Respect for all creeds, OK?

[solvitquick]

Many of us claim they respect others irrespective of race, colour or creed. Sure I'm happy with race and colour plus other additions e.g. sex. But I can think of so many creeds which vary from the intolerant, through money-making schemes to pure evil. Examples: (a) "christians" who will not tolerate any contradiction to the literal translation of the King James bible - so no teaching of Darwinism, no abortion, no blood-transfusion; (b) sects which have led to mass suicide; {c) Islamic death fatwahs against critics of the Koran and chopping off hands of thieves; (d) Pagans and others who believe(d) in human or animal sacrifice.
This is a simple question because its validity seems questionable to me, wot say you?

[solvitquick]

Love the spirit of humour. Quiet ridicule of nonsense is a great weapon against fools, especially as they don't understand. Well done DTcross, Nao et al. While strongly disagreeing/doubting with Key+ and Khanda's pro-islam arguments at least they try to defend their beliefs. Tho' they are defending the indfensible it contrasts with C of E and Catholic believers who keep their heads down in religious debates.

[naomi24]

solvitquick, yoou mentioned //Islamic death fatwahs against critics of the Koran and chopping off hands of thieves// which brought Keyplus out in defence, and the following five posts moved the discussion on in that direction. That's all. Perhaps if you give it time the debate will cover the whole spectrum from witchcraft to the Moonies. I do hope so.

[jomifl]

Not all creeds assert that there is a god and I'm not sure that modern pagans belive in a god or indulge in sacrifices. I have no respect for creeds that are based on deliberate deception to gull their victims. Unfortunately that is most of them. I feel sorry for the victims who spend their lives racked with guilt or reduced to poverty by the the religion that has been inflicted upon them by their parents.

[solvitquick]

As always, best answer very difficult. I must ignore my inbuilt bias in favour of Naomi (erudite and funny) and go for jomifl for succinct rationale.

[naomi24]

Well, I'm not sure I'm not a bit miffed here, SIQ - (see - you've been here long enough to merit an abbreviated name). Him succinct and exhibiting rationale - and me not?! How very dare you? Pud 'em up, Jom!! I'll fight you for it!! :o)))

Seriously, thank you for the compliment, SIQ. :o)

[DaisyNonna]

Does Islam recognise repentance?

[naomi24]

Islam adores sycophancy – as does Christianity.

[sandyRoe]

You'd think it would. To repent ones sins or transgressions against others and then try to atone should be a part of most religions.

[naomi24]

//Does Islam recognise repentance? //

Simple answer. Yes, it does. As I indicated, sycophants are always welcomed by a God that is so insecure that it demands, on pain of eternal suffering, complete subservience and adoration. After all, the word Islam means ‘submission’ – and nothing can be clearer than that.

[DaisyNonna]

Er, how can you repent and make reparation if you have been stoned to death?

[sandyRoe]

In times when hanging was in vogue here the criminal was allowed to confess to a priest and repent, if he so wished, before the state took his life. Same in the Islamic world, I suppose.

[naomi24]

Daisy, you can't - but not to worry. Allah knows what's in your heart. ;o)

[Khandro]

solvitquick; //I can think of so many creeds which vary from the intolerant, through money-making schemes to pure evil.//. - Having read your 'question' several times, I am left wondering if it is in fact a question at all, or a bigoted statement, the question element being "wot you say?" You seem to have trawled through the usual cliches, and grubbed out the worst aspects of these creeds; chopping off hands, and human sacrifice etc, and hey presto, all religion and creeds are dismissed! That must have been exhausting 'research', focusing on Christians dismissing Darwinism and Muslims going around chopping off hands etc. Why not now go and consider the good, and positive aspects of the creeds you appear to wish to dismiss?

[naomi24]

Khandro, //Why not now go and consider the good, and positive aspects of the creeds you appear to wish to dismiss? //

Since you appear to think there are good and positive aspects of the creeds that SIQ appears to wish to dismiss, why don't you tell us what they are - and then we can consider them and discuss them.

[sandyRoe]

Can anyone criticise Zakat in Islam or charitable giving in Christianity?

[mibn2cweus]

What makes us human is that which unites us as a single species, struggling to get along with one another and benefit from each others unique contribution within a common reality through a mutual understanding, appreciation for and application of our faculties of reason. Isn't it difficult enough simply being human without getting all . . . creedy?

[jomifl]

Khandro, SIQ did not claim to have done exhausting research, so a little less sneering please.

[Khandro]

Not being a fully paid-up, card-carrying Christian, I may not be the most qualified, but if I had to explain 'good and positive' aspects of Christianity to a group of Martians, I would first show them the great cathedrals of Europe, and also the simple Friends Meeting Houses, the fabulous baroque churches and have them listen to Johan Sebastian Bach play the organ. I would show them the works of Michaelangelo and the great painters of the Renaissance and much, much, more. I would tell them that all this stems from one man who lived 2,000 years ago, who taught love and compassion.
I can only assume from solvitquick's question, that he would say, 'Christians are people who refuse to give blood transfusions to dying children'.

[Duncer]

Surely creeds with "good and positive" attributes would immediately disown the more barbaric ones?

[naomi24]

I suppose a Martian could argue that when human beings are starving and living in poverty on earth, great churches, paintings, and music, are not really positive symbols of one who taught love and compassion.