A message for fundies of all stripes (religious and otherwise)

[The Straight Story]

When it comes to God one thing should be really clear - Jesus did not tell his followers to go out and change the Roman law to reflect the beliefs of his followers.

The various gods you may follow all were pretty much the same - they gave people a choice, to follow them or not to.

If you choose to do so and want to live within the boundaries set by your religion, that is fine by me. I am pro-choice all the way.

I am all for freedom - freedom for you to choose how to live your life and me to live mine.

But this goes beyond religion to me.

I don't smoke pot, does nothing for me. But if you do - that is your business. I don't think it should be taxed to death either - it is a plant. Grow it and smoke it if you want. Not my business.

I can't have an abortion, but if you can that is your choice.

I don't own a bar and can't allow smoking there, but if you do and want to fine with me.

I choose not to be a vegetarian, but if you do - that is your business.

I homeschool my daughter, but if you don't homeschool your kids that is your choice. Not my business.

I don't own a gun currently, but I don't think my choice on that should affect your ability to do so.

Freedom is not about us forcing our beliefs and ideals on other people, it is about us coming together for our common good and creating a place where we can all be whom we are.

Your ideal of a perfect world without 'sin' is fine for you, but may not be for me.

I don't need the religious people telling me how to live, nor do I need anyone else telling me the same.

Freedom. It's a bitch to some. But to me it is the very crux of who we should be.

Leave me alone and I will you. Own your guns, smoke your pot, go to your church, whatever. Just remember that if my choices aren't the same as yours that does not make me bad - and it does not mean you should limit mine or anyone's for that matter.

[Maat]

1. Sounds good - I agree.

By the way, I homeschool my daughter also.

:toast:

I agree about coming together for the common good, and respecting each other's choices.

[Ron Green]

2. That's very simple to say, but we really are connected in more complex ways.

We can't completely leave each other alone, and laws and policies ought to be informed as much by a moral or ethical standard as by an economic benefit. A pure libertarian environment ultimately allows someone with money to behave so badly that leaving him alone just isn't enough.

The religious fundies are so obnoxious that they've soured many thoughtful people on the whole concept of organized spiritually-based activity, and that's a shame. Liberal, charitable and tolerant churches are (or would be, if there were enough of them left) an important part of the reweaving of the fabric of American society.

It's easy to say "Leave me alone," but I suggest we ought to stay connected, even to those with whom we differ, and work it out.