Should Faith/Religion Have Such a High Value In Our Society?

[lambsy_uk]

I'm not here to trample all over people's faith/beliefs but to ask if/why such beliefs should hold such high value in our society?

So where am I comming from? Well we can freely question almost anything in our society/lives; morals, political beliefs, actions and reactions, motivations, interactions, foreign policy, education, welfare, how we raise our children, law and order and so on..........

However we are positively discouraged from questioning people's faith/beliefs/religion! We are also actively encouraged to accommodate and allow for people's religious beliefs, and this is the bit that really irks me! Why is it that if something is done in the name of a religious belief/practice then we are expected to accept it with little fuss where if any other excuse were used we'd be up in arms?

We endure arguments of whether animal rights should take precedence over religion, whether saving the life of a child should take precedence over their parent's beliefs, should freedom of expression take precedence over religious sensitivities?

For me you may as well base stuff on the football team you support;

"I can't comply with the company dress code because I'm a United fan and therefore I must be allowed to wear a United shirt at work."

As far as I'm concerned this is no more ridiculous than anything done/not done in the name of religious beliefs!

So why do religious beliefs hold such high status and is it right that they do?

[cee-dee]

But if they won't enter in to a rational discussion, how're you gonna get them to understand anything?

They don't want to understand, they want to dictate to the rest of us because "they know better" (than us).

[lambsy_uk]

I' not bothered if they understand, they just need to accept!

If they won't accept then they're in for some disappointment!

[saasher2012]

You say you don't want to attack their beliefs but it is their beliefs that stop you doing what your asking about!
I don't believe anyone on here wants to attack anyone's faith but even the most polite question is met with a stone wall, as a poster once said it's their way or no way, end of!!.

[bankhaunter]

It seems a bit worrying when a person states that it's only their faith that stops them from really bad behaviour.

Though I doubt that, if for some reason they lost it, they would start murdering people.

[cee-dee]

That's a bit laughable after seeing what people claiming to have faith are doing in places like Nigeria (and countries next door), Iraq, Syria etc. They're murdering people??

[saasher2012]

Over the centuries haven't we also tortured & murdered people because of their faith if it didn't conform to the belief of a particular religion at that time even Royalty lost their lives if it didn't suit political religious supporters. Isn't that why we won't tolerate a Catholic Monarch in this country?

[cee-dee]

It all goes to prove that the "believers" are wrong in what they do?

[saasher2012]

Luckily they don't have that power anymore which is why I'm amazed we allow others to dictate to us now!.

[tommy.irene]

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@bankhaunter wrote:

It seems a bit worrying when a person states that it's only their faith that stops them from really bad behaviour.

Though I doubt that, if for some reason they lost it, they would start murdering people.

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Its simple there is no God .. Lots of people with faith murder people..

[tommy.irene]

I'm 75 Except for brief period in the 50's when I was doing my National Service, I've worked hard since I was 17. Except for some some serious health challenges, I put in 50-hour weeks, and didn't call in sick in nearly 40 years. I made a reasonable salary, but I didn't inherit my job or my income, and I worked to get where I am. Given the economy, it looks as though retirement was a bad idea, and I'm tired. Very tired.  I'm tired of being told that I have to "spread the wealth" to people who don't have my work ethic. I'm tired of being told the government will take the money I earned, by force if necessary, and give it to people too lazy to earn it.  I'm tired of being told that Islam is a "Religion of Peace," when every day I can read dozens of stories of Muslim men killing their sisters, wives and daughters for their family "honour"; of Muslims rioting over some slight offense; of Muslims murdering Christian and Jews because they aren't "believers"; of Muslims burning schools for girls; of Muslims stoning teenage **bleep** victims to death for "adultery"; of Muslims mutilating the genitals of little girls; all in the name of Allah, because the Qur'an and Shari'a law tells them to.  I'm tired of being told that out of "tolerance for other cultures" we must let Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries use our oil money to fund mosques and mandrassa Islamic schools to preach hate in Australia, New Zealand, UK, America and Canada, while no one from these countries are allowed to fund a church, synagogue or religious school in Saudi Arabia or any other Arab country to teach love and tolerance..  I'm tired of being told I must lower my living standard to fight global warming, which no one is allowed to debate. I'm tired of being told that drug addicts have a disease, and I must help support and treat them, and pay for the damage they do. Did a giant germ rush out of a dark alley, grab them, and stuff white powder up their noses or stick a needle in their arm while they tried to fight it off?  I'm tired of hearing wealthy athletes, entertainers and politicians of all parties talking about innocent mistakes, stupid mistakes or youthful mistakes, when we all know they think their only mistake was getting caught. I'm tired of people with a sense of entitlement, rich or poor.  I'm really tired of people who don't take responsibility for their lives and actions. I'm tired of hearing them blame the government, or discrimination or big-whatever for their problems.  I'm also tired and fed up with seeing young men and women in their teens and early 20's bedeck them selves in tattoos and face studs, thereby making themselves un-employable and claiming money from the Government.  Yes, I'm damn tired. But I'm also glad to be 75. Because, mostly, I'm not going to have to see the world these people are making. I'm just sorry for my grandchildren and their children. Thank God I'm on the way out and not on the way in.  Im just in a moaning mood tonight..

[evoman3957]

You've got a few years on me yet, but i'm getting there too............there's life in us old dogs yet !!.................don't let the "B*****ds" get you down. Abraham lived to be over 900 years old.............God.........He must have been REALLY fed up.

[evoman3957]

Actually, that might have been Noah..............honest mistake.........I didn't know them personally !!

