I had a few questions regarding religious tolerance. I’d be really happy and interested to hear some of your opinions. As this is primarily questions to YOU there is little need on this particular post to flame the answers of others – I am asking about your personal views.

1) Are you religious and what country or region are you from?

2) Do you believe that all peoples in all countries should have the freedom to worship as they see fit?

3) Do you think it is OK for another to worship “Satan”? Is it alright for them to bring up their child worshiping Satan? (notice I didn’t ask if you yourself believe in Satan).

4) Do you feel it is OK for religious history to be taught, from an archeological view, in grade school? Even when it happens to run counter to Religious dogma?

5) Do you feel it is OK to worship Polytheistically (multiple Gods)? Is it OK to bring up a child worshiping multiple Gods?

6) Is it OK to teach grade school children that evolution is the natural mechanism by which humans came to exist?

7) Do you think there is a possibility that your religious belief is incorrect? If so what do you think are the odds that your belief is an incorrect one?

8) Do you feel it is OK to be Atheist? Is it OK to bring up a child as an Atheist?

9) If religious, do you believe that your religion holds the most truth relative to all other religions?

10) Do you feel that the world would be most at peace if everyone were to hold the same belief as you? If so what is an acceptable manner to convert the rest of the world?

11) Do you feel that people of other religions are somehow harming you or your country? Why?

12) Broadly speaking, what religion would your parents belong to?

13) Do you feel that science supports all of your religous beleif?

Thanks,
Michael II

PS: My belief would probably be best described as agonistic atheist. However, I have an interest in religion and others view on religious belief. It is and has been a powerful influence in society and that in and of itself is fascinating.

1) Are you religious and what country or region are you from?


No I am an atheist and I am from Russia.


2) Do you believe that all peoples in all countries should have the freedom to worship as they see fit?


Yes ,as long as religion is completely secularized and churches and religious organization are not treated in any special way - e.g. no tax break ,no lower land cost . Nothing- just like a regular non-profit org or entertainment business.


3) Do you think it is OK for another to worship “Satan”? Is it alright for them to bring up their child worshiping Satan? (notice I didn’t ask if you yourself believe in Satan).


I think its ok to worship whatever they want, but not ok bring their child to it. - Children should be protected by law from any religious brainwashing.



4) Do you feel it is OK for religious history to be taught, from an archeological view, in grade school? Even when it happens to run counter to Religious dogma?


History is good -as long as the teaching is kept as objective as possible without any sort of religion bias.


5) Do you feel it is OK to worship Polytheistically (multiple Gods)? Is it OK to bring up a child worshiping multiple Gods?


See #3 - as long as its secularized I don’t care what they worship- be it god ,satan or little flying fairies.


6) Is it OK to teach grade school children that evolution is the natural mechanism by which humans came to exist?


Its not only OK - it is a must . As it is necessary for quality education.


7) Do you think there is a possibility that your religious belief is incorrect? If so what do you think are the odds that your belief is an incorrect one?


As I don't have any religious beliefs there is 100% probability of them being incorrect :)


8) Do you feel it is OK to be Atheist? Is it OK to bring up a child as an Atheist?



Lol what do you mean "bring your child as an atheist". You think there are some atheistic churches or something? Or "atheistic " teachings? Raise your child the way he can have critical thinking and lust for knowledge and scientific exploration. - "Atheism" is not a doctrine which can be thought.


9) If religious, do you believe that your religion holds the most truth relative to all other religions?


Cult of nail tooth worshippers in Africa!


10) Do you feel that the world would be most at peace if everyone were to hold the same belief as you? If so what is an acceptable manner to convert the rest of the world?


Peace? Convert the rest of the world? - those not the things I crave for . Continuous scientific progress and technology development is what think should be the goal for humanity .I think if most people held same beliefs as me we would have much better environment for this.- But "convert"? - people can't be "converted" -there will be always superstitious , religious and plain dumb people not worth wasting time and efforts trying to "convert" them


11) Do you feel that people of other religions are somehow harming you or your country? Why?


