@ombra Said
So you want to talk abrahamic-based religion? How about the Ten Commandants that most followers never can seem to quite measure up to. Lets not forget the Quran version...the part about "As for the thief, male or female, cut off his or her hands, but those who repent" that is especially cheerful. Then there is the Buddhist version which entails page after page of 'thou shalls' and 'thou shall nots' down to the minute detail of telling you what you can and cannot think.
What about the ten commandments? Jews have 600 Commands as well... known as Moses Law.
Jesus welded them all together with Love God, Love others, Love oneself. Not easy to do but puts a different spin on the "Thou shalt not"
If you respect (love) your neighbour you wounldn't want to get into his wife's pants.
@ombra Said Letting "you make up up your own mind"? R U serious? You either toll the party line or you get excommunicated, burned at the stake, shunned, stoned, beheaded, or whatever. Social control is all about forcing ones beliefs, ethics, morals, customs, or whatever on others, and has absolutely nothing to do with allowing others to make up their own mind.
You still in the dark ages - offering up f*ckwits using religion to push their own agenda. Burning at the stakes - what because someone got pissed off by some shiela and used "She a witch" to hurt her!!!
Sorry buddy, I don't 'tow the party line' and still welcome at the churches I attend... even asked to deliver the message.
@ombra Said I think we can all expect lying, cheating, stealing, and general hypocrisy from putrid politicians....its part of their job description and a required qualification of winning office. That does not therefore mean that we should hold police to the same lax standards we expect from the Mafia, just as it is unreasonable to judge religions by the same lax standards of Politics. If you want to be a Christian, or Jew, or Muslim, or Buddhist or whatever, then be one, but take off the blinders and rose-colored glasses...not everything about your chosen belief system is pristine and perfect, and in your best interests.
I don't accept lying, cheating, etc from anyone. And actually I several politians who are there to represent their constituants - honestly. Amarica must have different standards tp Australia.
If you bothered to look you would notice that I'm quite happy to speak up about the stuff that has happened in the name of religion.
So no blinkers or coloured glasses here sunnyboy. The teachings of Jesus I follow. Not what any Mr Pope or some dude wearing a back to front collar. The 'three loves' are a good example.