Reply #48: Ah, one of those ticklish issues... [View All]

[rasputin1952]

Unfotunately, emotions run rampant in these threads, and often blind one to the purpose of intent.

Churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and the earth itself, all have religious meaning to someone. I believe that all religious activities are inherently social in nature, and therefore become political by default. As noted previously, the Black Southern Baptist churches have a long history of social activism, stessing equality and responsibility, as have Black Muslim mosques. Jews have always been socially active through their teachings as have Buddhists. Most religions stress individual responsibility for ones actions, and favor forgiveness and mercy, over fear and ignorance. There will always be some who will manipulate a system for thier own profit and motives, but that in no way should condemn an entire litenany of well motivated groups and individuals that believe that their actions are for the greater good of society.

Far to often, we hear from a few loudmouthed individuals on either the extreme right or left, and fail to see the core of the nation as a whole. In the instance of those that are declaiming gay marriage, why would one deny them the right to speak out for what they believe? If that is the course one chooses to take, then do not be surprised when the voices of those in the center grow louder against you. One cannot call for the silencing of others, without expecting forces to come down in favor of silenceing that individual. This is what Free Speech is all about; Rather than trying to stop some one from speaking, one must ensure that their ideas hold more water than the oppositions.

Let the religious institiuions of this nation remain tax exempt. Let the religious organizations of this nation take up social, (and therby political), causes. One cannot forget the legacy of good this country has inherited from religious organizations; it seems that there is far too much remembrance of the bad things that have come from a few.

O8)