Yeah they do - by contaminating mass media and ,which is worse, public education. Orthodox church in my country enjoys some serious state benefits ,which is uses for shady business schemes ( money laundering , taxes evasion, property expropriation )



12) Broadly speaking, what religion would your parents belong to?


My mom's dad was orthodox Christian ,my fathers mum is an orthodox Christian too. The rest are of my family would be best characterized as agnostics .



13) Do you feel that science supports all of your religous beleif?


Considering I have none I think science supports them very well:)

Hello Michael


1) Are you religious and what country or region are you from?


i Believe in the God of Abraham YAHWEH and i am a follower of the Messiah Immanuel. I live on the Australian continent.

2) Do you believe that all peoples in all countries should have the freedom to worship as they see fit?

Yes


3) Do you think it is OK for another to worship “Satan”? Is it alright for them to bring up their child worshiping Satan? (notice I didn’t ask if you yourself believe in Satan).

No


4) Do you feel it is OK for religious history to be taught, from an archeological view, in grade school? Even when it happens to run counter to Religious dogma?

No


5) Do you feel it is OK to worship Polytheistically (multiple Gods)? Is it OK to bring up a child worshiping multiple Gods?

No


6) Is it OK to teach grade school children that evolution is the natural mechanism by which humans came to exist?

No


7) Do you think there is a possibility that your religious belief is incorrect? If so what do you think are the odds that your belief is an incorrect one?

The core of my beliefs. No
Many peripheral beliefs. Yes


8) Do you feel it is OK to be Atheist? Is it OK to bring up a child as an Atheist?

No


9) If religious, do you believe that your religion holds the most truth relative to all other religions?

To me there is truth. in faith if you mix a thousand truths in with a lie what you have is a lie.


10) Do you feel that the world would be most at peace if everyone were to hold the same belief as you? If so what is an acceptable manner to convert the rest of the world?

Yes.
The acceptable way is to deliver the details of my faith and allow those who are attracted to it to come to it. Although i would love the whole world to come to believe as i do i know that will never happen.


11) Do you feel that people of other religions are somehow harming you or your country? Why?

That’s a hard question...... harming..Well.. ok even if they hack my head off i have eternal live with God so they would be harming me physically but i would be going to a far better place... yeah that's a hard one to answer.

Country? i do not have any allegiance to any country on earth, my homeland is the eternal kingdom of God.....That's an easy one to answer :)


12) Broadly speaking, what religion would your parents belong to?

My parents belong to the catholic religion.


13) Do you feel that science supports all of your religous beleif?

No


All Praise The Ancient Of Days

1) Are you religious and what country or region are you from?

1a) Yes 1b) USA

2) Do you believe that all peoples in all countries should have the freedom to worship as they see fit?

Yes

3) Do you think it is OK for another to worship “Satan”? Is it alright for them to bring up their child worshiping Satan? (notice I didn’t ask if you yourself believe in Satan).

3a) No 3b) No

4) Do you feel it is OK for religious history to be taught, from an archeological view, in grade school? Even when it happens to run counter to Religious dogma?

No

5) Do you feel it is OK to worship Polytheistically (multiple Gods)? Is it OK to bring up a child worshiping multiple Gods?

5a) No 5b) No

6) Is it OK to teach grade school children that evolution is the natural mechanism by which humans came to exist?

No

7) Do you think there is a possibility that your religious belief is incorrect? If so what do you think are the odds that your belief is an incorrect one?

No

8) Do you feel it is OK to be Atheist? Is it OK to bring up a child as an Atheist?

8a) No 8b) No

9) If religious, do you believe that your religion holds the most truth relative to all other religions?

Yes

10) Do you feel that the world would be most at peace if everyone were to hold the same belief as you? If so what is an acceptable manner to convert the rest of the world?

10a) Yes 10b) Missionary help (food, medicine, shelter, etc.)

11) Do you feel that people of other religions are somehow harming you or your country? Why?

