a non-issue it is in reality. Also, I wonder if a real Muslim would react this calmly and easily if he was provoked like that. I'd have the police around the corner pretty soon if I was him.

Brenna wrote: What is it about Islam and Christianity's influence that encourages such aggression in religions supposedly founded on the principals of peace and compassion?

It isn't just Islam and Christianity, but they account (together) for a great number of followers, which makes hearing about incidents like this much more likely from these two faiths. No religion is above hypocrisy or stupidity, and to say otherwise is to be ignorant of the nature of both people and religion.

Gisteron wrote: .

Speaking of Muslim racism. Found this on upworthy

Just note how only one of the dozens and dozens who come around actually is agreeing with the antagonist, and not even loudly and aggressively but subtle. Its amazing how the studio portrayed this as a big problem before even showing the footage that actually testifies for how a non-issue it is in reality. Also, I wonder if a real Muslim would react this calmly and easily if he was provoked like that. I'd have the police around the corner pretty soon if I was him.

Kinda my point. Racism exists, sure. I've been racist. Just an overblown issue in my opinion.

Brenna wrote: I dont think Im explaining what Im actually trying to understand very well. I'll be back....




Edit -

My brother is Christian and believes that anything to do with Islam is evil and destructive. My sister is Atheist and thinks both Christians and Muslims are nuts and ignores the whole thing, and I dont believe that the actions of some are representative of the whole. Three people, same upbringing in the same house, three different faiths with totally different view points on the same issues.

I think im curious about the potency of the religious Koolaid. What is it about Islam and Christianity's influence that encourages such aggression in religions supposedly founded on the principals of peace and compassion?

The issue is just human nature. Exists beyond these beliefs. Every demographic has extremism or stupidity, even the force community ( galdrux?).

Has absolutely nothing to do with the beliefs except an opportunity for an excuse

sidvkili wrote: The issue is just human nature. Exists beyond these beliefs. Every demographic has extremism or stupidity, even the force community ( galdrux?).

Has absolutely nothing to do with the beliefs except an opportunity for an excuse

Well said.

What the Pastor was attempting was wrong. It was hateful and spiteful and was basicly a slap in the face to everything he is suppose to be standing at the pulpate and preaching every (Pastor= Sunday or Saturday services?) What ever day! Every Christian denomination that I can think of accepts "Love thy God above all others and love thy neighbor as thyself" to be the two greatest commandments.

What I don't get is, what in the world made him believe that he was doing the right thing?

I wonder if its not so much about the religion itself as it is a human's tendency to misinterpret something, and then cling onto that misinterpretation to the point that it becomes integrated into every part of their perception of life, to a point that if the belief is threatened and proposed to be flawed, it wouldn't simply mean that the belief itself is wrong, but now, that everything about them is "wrong" just the same...

this is a very controversial thing for even just one individual...

now when this is blown up to an entire society (and multiple generations of it) experiencing this same thing, you've got a very serious matter on your hands.

now take the misinterpretation and accessorize it with sensationalism, turning something originally spiritual into simply a sported, and even somewhat politically extended institution...(we have team jesus over here, team allah over here, and team moses over here, etc)

one team says "we're the team to root for! we've got what it takes! we are the truth!"

the other team says "i don't think so! obviously we're the right team to be with!"

but everytime one team hears that from another, or even sees the existence of "another way", it is, by its default nature through the misinterpretation, a threat to the previous team, because it is saying "you are wrong... therefore everything you are is wrong."

the previous team doesn't say "hmm... well, you're probably right... let's stop for a moment and question what we've leaned everything we know against here..." no... they'll do anything to promote the team, to keep it alive, and to make it as dominate as possible, after all, everything is on the line, depending on it...

even if it means killing off another team... or trying to "inspire" people to follow that team by demonstrating things like martyr-ship.

I have witnessed that a small percentage of the population here still harbors a LOT of ill will towards the events of 9/11. People are still looking for ways to "get even", through whatever methods they feel will give them closure.

I don't agree with the burning, but I do say that it is better than violence against people.

I do, however, support the purchase of 3000 Qu'rans. If only he'd take the time to read one...