Dizel8 -
I knew the use of the "p" word (persecution) would get a response.
I mainly posted that in response to the more viloent responses that have been posted on this thread. I know they are just typing, but who knows how serious they are? Maybe those posts are there just to get tempers flared, I do not know.
They certainly can, that is one of the freedom we have in this country. However, I am sure religous people, whatever their faith is, ask that same question.
I agree with this statement Dizel8, but many of the posts on this thread seem to really hate the fact that some of us believe in Jesus.
I think this country was set up with Christian morals and values, but with the protection that any religion can be practiced.
"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but like someone else pointed out, many crimes have been perpetrated in the name of Christianity."
Yes many crimes and wars have been perpetrated in the name of Christianity, and Muhamad and just about any other religion out there. I think everyone would agree that those crimes are due to humans bending the religion for their own good. Just like September 11, 2001 can be blamed on radical beliefs of the Muslium religion by a radical group.
Whithout having done so, I think that if you polled Muslims in the United States (mostly because they have experienced the freedom to practice their religion in a mostly Christian (for now) country) that they would absolutly disagree with that act. My guess is that even most Musliums around the globe disagree with what happened that day.
There have been radical Christians who have abused their power and used their religious beliefs to get people to go along with them. That is one thing that we as Americans have the responsibiliy to do: question our leaders.
Could we even be having dialogue of this sort in Saudi Arabia, or Kuwait? NO. That is not because the Muslium religion is bad, but because the people enforcing the laws will not allow tolerance or questioning of what has been practiced over the last couple thousand years.
I do believe that someone has to be right. Weather it is the Christians, Muslims, Buddahists, Athieists, ect... (sorry for those I left out). If I did not think that Christianity was the right way / religion, I would be searching somewhere else.
I think good people who believe they are right (everyone thinks they are right or they would not follow that relligion) take it upon themselves to share what they feel and believe. That is done many ways, from handing out pamphlets at the airport, knocking on doors, or just by living your life the way you believe is correct. Ohers will comment and question how and why you are the way you are.
It is people who corrupt these religions and usually people in power who do the most damage. Weather they are in power by blood line, elections, governmet overthrows, ect...
My disclaimer is that I personally do not know much about religions other that Christianity, and even there I have a lot to learn.
I have read through some of the Koran while in Kuwait and did see where Jesus is mentioned; although I believe Musliums only believe Him to be a Prophet.
Sorry if this runs on and jumps around. That is why I am a pilot.