[calibra101]

Don't fib Evo you were best mates :). All "Holy " books were written by man whether you like it or not. I am not religious in any way shape or form. Our lives are short and I will not spend my life worshipping something I do not know for sure exists. What I can see is nature all around me and that is all I need. Religion should not have such a high value in my opinion.

[astrologica]

Tommy....don't feel bad for having a moan! I'm 70, and I agree with so many things in your post. I lie awake at night thinking about the state of this country, and the world we live in. It's so depressing. I have four grandchildren, all working adults, and I really hope that they don't have any children of their own. The way this country is going it will be very difficult for them, and I feel they will be better off with just themselves to worry about. Religious and racial problems are bound to bring about some serious disharmony in this country, and I fear that it is too late to do anything about it. And no-one seems to have the will to tackle it anyway. Just having a moan, like Tommy!

[5129frederick]

Astra, there are hyporcites in every field of religion.  Remember the Kirk Anderso/Joyce McKinney saga?  Chained him to a bed demanding s*x?  Single-handedly they did more harm and brought more ridicule to the Mormon Church than Charles and Diana did to the Monarchy.  The Sunday papers kept it going for weeks.  Back in the sixties.  Even now people snigger at the name.

How about HenryVIII?  Didn't agree with the system  "No divorce?  No problem - I'll desolve the church, and start my own religion."  

Had it not neen for "Our Ennery" we'd all have been bleedin' rock cakes!  smileylol:  

[i-am-legion-too]

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@tommy.irene wrote:

I'm 75 Except for brief period in the 50's when I was doing my National Service, I've worked hard since I was 17. Except for some some serious health challenges, I put in 50-hour weeks, and didn't call in sick in nearly 40 years. I made a reasonable salary, but I didn't inherit my job or my income, and I worked to get where I am. Given the economy, it looks as though retirement was a bad idea, and I'm tired. Very tired.  I'm tired of being told that I have to "spread the wealth" to people who don't have my work ethic. I'm tired of being told the government will take the money I earned, by force if necessary, and give it to people too lazy to earn it.  I'm tired of being told that Islam is a "Religion of Peace," when every day I can read dozens of stories of Muslim men killing their sisters, wives and daughters for their family "honour"; of Muslims rioting over some slight offense; of Muslims murdering Christian and Jews because they aren't "believers"; of Muslims burning schools for girls; of Muslims stoning teenage **bleep** victims to death for "adultery"; of Muslims mutilating the genitals of little girls; all in the name of Allah, because the Qur'an and Shari'a law tells them to.  I'm tired of being told that out of "tolerance for other cultures" we must let Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries use our oil money to fund mosques and mandrassa Islamic schools to preach hate in Australia, New Zealand, UK, America and Canada, while no one from these countries are allowed to fund a church, synagogue or religious school in Saudi Arabia or any other Arab country to teach love and tolerance..  I'm tired of being told I must lower my living standard to fight global warming, which no one is allowed to debate. I'm tired of being told that drug addicts have a disease, and I must help support and treat them, and pay for the damage they do. Did a giant germ rush out of a dark alley, grab them, and stuff white powder up their noses or stick a needle in their arm while they tried to fight it off?  I'm tired of hearing wealthy athletes, entertainers and politicians of all parties talking about innocent mistakes, stupid mistakes or youthful mistakes, when we all know they think their only mistake was getting caught. I'm tired of people with a sense of entitlement, rich or poor.  I'm really tired of people who don't take responsibility for their lives and actions. I'm tired of hearing them blame the government, or discrimination or big-whatever for their problems.  I'm also tired and fed up with seeing young men and women in their teens and early 20's bedeck them selves in tattoos and face studs, thereby making themselves un-employable and claiming money from the Government.  Yes, I'm damn tired. But I'm also glad to be 75. Because, mostly, I'm not going to have to see the world these people are making. I'm just sorry for my grandchildren and their children. Thank God I'm on the way out and not on the way in.  Im just in a moaning mood tonight..

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Tommy, you didn't tell us you were aka Bill Cosby.

http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/billcosby/a/I-Am-76-And-I-Am-Tired-By-Bill-Cosby.htm

[tommy.irene]

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@i-am-legion-too wrote:

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Tommy, you didn't tell us you were aka Bill Cosby.

http://urbanlegends.about.com/od/billcosby/a/I-Am-76-And-I-Am-Tired-By-Bill-Cosby.htm

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Dont tell anyone thats my other name..

[lambsy_uk]

"as a poster once said it's their way or no way, end of!!."

And as I alluded to earlier, I'd expect them to be disappointed when they find they don't get their way!

[tommy.irene]

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@lambsy_uk wrote:

"as a poster once said it's their way or no way, end of!!."

And as I alluded to earlier, I'd expect them to be disappointed when they find they don't get their way!

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I live in Spain now and have to obey their laws.. People come to the UK and make their own laws. and get away with it.

[tommy.irene]

I wish this was true..........Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia, as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks.

Separately, Gillard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying she supported spy agencies monitoring the nation’s mosques. Quote: ‘IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT… Take It Or Leave It. I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali , we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians.’

‘This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom.’

‘We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society, learn the language!’

‘Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented. It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.’

‘We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why. All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.’

‘This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, ‘THE RIGHT TO LEAVE’.’

‘If you aren’t happy here then LEAVE. We didn’t force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted.’

Read more: http://www.themuslimtimes.org/2012/11/australia/prime-minister-julia-gillard-australias-message-to-m...