No, we harm ourselves by keeping God at a distance.

12) Broadly speaking, what religion would your parents belong to?

Roman Catholicism

13) Do you feel that science supports all of your religous beleif?

Honest investigative scientific studies have not contradicted my beliefs. Theories are another question.

[QUOTE=Michael]

1) Are you religious and what country or region are you from?
atheist born in Europe(Czech rep) live in Canada
2) Do you believe that all peoples in all countries should have the freedom to worship as they see fit?
yes
3) Do you think it is OK for another to worship “Satan”? Is it alright for them to bring up their child worshiping Satan?
people should have freedom to worship anything they want as long as it doesnt affect others negatively.

4) Do you feel it is OK for religious history to be taught, from an archeological view, in grade school? Even when it happens to run counter to Religious dogma?
no,religion has nothing to do with archeology!
besides theres about 3000 different religions out there,which would make it imposible to cover all of them.
5) Do you feel it is OK to worship Polytheistically (multiple Gods)? Is it OK to bring up a child worshiping multiple Gods?
NO,gods are imaginary=nonexistent,
teaching kids fantasy fairy tales only makes them stupid and unable to think for themselves
6) Is it OK to teach grade school children that evolution is the natural mechanism by which humans came to exist?
OK,its mandatory,of course :rolleyes:
7) Do you think there is a possibility that your religious belief is incorrect? If so what do you think are the odds that your belief is an incorrect one?
I have none
8) Do you feel it is OK to be Atheist? Is it OK to bring up a child as an Atheist?
atheist,realist,humanist=its the only way
9) If religious, do you believe that your religion holds the most truth relative to all other religions?
Im non religious ;)
10) Do you feel that the world would be most at peace if everyone were to hold the same belief as you?
If so what is an acceptable manner to convert the rest of the world?
yes I think the world would be way more advanced better place if people gave up those silly religious superstitions,
we can do it easy way,
THINK logicaly,and work to do better
or the hard way
kill each other in religious wars,
guess which path are we on?
11) Do you feel that people of other religions are somehow harming you or your country? Why?
have you forgoten 9/11 already? :(
12) Broadly speaking, what religion would your parents belong to?
father was born catholic,mother xian though neither prayed/worshiped any gods,
they knew your life is what you make it,i.e.no miracles exist!
they grew out of it(religion),you could say
13) Do you feel that science supports all of your religous beleif?
actualy science supports atheism imo

1) Are you religious and what country or region are you from?

No, I'm not. I have an open mind regarding God and what exactly God may be, but I do not follow a religion. I'm from Trinidad in the Caribbean.

2) Do you believe that all peoples in all countries should have the freedom to worship as they see fit?

Yes

3) Do you think it is OK for another to worship “Satan”? Is it alright for them to bring up their child worshiping Satan? (notice I didn’t ask if you yourself believe in Satan).

This is a complicated question, and I will admit that I really don't know much at all about Satanism. In general terms though, while I say its OK for one to follow whatever religion they see fit, I don't think a child should be raised on a religion. I think they should be kept neutral until an age where they can make their own choice.

4) Do you feel it is OK for religious history to be taught, from an archeological view, in grade school? Even when it happens to run counter to Religious dogma?

Yes. Religion is a part of our history, and as such should be given the same exposure in that regard as any other aspect of history.

5) Do you feel it is OK to worship Polytheistically (multiple Gods)? Is it OK to bring up a child worshiping multiple Gods?

Again, I think it's OK for one to worship as they see fit. I don't think it's OK to raise children worshiping anything, as they should be left neutral until such an age where they could make the choice for themselves, based on thier own views.

6) Is it OK to teach grade school children that evolution is the natural mechanism by which humans came to exist?

Yes, it's scientifically proven. Even if there are those who believe it has not been proven, it is the way the scientific world operates, and as such, schools should educate children on what they'll be expected to know should they enter that field later in thier lives.

