Thoughts?

    The key observations in this piece come at the very end.  Take a gander and let me know what you think of it.

Comments

[evagrius]

You were stating that Hedges' concerns were exaggerated? :)

[Chris]

Maybe it's just me being from upstate NY, but I've never heard of somebody being discriminated against because they're "not" religious. Frankly, I don't believe there IS such a thing as a non-religious person, but that's because I believe everybody has a religion or a faith, even atheists or agnostics. Some people deify science, some people deify themselves, but in the end, everybody deifies something and then form a set of patterned beliefs and actions around that deity: religion. So to "protect" the "non-religious" from "religious discrimination" is sort of a joke, don't you think? I mean, I'm not expecting my government to rule in favor of my religion (in fact, I'd prefer it if they didn't more often, Christianity works best under persecution), but I would think that a country that's so imbued with the concept of "tolerance" would recognize their own intolerance when they saw it. Again, I'm not expecting any sort of justice to happen, but it'd be nice ...

[chuck]

Evagrius, I'm not sure. It struck me, though, where and how the announcement was made:>)
Chris, I understand what you mean about everyone being "religious." If you are thinking more along the lines of commitments to something beyond themselves, I think it makes sense. Generally, though, folks are talking about religion as related to belief in God:>) I do get a bit of critique in some places just for believing in God, but I don't really mind, just noting it. I also think there is some prejudice against the non-religious. For example, some folks want to be able only to hire a particular religion in their places of employment, etc. I am with you on the bigger point, though, there is not really much persecution here, either way.

[zero]

christianity works better under persecution?
that doesn't say much for christianity, does it? if it must rely of the siege mentality to funcion properly?

[David Beasley]

zero,
I believe God is under persecution by the being of evil in humanity.

[zero]

but to say that christianity functions "best" when being persecuted?
that doesn't say much for the strength of the faith.

[chuck]

Interesting, zero, why not?

[zero]

doesn't that perspective put christianity on par with "the enemies are after us" mentality that governments foist on citizens? why isn't it strength enough to just believe and live the way of the word without needing the hype (drama) of "they are out to get us because we are christians"?
it's insulting, actually.

[chuck]

I don't think so. I think it is part of the mentality that causes us to support something more strongly when it is threatened. It makes us value it more and see the need to defend it.

[zero]

but only if it's truly being threatened. if it's a ploy, it's bogus and degrading to the institution.

[chuck]

Sure, I'm with you on that:>)