Are the Tolerant Religious Sects Enablers of the More Virulent Sects?

[The Whiskey Priest]

It would be painting with a broad brush to say all religious sects are dedicated towards destruction of individual freedom and reason. On the other hand it would be likewise untrue to say that none are free from such ambitions.

History is replete with evidence that virulent religious sects have attempted to stamp out freedom of thought and repression of reason. The pages of history drip with the blood shed by those judged to be heretics, non-believers and infidels.

The question that begs an answer is did these blood-judgment sects arise from the midst of more tolerant and liberal co-religionist because they were enabled by the tolerance of the more tolerant and liberal sects? If so, is that not what is happening today? Are those who it appears would complete the drive towards theocracy that has been dormant from the inception of the republic not being enabled by the more liberal co-religionist.

As we ask of the Islamic world it is well to ask of ourselves, where are the strong voices speaking out against their co-religionist? I think this is a fair question.

[Dookus]

1. My feeling is that

once you accept magical thinking of any sort, you shouldn't be surprised when such thinking goes beyond your own comfort level.

If you allow that there's an invisible god who interacts with the universe, it's a small step to believing that god tells you to kill someone.

[Just Me]

2. Being tolerant doesn't mean being without limits.

One can tolerate varying beliefs without enabling destructive behavior.

Destructive behavior, imposing one's will upon another simply due to a different personal belief, is unacceptable.

Hence, we have laws which restrict such behavior.

[applegrove]

3. The same can be said of all human beings who do not question

authority properly. The WH took advantage of the American need to be led out of the 9/11 tragedy. They should have led and not lied. They lied because they are liars. Americans got wise after a bit. And now we see the Democrats, who were for war protecting the USA or war that stopped psychopathic genocidal strongmen, like all Liberals before them, we see Democrats just like Americans being more discerning of the Kool-Aid they drink.

You get exploited, you realize the awful character of the people who are leading you, and then you activate and fight back. Many churches are doing that.

It is as true of any human emotion (people will follow patriotism just as far as they follow religion). And Americans for years have been guilty of blind patriotism. And blind creation myths too. Now we are all wanting to not take our own ability to think for ourselves for granted.

[seabeyond]

4. yes yes yes, i have been saying for months, maybe longer

another yes. and as along as there isnt even at least an attempt to take back their religion, in love, then they are responsible in this too

catholics need to work with their extremist they are passing laws, for me,.......because of their religion. no no no

all christian have to stand up to the fundies. the muslim moderates need to go after their fundamentalist, and the atheist

play nice and let us do what we need to do without senseless flamethrowing, lo lol

yes, i do believe that fellow christians are responsible for our christian brothers and sisters, especially those that are walking off the path of christ

[mitchtv]

another yes here

they have sat in the back of the bus with their mouths shut and their arms crossed, and allowd their faith to be hijacked with nary a wimper.

[AG78]

5. Absolutely

However, that's the case with everything.

If you co-exist, a third(or fourth, fifth, etc) party will come along and take what you have. Then you fight(in whatever form that takes) back to keep them away. Then they fight you(if you fight back) trying to take what you're protecting. Eventually that war ends, and then it starts up again in a wonderful cycle that I just can't get enough of.

Religion, business, government, nation-state, whatever. They all follow the same pattern.