7) Do you think there is a possibility that your religious belief is incorrect? If so what do you think are the odds that your belief is an incorrect one?

Low, but possible. I can't put a number on the odds, but until such a day that I can prove my beliefs as being 100% correct, I will be willing to accept that I may be wrong.

8) Do you feel it is OK to be Atheist? Is it OK to bring up a child as an Atheist?

Yes, it's OK to be an Atheist, no it's not OK to raise a child as such. Let them choose from a neutral point of view at an appropriate age.

9) If religious, do you believe that your religion holds the most truth relative to all other religions?

This doens't really apply to me. However, I was born into Islam. I'm not sure if to answer this as yes or no. As religions, the old eastern religions seem to hold truth in terms of living in the world around us, etc...yet, Islam made great progress into areas such as mathematics and the like in the days of old. So I'll leave this question with my own question mark. ?

10) Do you feel that the world would be most at peace if everyone were to hold the same belief as you? If so what is an acceptable manner to convert the rest of the world?

Yes, I do think the world would be at most peace if we all held the same belief(regardless of whether or not it's mine). An acceptable manner to convert? Simply raise the generations to come neutrally and give them the choice of what belief system to follow when they can make the choice for themselves. There isn't much else one can do from my standpoint, as I think it's wrong to force anyone to change their beliefs.

11) Do you feel that people of other religions are somehow harming you or your country? Why?

Yes, and not just my country but on a global scale. Many of today's problems can be traced down to a simple disagreement of religiouos beliefs and interpretations.

12) Broadly speaking, what religion would your parents belong to?

Islam.

13) Do you feel that science supports all of your religous beleif?

Yes and no. Science can't explain the origins of the Universe(not simply the Big Bang, what caused that to begin with?), and religion cannot explain the origins of God. Science supports me up to the point of "Where did the Universe originate from?". Once you hit that question though, it's anyone's guess.

1) Are you religious and what country or region are you from?

I'm from the east.


2) Do you believe that all peoples in all countries should have the freedom to worship as they see fit?

Yes, as long as their worship doesn't infringe any of my rights.


3) Do you think it is OK for another to worship ?Satan?? Is it alright for them to bring up their child worshiping Satan? (notice I didn?t ask if you yourself believe in Satan).

A child cannot truly worship Satan. They would have the right to educate them on who Satan, yet they would not have the right to force their own children to worship Satan. They do have the right to bring their children along to the places where they worship Satan. But because the activities that go on there, they might be disqualified from caring for the children.


4) Do you feel it is OK for religious history to be taught, from an archeological view, in grade school? Even when it happens to run counter to Religious dogma?

Yes, it's reasonable to expect the teacher to draw attention to the fact that acheology is a lot of times just theory. For example, if a teacher teaches about evolution, it might be a good idea to say "Evolution is a scientific theory that has considerable evidence but no absolute proof." Then, perhaps hedge questions on the exam to say "according to evolution." This seems to be the best ways to respect the student's personal beliefs.


5) Do you feel it is OK to worship Polytheistically (multiple Gods)? Is it OK to bring up a child worshiping multiple Gods?

Should be the same with Satan. Yes, they have the right to instruct their children on what some of these gods are, but they don't have the right to force someone to worship them.


6) Is it OK to teach grade school children that evolution is the natural mechanism by which humans came to exist?

See question 4. This is becoming less a problem as most Christians believe in evolution.


7) Do you think there is a possibility that your religious belief is incorrect? If so what do you think are the odds that your belief is an incorrect one?

Nope but particular beliefs that I hold might be determined to be false.


8) Do you feel it is OK to be Atheist? Is it OK to bring up a child as an Atheist?

It's "OK" as in legal, but an atheist has no right to stop a child from believing in God.


9) If religious, do you believe that your religion holds the most truth relative to all other religions?

Yes


10) Do you feel that the world would be most at peace if everyone were to hold the same belief as you? If so what is an acceptable manner to convert the rest of the world?

