Intolerance: Christianity Vs Islam

[birdie1971]

I have noticed in the last few weeks and months that very few debates on Islam have occurred, yet several questions on the validity of Christianity have been posted. All things have been debated – from the real-world abuse of children to various metaphysical conundra.

I have responded to several of these question and have been highly critical of the Christian faith, its supporters and its leaders. No one, so far, has rebuked me for doing so, nor have they called me childish names.

However, in the recent past when I have been critical of the Islamic faith, I have been accused of being ignorant, bigoted and in one memorable post, labelled “our resident Muslim maligner”.

What makes the supporters of Islam (on this website at least) so vehement, fervid, and intolerant of criticism?

[Garmard]

God is love is it not naomi24. We should all agree on that as there is little else to our lives once you take that away......and we all live on the same mud-ball called Earth.

[naomi24]

Garmard, I agree that love is the most important thing, but unfortunately others wouldn't so I don't think it's true to say we all want the same thing. This God we're talking about doesn't promote love. Far from it.

[Davethedog]

Garmand I don't belive in God I live a fairly normal life, my moral compass seems fine (apart from speeding) I don't feel that there is anything "missing" from my life.

[Garmard]

We are put down here to make our own decisions which in turn make us grow as an individual, whether we suffer or not.
There is no perfect answer with God and religion but it all comes down to the same thinking, we are after all human and all roughly similar in mind and spirit.

[jno]

//They will stand up for members of other races in a similar fashion. //

Just a point to note. Islam is not a race.

er, yes, naomi, that's why I said it. In one sentence I talked about religion. In the next I talked about race and used the word 'similar'.

Waldo, I'm talking about the use of language. Telling someone they're wrong is neutral; telling them they're delusional is slipping into abuse, because it's a word more commonly used with reference to mental health than to factual accuracy.

[naomi24]

jno, race is irrelevant to the discussion.

Garmard, You are looking for an ideal that doesn't exist, which is why some believers take great satisfaction in the idea that non-believers will burn in hell. Love isn't on their agenda.

[Davethedog]

If you had a 50 year old neighbour who told you in all honesty that he belived in Father Christmas what would you call him/her?

To me the word is totaly factual not offensive.

[Garmard]

Naomi24 i wasn't saying, do this or do that or you will burn in hell! I was merely making a point that God is spiritual as are we, i cannot expect you to understand what i am getting at when your mindset is obviously not the same and your strategy of thinking differs, but rest assured, nobody will go to hell.

[WaldoMcFroog]

Dave - have only just realised the ambiguity in what I said and hence your comment!

I meant to say 'I had been informed by believers that I will be infinitely tortured by a loving God', not 'I would be infinitely tortured by believers'.

Although, it feels that way sometimes.

[naomi24]

Garmard, I know you weren't saying anyone will burn in hell, and it may surprise you to discover that I understand precisely what you're talking about. Sadly others have no conception of your philosophy, which is why, going back to your original statement it is quite clear that we do not all want the same thing.

[KaiHallarn111]

To be honest, I have met many Christians who are exactly the same, and it seems to be down to the person in general and how they have been taught to percieve the critics of their particular religion

[birdie1971]

Thanks for your comments everyone.

One point I do want to make is that I am not unaware that there are some very unpleasant Christians out there and Islam by no means has a monopoly on violent intolerance.


Waldo - “If no one has rebuked you or called you childish names for criticising Christianity, may I suggest you're not doing it properly..? ;-)”

I shall endeavour to try harder in future!

[birdie1971]

Jake-the-peg - “However I don't recall you often attacking Islamic beliefs more often the culture of some Muslims.”

I refute that accusation most vehemently. To my knowledge I have never attacked Islamic culture. I do often attack the belief system of Islam as I believe that the Koran, like the Bible, is a book stuffed full of hatred. The religious texts of Islam are replete with misogyny, bigotry, stomach churning violence and almost unspeakable acts of evil – characteristics they share with the Christian religious texts.

If you can provide me with a quote that I have made that specifically attacks Islamic culture without reference the Islamic religion then I would be very surprised indeed; in fact, I would be astonished.

[chakka35]

jno, you have invented your own idea of what 'deluded' means, apparently to support your idea that atheists on this site are generally abusive. To be deluded is to believe in something false; you don't necessarily have to be mentally deficient to be in that state, though some deluded people are - someone who thinks he's King of the World, for instance.
I realise that it is upsetting for a religionist to have his beliefs closely scrutinised and firmly debunked, but that is the penalty you pay for being deluded. Give up the God delusion and you can relax.

[beso]

Islam and Christianity, along with Judeism are all the same religion notionally started by some guy called Abraham (or Ibrahim depending on your flavour).They differ in the detail but more importantly who is in power.

It teaches that theire is one way only to salvation, God wants blood and He will torture you if you don't do as He says. The foundation of its philosophy is totalitarian fascism.

[naomi24]

Odd isn't it? The religious take great exception to being told they're delusional, and yet we are expected to tolerate them telling us we're loud mouthed, closed-minded and abusive. Additionally, in their constant demand that we respect religion at all costs, they expect us to accept without a word of protest:

1. Bishops abiding over us in the House of Lords:

2. Shop assistants refusing to serve us because the item we require doesn't comply with their religious beliefs.

3. Accusations of adultery if we marry more than once,

4. That we can't use condoms.

5. That we can't have sex outside marriage.

6. That they may remain covered from head to toe in security situations whilst we are obliged to reveal our identities.

7. That they may potentially contaminate us with horrendous hospital acquired infections because they refuse to bare and scrub their lower arms, or insist on wearing religious jewellery.

So who is intolerant - and who is being abused?

[chakka35]

Hey, naomi - go girl, as the Americans say (mysteriously).

You could have added demanding the right to have their anti-homosexual prejudices take precedence over the law of the land.

[naomi24]

All additions welcome, Chakka. :o)

[naomi24]

No answers to my question then?