rwdfresno wrote:
Quote:
This goes for any organized religion whether it be muslim, christian or jewish, but unfortunately it seems to be an overwhelming problem with a lot of evangelical christians these days.
Apparently you have never picked up on what the word evangelism means. Your whole argument you could replace religion with liberalism environmentalism, anti-gun people, anti-war people, pro choice people and the same points would apply. You may have noticed that when are particular group feels passionately about somethign that is what they do, and it is one of the rights that many people have died to protect. I suppose it is ok for groups that you may align yourself with such as anti-war in Iraq, environmentalists, or pro-choicers to speak up and try to convince other's of their beliefs but for those that do not agree with you should get off their soap box.
Ryan,
You bring up a valid point about free speech. For me it's not so much the the fact they are spreading the word as it is the content. When I see people like Dobson, Robertson, Phelps, and Falwell preaching their hateful views it just makes my skin crawl. Instead of preaching tolerance and helping others they focus on issues like abortion, gay marriage, and so-called moral values.
As you mentioned above I've never really aligned myself with any particular group.
Do I support the Iraw War?...NO! Do I participate in anti-war rallies?...NO!
Do I support abortion?...NO! Do I tell others what to do with their bodies?...NO!
Do I believe in environmental issues...YES! Do I participate in the "green" movement?....NO!
Are you noticing a trend here?
Just because somebody believes in something doesn't mean they have to try and convert the rest.
My view of organized religion in general is not too flattering. Most churches and religious organizations basically operate as a business. Everything comes down to $$$$...period! I've seen the shady side of some religious institutions while my wife was forced to work as a catholic school teacher for a few years before she got into a public school. Everything revolved around money. She would even get scolded if she disciplined a student who's parents donated large sums of $$$ to the church. She would be told things like..."you can't give Billy a detention, do you know how much his parents donate to the church?"
The priest was such a prick that he would refuse to do funeral services for parisheners unless the family made a "sizeable donation" to the church. Not surprising...this same priest eventually plead guilty to embezzling over $70,000 from the church (that's just what they could prove...the real amount was much higher).
Another church here in town had one of their secretaries diagnosed with cancer a few years back. She was only a year away from retiring and asked off of work so she could go through treatment. The church's idea of compasion for this person was to fire her and hire somebody else at substantially less pay.
The bible-banging group I mentioned earlier also has some questionable practices. They like to target the down & out people that have recently gone through a divorce, had a death in the family, lost their job, etc. Once they have them hooked and are members of the church they are then expected to give 20% of their paycheck to the church (automatic check withdrawl). Even is somebody loses their job or is having financial problems they are still expected to pay 20% to the church. It irks me to no end to see these "working poor" living off food stamps and barely making ends meet while at the same time giving money to the church which they cannot afford.
This same group also has a nasty habit of befriending old widows so they can try to convince them to sign over their house and estate to the church before they die or are placed in the nursing home. But remember...these people are doing the lord's work...haaaa!
I think former Minnesota Governor Jesse ventura said it best...quote:
["Organized religion is a sham and a crutch for a weak minded people who need strength in numbers"
I'll get off my soap box now and stop ranting.
John
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As Phil knows I have selective reading as well as hearing. I think I have debated enough for this week. Have a good one!
Although the thread has become somewhat ill mannered. Even from myself! 