Just believing in particular doctrines does not seem likely to make everyone at peace. If all people truly believed, then there would be absolute peace, but I'm rather uncertain about question two. People convert because they want to, have been inspired to. It's not people to convert other people but God.


11) Do you feel that people of other religions are somehow harming you or your country? Why?

Yes, I could probably find a few muslims and call them terrorist, just as I could do so with Christians.


12) Broadly speaking, what religion would your parents belong to?

Not sure what you mean here.


13) Do you feel that science supports all of your religous beleif?

Not every scientific theory will support my beliefs, but most of my religious beliefs are outside the physical realm.

1- I'm Muslim and am from Arabia

2- Sure

3- No, Satan is Human enemy.

4- Yes

5- No but if other religion do, then it is their choice.

6- No

7- I have no doubt we are correct. I try to convince them I'm correct.

8- If someone wants to be Atheist, then he has the freedom. There is no force in religion.

9- Sure

10- Yes. Morals and the believe that human rights would never lost (if someone took any right of you (or did something awful to you) and if you can't take your right at life, they god is going to take it for you at Judgment day, rights are never lost) this could stop any murders in the name of revenge and could stop crimes at life, because it is better for you to take you rights at Judgment day rather than life (sin and grace)


11- Well we have\had problems with Judaism and Christianity and others. Many wars started on us (cross wars) and they were religious wars.

Last one is Iraq. Bush himself stated once at TV, it is new cross war.
So with no doubt, YES.


12- Islam

13- Science brought evidences that my religion is correct, science helped a lot regarding my religion.

1. USA! USA!
2. No. I think all organized religions are evil. Commies got it right!
3. No. I think people who are stupid and ignorant enough to worship any supernature beings that are not completely proven have a history of harming other human beings. They potentially pose danger to our society, that include all Christians and Muslims. They should be all banned from practicing their religion.
4. Any well researched, objective fact about religion history can be taught in school.
5. No and no. See #3. Religious people are dangerous, except Budhists.
6. Yes. Evolution is not a theory anymore. It's a principle.
7. Jesus is a son of man. Joe Hovah exists only in fairy tale. I know that for sure.
8. No. Atheism is not proven either because the existance of a higher power can not be proven or disproven. Agnostism is better.
9. Secular moral beats religious moral.
10. No.
11. Yes, because most religious people I know are ignorant and narrow minded. I don't think they should have children at all. They pollute the gene pool.
12. Unitarian Universalists
13. Science disproved my former religion. You have to be ignorant or completely retarded to believe in creation science. I was never stupid enough to believe in creation science even when I once considered myself a christian.

