Can we discuss religion in a fresh productive way? I'm ready.

[trotsky]

12. While I applaud you for your attempt at a fresh start,

you don't get to determine what is a valid discussion topic in this group. Real-life attacks on human rights and the progressive agenda are happening today because of how some Christians think everyone else needs to live. You are exhibiting the same desire to control others' behavior and it's not welcome.

Now, on to your specific things "we all might admit":

1-Every perspective, discipline and point of view has within it both the positive and the negative.

False. Every PERSON has within them positive and negative. Certain points of view are more conducive to encouraging and rewarding the positive side of people. Others help bring out the negative. We should be able to point this out, and identify flaws in worldviews that are harming our country.

2-The crisis facing America has little to do with who is right in our debates.

Quite false. Is there a god who has a plan for our country? Yes or no. Pat Robertson and Fred Phelps and countless Republicans will answer with an enthusiastic YES, just like you do. Certainly your view of that plan differs from theirs, however it's still the same problem: doing what you THINK your god wants versus doing what's right for human society. I have no doubt you think those are one and the same. But so do Pat and Fred and their gang. In 2000 years, Christians have been unable to come to a consensus about what god wants us to do with our private parts, let alone how we should govern a society. Religion entrenches each side and blocks compromise. That's our crisis. We're paralyzed because each side thinks their agenda is what god wants - compromise is then a step away from god.

3-Hard as it sometimes seems, we have much to learn from each other. I need to hear why atheists have been persecuted over the centuries, and to stand with and for them in their persecution.

Is it really a mystery to you why atheists have been viewed so negatively as long as religion has had power? Seriously?

You claim to want a fresh start, but all I see is a threat like "I'll behave better, but only as long as no one brings up things I don't think we should talk about."

You're not the decider.