Post #118556 by Urban Tiki on Thu, Oct 7, 2004 12:09 PM

Cool thread! I think it is a reflection on the character of the people on this forum that this potentially controversial topic has been discussed so calmly and rationally. That could not be said for the forums that I have been involved with in the past. It also shows that people can be passionate about their beliefs without being closed minded or overly judgemental. I believe it is also a reflection of the Tiki culture and Aloha spirit.

I was raised a Christian and, though I no longer attend church, I try to lead my life by Christian principals. I think I am a spiritual person, but for me it's a very personal thing. I often have "discussions" with God and Jesus, and I think He has more compassion and humor than many give Him credit for.

I was a Philosophy major in college and became very disillusioned with the Catholic church and pretty much every organized religion. Once in a graduate class on Existentialism, I was kind of condemning religion for some of the atrocities of history and my professor rightfully pointed out that it was not the fault of religion, it was the anthropomorphic realization of the religions that were at fault. In other words, religions don't kill people- people with religions kill people. I think that is important to remember- don't allow what some people do in the name of religion to influence your view of the religion itself.

It is important to respect another's beliefs whether you agree with them or not.

[ Edited by: Urban Tiki on 2004-10-07 12:10 ]