1) Are you religious and what country or region are you from?
Im an atheist from England.
2) Do you believe that all peoples in all countries should have the freedom to worship as they see fit?
So long as it doesnt infringe on other people and isnt given special treatment then yes, also i dont see a reason it should be allowed in public, thats why churches/mosques etc are there if they wish to worship in public then they dont need those anymore.
3) Do you think it is OK for another to worship “Satan”? Is it alright for them to bring up their child worshiping Satan? (notice I didn’t ask if you yourself believe in Satan).
If you dont believe in a god you cannot believe in satan, but it depends what the belief is and children shouldnt be brought up to believe they should be taught to reach their own conclusion.
4) Do you feel it is OK for religious history to be taught, from an archeological view, in grade school? Even when it happens to run counter to Religious dogma?
It depends how its taught, i feel theres better history to be taught than religious as theres very little proofs for it, and it would infringe on people who dont believe any of it to be taught it as history.
5) Do you feel it is OK to worship Polytheistically (multiple Gods)? Is it OK to bring up a child worshiping multiple Gods?
It depends what the belief is, and children shouldnt be brought into a religion when they dont know any better, they should be allowed to reach their own decision in their own time.
6) Is it OK to teach grade school children that evolution is the natural mechanism by which humans came to exist?
Evolution is ok to be taught as it has scientific backup, but if a religious person objects they can take religious history instead and leave everyone else to learn.
7) Do you think there is a possibility that your religious belief is incorrect? If so what do you think are the odds that your belief is an incorrect one?
Of course it could be incorrect in the grand scheme of things, i wont know until i die but for this life it is correct for me, im happy with it and im not worried if it is right or wrong.
8) Do you feel it is OK to be Atheist? Is it OK to bring up a child as an Atheist?
Its ok to be anything, so long as the beliefs dont harm or infringe on anybody else, and as i say children shouldnt be brought up as anything they should be allowed to weigh it up and decide for themselves.
9) If religious, do you believe that your religion holds the most truth relative to all other religions?
If you consider atheism a religion(as some people do) then i feel it has a lot of truth in it, just like agnosticism.
10) Do you feel that the world would be most at peace if everyone were to hold the same belief as you? If so what is an acceptable manner to convert the rest of the world?
If everyone had the same religious belief there would be more peace but perhaps not complete peace, only if everyone lives in harmony and respect for each other will their ever be peace. It is not acceptable to convert anyone, everyone should be left to make their own minds up not have it made up for them, they will choose whatever is right for them.
11) Do you feel that people of other religions are somehow harming you or your country? Why?
I feel their bickering amongst themselves is harmful but only to their own religion, if they cant even agree what the words of god are then how trustworthy can they be? Harming the country only in the way that it spreads violence and hatred(in places) and is a drain on things.
12) Broadly speaking, what religion would your parents belong to?
Church of england technically but i dont think they really believe any of it, they are more agnostic/atheist than anything.
13) Do you feel that science supports all of your religous beleif?
Since i dont have a religious belief science supports it, religion and science always clash, unless they revise the bible again so that it supports it(as they are planning to from what i've heard), i think that would disprove the idea of them being gods words if they can be revised and changed.

Thanks for taking the time to respond, I thought I’d write my thought down quickly as well.

1) Are you religious and what country or region are you from?I am from the USA where I was vaguely religious. I moved to Australia and am now an agnostic atheist.
(I don’t think we can have knowledge about god from natural observation but I don’t believe in a god nevertheless)

2) Do you believe that all peoples in all countries should have the freedom to worship as they see fit? Yes

3) Do you think it is OK for another to worship “Satan”? Is it alright for them to bring up their child worshiping Satan? (notice I didn’t ask if you yourself believe in Satan).Yes

4) Do you feel it is OK for religious history to be taught, from an archeological view, in grade school? Even when it happens to run counter to Religious dogma? I really wish this were the case.

5) Do you feel it is OK to worship Polytheistically (multiple Gods)? Is it OK to bring up a child worshiping multiple Gods?Yes

6) Is it OK to teach grade school children that evolution is the natural mechanism by which humans came to exist?Yes

7) Do you think there is a possibility that your religious belief is incorrect? If so what do you think are the odds that your belief is an incorrect one? My lack of belief in Gods very well may be incorrect. But, I’d say I’m 100% sure it is correct.

8) Do you feel it is OK to be Atheist? Is it OK to bring up a child as an Atheist? Obviously

9) If religious, do you believe that your religion holds the most truth relative to all other religions? Obviously NA

10) Do you feel that the world would be most at peace if everyone were to hold the same belief as you? If so what is an acceptable manner to convert the rest of the world? I think world peace will be achieved via economic and political reform and if anything religion could hinder these things and thus hinder world peace.

11) Do you feel that people of other religions are somehow harming you or your country? Why?I think that any conservative religious group can be detrimental if the society is based around that mentality. However, that will never occur in my lifetime in the countries I will choose to live in.


12) Broadly speaking, what religion would your parents belong to?Christian

13) Do you feel that science supports all of your religious belief?Obviously NA

One thing that I noticed from many posts was that people who answered they thought it was OK for anyone to worship as they see fit

Ie: Do you believe that all peoples in all countries should have the freedom to worship as they see fit? = Yes

But then when asked: Do you think it is OK for another to worship “Satan”? Is it alright for them to bring up their child worshiping Satan? (notice I didn’t ask if you yourself believe in Satan).

