The Logic Off Topic list

Zeke,and others
 I can see what you are saying, but I think you are assuming some 
things. You are assuming that the actions of most religious zelouts, 
correctly reflects the teachings of these religions.
I don't believe so.
You drew a comparison with what happaned in Ireland last week, and 
this is what i will talk about as it is closer to my knowledge.

I am not meaning for this to be a religeos discussion, but aim to use 
this as en example or comparison.  

Catholics and protestants both claim to be Christians.
The name Christian being that used of 'one who followed Christ'in the 
period a while after the death of Christ.

The best definition of what 'a follower of Christ'is, is undoubtedly 
found in the new testament section of the bible, as it it was written 
about this time.

Neither the actions of the 'Catholics' or the "Protestants' in Ireland
reflects these teachings.

Nor did the actions of the crusaders in the middle age.

Nor do the actions of many extreme so called fundamentalist 
Christians who's stressed teaching is often different to the 
fundamental teachings of the bible.

It is my suspicion also, that extreme fundamentalist Muslims are also 
not true examples of their religions teachings.
They talk of a Jehad or holy war, and the soldiers in the battle 
believe they are fighting a holy war, just like the crusaders  did.

But the crusaders were no more than expendable pawns used in an 
effort to expand the dominion of an empire, that although they used 
the name Christian, they ruled thru fear and ignorance,..not things 
encouraged by Christ himself.


So I come to the conclusion that real religion probably has nothing 
to do with this terrorism, as it has nothing really to do with the 
problems in Ireland. People  just take the name of a religion in a 
vain attempt to justify their actions.

I have heard many first hand horror stories of what goes on in 
Ireland, that the press just doesn't hear about, and it's anything 
but Christian. Same goes for the 'Christians' and 'Muslims' fighting 
in former Yugoslavia, and the middle East.


So it is not the religion that breeds violence, but people. People 
corrupted by power or the desire for power. The desire to force their 
will over the will of others.
This is probably the reason behind the smallest of scables between as 
little as two people.Human pride and greed.
 I believe many religions are misrepresented because of this.


My own personal veiw on the terrorist situation...I know we will 
never WIN the war against terrorism but to me, [and i stress the TO 
ME here],there is no justice without punishment. I dont think it is 
an anger thing, though i would say most of us have been/are angry at 
what has happened, and even i have said 'nuke em all'..in anger. But 
to me there is something JUST about punishment.
It doesn't seem right to me, that there should be no punishment, even 
if you can forgive those who do these things.


Someone one on this list will know more than I about Islaam, and may 
be able to verify my suspicions,[I plan to read the Koran some day to 
find this out]

I also hope no Sheite [did I spell that right?] fundamentalists read 
this, become offended, and firebomb my house.

Maak Bow