knucklehead
Platinum Member
Well stated, Oz (may I call you Oz? /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif). I think from the quick review I have given this and other threads today, there may be some confusion between religion and faith. I have had a lot of trouble with religion, even though those groups or individuals who give me the most heartburn are of the same faith as myself. Seems a lot of people have had the same problem. Anyone remember a guy about 2000 years ago calling the religious leaders of the time a BROOD OF VIPERS?
I believe it is authentic faith and the pursuit of same via the individual rights (not corporate or state rights) recognized (not given) in the founding documents that has brought blessing to our country. Despite my fear that we may be going the way of Rome (Bread & Circuses), we largely continue to support and defend the rights of the individual to self determination for the larger part of the world. There will always be whiners who collapse the argument to some specific and real injustice, and there will always be real injustice as long as leaders without strong authentic faith (and the character it produces) continue to rule. But again, in the larger view, the U.S. continues to be the leader in promoting and supporting individual freedom.
On another note, I want to extend my appreciation to those on both sides of so many strong issues we discuss on this board for their civility. As has been stated, it does not take a theological degree to live a life that portrays the value for people that Christ demonstrated for us so long ago. I am thankful that this country has such strong fertility of faith that it even influences the behaviour of those of us who deny God's existence. If anyone disagrees about the influence of our Creator on our country, on freedom, and on themselves personally, imagine this conversation in any other place in the world.....like Afganistan, Bosnia, China, etc.. Unless, of course, one truly believes they are of a more pure genetic strain and incapable of the barbarism in other places......but that genetic purity thing was already tried about 60 years ago, wasn't it?
I believe it is authentic faith and the pursuit of same via the individual rights (not corporate or state rights) recognized (not given) in the founding documents that has brought blessing to our country. Despite my fear that we may be going the way of Rome (Bread & Circuses), we largely continue to support and defend the rights of the individual to self determination for the larger part of the world. There will always be whiners who collapse the argument to some specific and real injustice, and there will always be real injustice as long as leaders without strong authentic faith (and the character it produces) continue to rule. But again, in the larger view, the U.S. continues to be the leader in promoting and supporting individual freedom.
On another note, I want to extend my appreciation to those on both sides of so many strong issues we discuss on this board for their civility. As has been stated, it does not take a theological degree to live a life that portrays the value for people that Christ demonstrated for us so long ago. I am thankful that this country has such strong fertility of faith that it even influences the behaviour of those of us who deny God's existence. If anyone disagrees about the influence of our Creator on our country, on freedom, and on themselves personally, imagine this conversation in any other place in the world.....like Afganistan, Bosnia, China, etc.. Unless, of course, one truly believes they are of a more pure genetic strain and incapable of the barbarism in other places......but that genetic purity thing was already tried about 60 years ago, wasn't it?