Many of the same religious people who said yes to the above question saidNo to this question! It’s impossible to answer yes to one and no to the other! To say NO to the later is implying that it isn’t alright for others to worship as they see fit.

Did anyone else notice this paradoxical thinking?

When comparing the religious with non-religious answers this paradox didn’t seem to come up. I wonder what this implies about the inner thinking of religious versus non-religious people?

7x7 you replied that it is OK for all peoples of all countries to worship as they see fit.

I’m not sure, but I thought it was illegal to build a Christian Church, Buddhist or Hindu Temple or Synagogue in Saudi Arabia?

Regardless, Do feel that should be OK for Saudi Arabians who feel they want to worship as Christians, Hindus, Buddhists, or Jews should be able to do so openly in Saudi Arabia? (I’m not suggesting to put up a Synagogue in the religious cities of Mecca or Medina but in a sensible location within the country)

Thanks,
Michael

"Many of the same religious people who said yes to the above question saidNo to this question! It’s impossible to answer yes to one and no to the other! To say NO to the later is implying that it isn’t alright for others to worship as they see fit.", Michael

I have to disagree with this, simply because most believe you have religious freedom as long as you do not harm someone else. Satanism is the worship of evil, therefore the ending result would always be harm to others. I could call killing children a religion, but that would not make it one. I would not refer to Satanism as a religion, therefore it would not qualify as conflicting with the first question. All religions, wether Islam, Hindu, or Christian, give guidance to its followers on how to lead a better life, not a method of how to inflict cruelty.

...most believe you have religious freedom as long as you do not harm someone else. Satanism is the worship of evil, therefore the ending result would always be harm to others. I could call killing children a religion, but that would not make it one. I would not refer to Satanism as a religion, therefore it would not qualify as conflicting with the first question. All religions, wether Islam, Hindu, or Christian, give guidance to its followers on how to lead a better life, not a method of how to inflict cruelty.

Yes.

An Angel came to me and drew a diagram on the ground showing what the Intent would be for the Next Great Religious Dispensation. The Communities of the Three Higher Religions would be brought together to imbibe from one unified Fountain of Grace.

It sounds good, but I wonder about feasibility. The Three Higher Religions all present Doctrinal Friction Points which would all rub each other the wrong way. Because Pride is the Sin of the Religious, I can't really envision the Entrenched Religious Leaders giving much ground in order to arrive at a workable accomodation.

What I can envision is that a Spectacular New Revelation with elements attractive to Congregations of All Three of the Higher Religions will occur which will draw off the Peoples from out of their old institutions and into the New. Hopefully the Rank and File Clergy will side with the New. Why? because it would be nice to use the same buildings we had before. Tearing down Mosques to build Temples -- what a waste. At the onset of the Last Great Dispensation, the Virgin Mary did not insist that Pagan Temples be torn down. She was happy as long as they were Re-Consecrated to Her use.

One thing that I noticed from many posts was that people who answered they thought it was OK for anyone to worship as they see fit

Ie: Do you believe that all peoples in all countries should have the freedom to worship as they see fit? = Yes

But then when asked: Do you think it is OK for another to worship “Satan”? Is it alright for them to bring up their child worshiping Satan? (notice I didn’t ask if you yourself believe in Satan).

Many of the same religious people who said yes to the above question saidNo to this question! It’s impossible to answer yes to one and no to the other! To say NO to the later is implying that it isn’t alright for others to worship as they see fit.

Did anyone else notice this paradoxical thinking?

When comparing the religious with non-religious answers this paradox didn’t seem to come up. I wonder what this implies about the inner thinking of religious versus non-religious people?


What paradoxical thinking????????

To say that someone should have the right to worship as they please does not mean that you are also agreeing with them worshiping satan? You asked ME if i thought it was OK for people to be worshiping satan. Just because you agree with peoples freedom to worship as they please it Does Not mean that you think it is OK that they worship satan. Of course i do not think it is OK for people to worship satan or krishna or ram or zues any other God but the only God YAHWEH. But i believe that people should have the right to worship whatever they wish. There is absolutely No paradox in that stance.

