Jesus is a Liberal Democrat

[ghettodub]

No problems here! There's a reason we have free will. My only point was that non-thinking people see something like Colbert's piece and use it to justify their own intellectually lazy philosophy of life. I was agnostic myself for a while, until my own experiences convinced me otherwise. I just have little tolerence for anyone who has blind faith is their religious choice -even atheists are taking it on faith that there is no God.

Agreed on that. Unfortunately, I think we're at an age where many people just blindly follow a certain faith or path just because that's how they were raised, or just what "they're supposed to do" (the same can be said for politics as well). The movie Dogma actually had some great points regarding that, how few too many people actually go to church to feel blessed and the grace of god anymore, and it's sad really.

While you have a point about the misuse of religion by some (see Westboro Baptist Church for a recent example), you can not condemn all religion on that basis. American religious charities put more time, effort and money into helping the poor of this world than any government. By your logic we could also condemn atheism (see History of Twentieth Century Russia and China). The real truth is evil people will do evil things through any means available, religious or irreligious.

I will admit that I do tend to lump many western religion type folks in to the same pile, because in my brief time here (and through many people I've met) are just like that. And that is something that I have to work on. I've met very few selfless people who really do good just for the sake of doing good, but when you do meet someone like that, it's pretty special. As i mentioned in my response to Bear, that is why I like to have these talks, because it can really give me examples on why I can or should change my preconceived notions about these folks, as I'm sure they do with me as well.

A big example for that is a girl I used to work with. Nice girl, but very religious, and the kind of person who was very judgmental because I didn't fit in to the same mold as her. The fact that I had tattoos, different beliefs, in her eyes, meant that I was less of a person. I don't think that anyone has the right to judge anyone (even though we all do), and I believe that if Jesus popped up tomorrow, he would be disgusted in some of the things that people do, such as that. My belief in things of that nature is that the most important thing is to just be a good person. Simple as that. But again, as I mentioned before, that example is just from one person that I've met, so unfortunately, I lump many religious folks in to the same bucket. So that is something I need to work on

And we can absolutely through all beliefs, or lack thereof, into the same comment

Ooh, this is a fun topic, I'm glad I posted it now!

[Inconel710]

Being judgmental is easy - getting to know someone and accept them for who they are is tough. Thanks to the military I've spent time in a few different places and had some weird religious conversations. Most awkward one with with a Muslim Army Chaplain while we waited for a flight at the Baghdad airport. This was about the time Israel was pounding the crap out of Lebanon in 2006. He was pretty worked up against Israel until I reminded him we all (Christian, Muslim, and Jew) worship the God of Abraham, it was a shame we all couldn't get along better, and there was reason for anger on both sides. Felt like I was walking through a minefield that night, but it was worth it!

Maybe you just need more exposure to positive religious people. I get mine while getting financial advice. I'm a "devout" listener to Dave Ramsey's show - usually the podcast, but his show isn't hard to find on AM. Who doesn't need financial advice, right?

[cstone]

Me thinks someone isn't grasping the sarcasm that is Colbert

I get Colbert's sarcasm, and I often find him amusing. I also understand that most sarcasm is based on using things out of context.

I admit that I have a sore spot for anyone who attempts to use the power of government to drive their personal agenda. Since that is the nature of politics, you could imagine what I think about all politicians. I don't trust them. Whether it is O'Reilly, Colbert, Stewart, Limbaugh, or Letterman, I really don't think any of them have much to say to me personally about how it is best for me to live my life.