IG
I don't dispute what your wrote.
I'll add however that immense sufferings has been brought upon peoples by those that believe their definition of God/gods or his will is correct and any other needs to be exterminated.
*************************************************************************************
Scatter;
I believe our forefathers had it just about right when they said the govt has no right imposing a religion , and it has no business restricting the free flow of any religious ideas. Our nations founders were wise beyond the partisans we hear on both sides nowdays. They admitted the basic Christian character of our new nation, but still provided for the practice and free exercise of others. They insured that the voices of Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus or Buddhists...or those who were not believers at all, could have a voice in their government.
Today, the agnostic/atheistic evangelizers want only their voices to be heard...in defiance of that very constitution.
Now I am no Pollyanna, thinking that through their 2,000 year history no sect of Christianity has been way off track and a persecuter of others. Heavens no; even my own spiritual forbearers were persecuted by the great political branch of the church and driven from hiding place to hiding place all over Europe and Great Britain.
I will say however that since our nation was founded, there has been no religious wars in this country and generally speaking, the various branches of Christianity are more tolerant of each other than say, the left & right in politics...thus, few of us have nothing to belittle Christians for.
Compared to the Johnny-come-lately, Islam..Christians and Jews are very tolerant and understanding people. Neither of the two are bombing those of other faiths. Sometimes some kook who claims allegiance to either group will do some stupid, violent act...but they are roundly condemned by the faithful and often their apprehension is because of info provided by non-violent Christians or Jews.
Still, adhereing to the constitution...I would stand for the opportunity in the "marketplace of ideas", to be open for believers in Christ, Abraham & Isaac, Muhammad or those believing in none.. being allowed to compete.
