Reply #68: At last we find common ground

[rbrison]

in our own humanity. But I don't think intellect is the problem. Like any other tool it is the application that defines the ethics. Evil grows in the silence of good people, be they christian or whatever the heck I am. I think most people are basically good and they are beginning to wake up to the fact that our nation has been hijacked not by terrorists with bombs but by men with bibles in one hand and flags in the other. The parallels to Nazi Germany are indeed chilling. Most people are unaware that Hitler began his subversion of the german people with articles which among other things declared Germany a christian nation and dissenters unpatriotic. "God is with us" was on military belt buckles.
Like intellect, I think religion can also be a tool. It gives many people purpose, eases the fear of death and the loss of loved ones, and can be a powerful force in the outpouring of generosity in the face of unthinkable tragedy. But like any tool it can be turned to evil purposes. Oppression of minorities, stifling freedom of thought and deed, persecution of people who are perceived to be threats are a few things that spring to mind.
If enough of us have the courage to look past our pulpits we can put this country back on the road of human progress, and everyone can come along for the ride.