Reply #32: Let's find a middle ground...

[LeahMira]

so should we also burn down all the churchs, ban all mention of god...

Why is it that when people speak of "a time and a place for everything" and include religious expression in that discussion, some folks start talking about extremes? Is there no happy medium somewhere between burning churches and planting crosses atop every small or tall hill in the country?

Of course people make choices based on their religious beliefs as well as their personal experiences in life and a host of other considerations. At the same time, all religions have some basic elements in common. IMO, the devil is in the details. It certainly is not the Creator that sets people at one another's throats over details that have next to nothing to do with issues of how to live a good life.

I think that if someone is interested in learning about a religion in the U.S. s/he has plenty of opportunity to do that. Our public libraries have books about religion, and the various churches are usually quite welcoming to individuals who seek information and insight. Even this internet offers all sorts of religious information to anyone who can use a search engine.

At the same time, if someone is not interested in learning about religion, I think that person deserves a little respect. The most disrespectful thing, that some religious people insist on doing nonetheless, is to insist that life is not complete without religious belief. These folks see themselves as ordained in some way to make sure that everyone else hears "the message" whether or not everyone else is interested.

I think the French are on to something. There is a time and a place for religion, and in school is neither the time nor the place.