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Originally Posted by cuebald
And what was the reason that the monument with the Ten Commandments was placed there in the first place if not for the fundies to be able to rub someone's nose in it?
Do you really believe that it was not put there to show everyone who is not a Christian how much power the Christians have and to establish Christian dominance? I doubt it, quite seriously.
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Look, I doubt very seriously that the monument is there to rub everyone else's nose in it. I mean, Christians hang things like the ten commandments or bible passages on the walls in their own house. Its just there as a reminder, it isn't there to be pretentious(well, maybe sometimes).
When we look at the ten commandments. We need to realize that for the most part, it just says "don't steal, don't kill, don't lie, don't commit adultery, don't obsess about possessions, take a day off, and don't be hateful."
Basically, its just a reminder to be a good person. And while I think its probably a bad idea to put it on the capital grounds. It is such an innocent symbol, I don't see why it really matters.
On the other hand, the satanic people are trying to place a monument which should be offensive for anyone who isn't insane.
That is my point. I would much rather this be an internal discussion about whether or not religion in public spaces is appropriate. Rather than some people from New York wanting to just come in and cause trouble. When hateful New York atheists want to stir up trouble in some state halfway across the country in such a belligerent way. It actually makes religious fundamentalists in Oklahoma look sane and mature.
New Yorkers need to go back to ruining New York, leave Oklahoma alone.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Clark Park
I'm not sure whether Satanists are a "real" religion or not. Who am I to judge what a "real" religion is? Who are you to judge if their religion is "real?" The other point you make is they are all from New York ... would you be willing to bet your life there is not even a single Satanist residing in Oklahoma? Even if the funds to pay for the statue is from their co-religionists in New York, what difference does it make? I think it is very likely there are at least a few individuals in Oklahoma that identify with Satanism.
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Look, they themselves declared it wasn't a real religion. Go read about it. It is a fake-religion that was literally made to mock Christianity. They don't really worship satan in any real sense, its basically just satire, intended to be a slap in the face of the teachings of the bible. They don't believe satan is real and that he controls peoples lives, they are really just atheists. They just wanted to call themselves a religion so they can get the "perks" of being a religion.
Basically, a "satanist" isn't a real thing. A satanist is a militant atheist who really really despises Christianity. The same for the "Church of the flying spaghetti monster." They don't really believe in a flying spaghetti monster, its just intended to be a mockery of religion.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Clark Park
In any case, for the sake of argument, even if Satanism was deemed not a real religion, am I safe in assuming that you have no problems with Hindus erecting a statue of the elephant-headed diety Ganesh or Buddhists erecting a statue of Buddha? Would you argue Hinduism and Buddhism are not "real" religions?
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Look, if Hindu's or Muslims wanted to create something which encouraged people to not murder, to not steal, to not commit adultery, to not disrespect their parents, to not be jealous of other peoples things, to not lie, etc. You would not hear a peep from me.
Take a look at this link. They could make an entire wall with some of these quotes on it and place it somewhere on the capitol grounds and I wouldn't care. I think it would be great.
Buddha Quotes - BrainyQuote
To believe that nothing can be learned from religion, is ignorance. To believe that religion doesn't inspire the good of humanity, is to be blind.
To me, the ten commandments is sort of like, part of the culture, it is a part of history. And I don't believe its existence is offending Hindus and Muslims. The only people who are ever offended by these kinds of things, are atheists. And not the agnostic atheists. I consider the agnostic atheists to be rational people who probably have a decent relationship with their parents.
The atheists who fight over this crap. Are the militant atheists, who normally live very deviant lifestyles. Who haven't talked to their parents in years, because their parents disapprove of their choices. They are these perpetual outcasts, who are angry at the world, and will do anything in their power to force everyone else to think like them. They are the most intolerant people I have ever met in my life. And they are so self-assured of this belief that they know more than everyone else, and anyone who disagrees with them must be crazy.
I don't mind people not believing in religion. In my opinion, there is no way that any of the religions can possibly be literally correct. But to pretend that religion is some evil thing that is poisoning humanity, is ridiculous.
If we look at one of the ironies of Atheism. They preach that there is nothing after death, that you should enjoy your life while you live it. But if you look at happiness levels of Christians and the happiness levels of atheists. Christians are by far more happy than atheists. They are significantly less likely to suffer mental illness than atheists. They are far more likely to be emotionally stable.
Thus, if the purpose of life is to be happy. Don't become an atheist. You will more than likely be miserable, perpetually angry, and resentful of others.
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