Israel/Palestine conflict

[Derek27]

Religions all generally teach tolerance, love and respect, but MEN misusing. misquoting and misinterpreting the extreme elements of religion, have indeed caused much heartache and suffering - 7/7 and 9/11 to name a couple in my lifetime.

Here's a challenge for you Reverend CS. Tell us one thing the "teachings of Jesus" has taught you that's not obvious to atheists like me, or indeed, the oblivious to the blindingly obvious like firlandfarms.

At the risk of assuming your are being sincere, I would simply say this:

1) Open your mind. (Try to see what others might have gained from this, without any personal prejudices).
2) Open your heart (not easy, I know - mindfulness and meditation help, no alcohol though).
3) Open the world's best selling book.

CS

I knew you weren't up to the challenge. A lifetime of theology and you can't say what you've learned.

I would have thought you'd have finished reading the book by now.

[Derek27]

Zaka, the organisation responsible for collecting the dead bodies, are forced to treat all the bodies with respect. Even the Hamas scumbags!

[greenmark]

Here's a challenge for you Reverend CS. Tell us one thing the "teachings of Jesus" has taught you that's not obvious to atheists like me, or indeed, the oblivious to the blindingly obvious like firlandfarms.

At the risk of assuming your are being sincere, I would simply say this:

1) Open your mind. (Try to see what others might have gained from this, without any personal prejudices).
2) Open your heart (not easy, I know - mindfulness and meditation help, no alcohol though).
3) Open the world's best selling book.

CS

I knew you weren't up to the challenge. A lifetime of theology and you can't say what you've learned.

I would have thought you'd have finished reading the book by now.

I was interested In CS's views on religion. Would you like to say what you've learned from your lifetime's exploration of theology. Other than to poke CS.

[Derek27]

At the risk of assuming your are being sincere, I would simply say this:

1) Open your mind. (Try to see what others might have gained from this, without any personal prejudices).
2) Open your heart (not easy, I know - mindfulness and meditation help, no alcohol though).
3) Open the world's best selling book.

CS

I knew you weren't up to the challenge. A lifetime of theology and you can't say what you've learned.

I would have thought you'd have finished reading the book by now.

I was interested In CS's views on religion. Would you like to say what you've learned from your lifetime's exploration of theology. Other than to poke CS.

Initially, I was going to say, absolutely nothing. But before I could even type that out I realised I have learned a lot about the psychology of the human mind, fear of death, man's inability to cope with it, the temptation to invent explanations for things you don't understand, etc.

[Archangel]

For all the talk about Russia committing war crimes in Ukraine, a lot of NATO allies don't seem to have a problem with it if Israel are doing it in Gaza

[greenmark]

I knew you weren't up to the challenge. A lifetime of theology and you can't say what you've learned.

I would have thought you'd have finished reading the book by now.

I was interested In CS's views on religion. Would you like to say what you've learned from your lifetime's exploration of theology. Other than to poke CS.

Initially, I was going to say, absolutely nothing. But before I could even type that out I realised I have learned a lot about the psychology of the human mind, fear of death, man's inability to cope with it, the temptation to invent explanations for things you don't understand, etc.

I think a lot people feel the same. Personally, I'm less atheist and more agnostic. I have good friends that are religious and as a good friend I wouldn't waste my time trying to rattle their faith. a) because they do get great comfort from their belief b) they get great help about how to live a decent life and c) why would I try to wreck all that just to impose my views for no benefit.

Fair enough when reigous folk start talking about jihad, holy wars and having god on their side in a conflict, I either sigh or get wound up by hypocrisy of it all.

[Derek27]

I was interested In CS's views on religion. Would you like to say what you've learned from your lifetime's exploration of theology. Other than to poke CS.

Initially, I was going to say, absolutely nothing. But before I could even type that out I realised I have learned a lot about the psychology of the human mind, fear of death, man's inability to cope with it, the temptation to invent explanations for things you don't understand, etc.

I think a lot people feel the same. Personally, I'm less atheist and more agnostic. I have good friends that are religious and as a good friend I wouldn't waste my time trying to rattle their faith. a) because they do get great comfort from their belief b) they get great help about how to live a decent life and c) why would I try to wreck all that just to impose my views for no benefit.

Fair enough when reigous folk start talking about jihad, holy wars and having god on their side in a conflict, I either sigh or get wound up by hypocrisy of it all.

I've known quite a few religious people who feel when good things happen to them, that's God looking after them. When bad things happen to other people that's down to their lack of faith. But when good things happen to other people or bad things happen to them, they don't even bother wondering why!

[sionascaig]

....why would I try to wreck all that just to impose my views for no benefit.

In the context you present you wouldn't...

The issue is far too many try to impose their mumbo jumbo on others and are completely intolerant to other beliefs or way of lives.

Many actively encourage discrimination & as for "opening your mind to love" they are some of the most hate filled people kicking about & capable of horrific acts in the name of religion.

Just look at the recent tragedies in Ireland regarding unmarried mothers and their children, the evidence from the many "abuse" enquiries - by abuse I mean rape, beatings, buggery - the attempts to cover it up and extreme actions to avoid paying any compensation to victims.

There is really nothing very Christian in the way these institutions work. Compassion is for someone else and the reputation of the church is put ahead of any other consideration.

- and yet, the already brainwashed, will still contribute money and give access to their children to these corrupt organisations

But yes, you can have very nice christians (my wife is one) & no I wouldn't try to upset her because of her beliefs. However I wont take a lecture on morals or how to live my life from some of the biggest hypocrites on the planet.

[greenmark]

....why would I try to wreck all that just to impose my views for no benefit.

In the context you present you wouldn't...

The issue is far too many try to impose their mumbo jumbo on others and are completely intolerant to other beliefs or way of lives.

Many actively encourage discrimination & as for "opening your mind to love" they are some of the most hate filled people kicking about & capable of horrific acts in the name of religion.

Just look at the recent tragedies in Ireland regarding unmarried mothers and their children, the evidence from the many "abuse" enquiries - by abuse I mean rape, beatings, buggery - the attempts to cover it up and extreme actions to avoid paying any compensation to victims.

There is really nothing very Christian in the way these institutions work. Compassion is for someone else and the reputation of the church is put ahead of any other consideration.

But yes, you can have very nice christians (my wife is one) & no I wouldn't try to upset her because of her beliefs. However I wont take a lecture on morals or how to live my life from some of the biggest hypocrites on the planet.

I agree 100%. Bad people will exploit things like religion. Religion has come to embody trust, goodness, safety, good counsel. What better place for a sleazebag to operate? But that isn't religion's fault or aim. If anything religion merely describes the human condition. You can choose to be a **** or a decent human being.

[sionascaig]

Indeed )

The real problem comes when these "institutions" get state support or are so embedded in the community that the baddies get away with it...

[Archery1969]

Reports that Iran and Syria may attack Israel if they go into Gaza.

Blinken is warning Israel not to make a big mistake.

I wonder what Saudi Arabia will do ?

[jimibt]

Reports that Iran and Syria may attack Israel if they go into Gaza.

Blinken is warning Israel not to make a big mistake.

I wonder what Saudi Arabia will do ?

much as i hate the expression (no shit sherlock), in this case it's definitely one of those and makes you question Israel's intelligence across the board!!

[Derek27]

Protest outside BBC headquarters over their refusal to call Hamas terrorists.

[Naffman]

Protest outside BBC headquarters over their refusal to call Hamas terrorists.

I haven't been following the different outlets closely but if the BBC haven't been calling Hamas terrorists then that's absolutely disgusting.

[The Silk Run]

For all the talk about Russia committing war crimes in Ukraine, a lot of NATO allies don't seem to have a problem with it if Israel are doing it in Gaza

Concur +10

And, we spend billions and billions of dollars to kill people. And, billions and billions of dollars to save people !!!

What on earth is this world coming to ...