All Praise The Ancient Of Days

I had a few questions regarding religious tolerance. I’d be really happy and interested to hear some of your opinions. As this is primarily questions to YOU there is little need on this particular post to flame the answers of others – I am asking about your personal views.

1) Are you religious and what country or region are you from?
I am an atheist, I live in the united kindom, and I have no religion

2) Do you believe that all peoples in all countries should have the freedom to worship as they see fit?
oh most truly yes, as long as it does not harm others.

3) Do you think it is OK for another to worship “Satan”? Is it alright for them to bring up their child worshiping Satan? (notice I didn’t ask if you yourself believe in Satan).
answered in question 2, and I have no belief in any god/gods, devil/demons.

4) Do you feel it is OK for religious history to be taught, from an archeological view, in grade school? Even when it happens to run counter to Religious dogma?
no, best to have both sides of the coin, dont you think.

5) Do you feel it is OK to worship Polytheistically (multiple Gods)? Is it OK to bring up a child worshiping multiple Gods?
answered in question 2, each to their own.

6) Is it OK to teach grade school children that evolution is the natural mechanism by which humans came to exist?
answered in question 4.

7) Do you think there is a possibility that your religious belief is incorrect? If so what do you think are the odds that your belief is an incorrect one?
I dont have a religious belief, however if you mean is my sense, reason, and intellect, at fault.
it could be. but i feel like all atheist that I'm 100% correct.


8) Do you feel it is OK to be Atheist? Is it OK to bring up a child as an Atheist?
most truly yes, if a child of mine wishes to follow a religion that is there choice, when there old enough.
no religion, should be allowed to indoctrinate a child, in such a way.

9) If religious, do you believe that your religion holds the most truth relative to all other religions?
I have no religion, but atheism is the only truth.

10) Do you feel that the world would be most at peace if everyone were to hold the same belief as you? If so what is an acceptable manner to convert the rest of the world?
yes it would be nice, as people might respect life more, if they new it was all they had.
however it's an impossiblity to convert, not with the religious zealots, and some are on this forum, I think you know who, I mean.

11) Do you feel that people of other religions are somehow harming you or your country? Why?
no, they do more harm to themselves, I pity them.
even the fanatics.

12) Broadly speaking, what religion would your parents belong to?
roman catholic.

13) Do you feel that science supports all of your religous beleif?
it surports all of my belief, but it's not a religious belief.

Thanks,
Michael II

PS: My belief would probably be best described as agonistic atheist. However, I have an interest in religion and others view on religious belief. It is and has been a powerful influence in society and that in and of itself is fascinating.as do I, however more people are fast become, sick of religion, and soon hopefully it will be a thing of the past.

What paradoxical thinking????????

To say that someone should have the right to worship as they please does not mean that you are also agreeing with them worshiping satan? You asked ME if i thought it was OK for people to be worshiping satan. Just because you agree with peoples freedom to worship as they please it Does Not mean that you think it is OK that they worship satan. Of course i do not think it is OK for people to worship satan or krishna or ram or zues any other God but the only God YAHWEH. But i believe that people should have the right to worship whatever they wish. There is absolutely No paradox in that stance.

All Praise The Ancient Of DaysAhhh, I see my mistake :( Thanks for that.


I should have asked:

Considering it is best if a person is allowed to worship as one likes, do you agree that it is then a persons right to worship Satan and to bring their children up to worship Satan?

I have to disagree with this, simply because most believe you have religious freedom as long as you do not harm someone else. Satanism is the worship of evil, therefore the ending result would always be harm to others. Well I don’t know about Evil? I mean one person’s evil is another person’s good. But, for the sake of argument, let’s say Evil. It IS still their right to worship evil? Isn’t it? And to bring up their children to worship Evil?

By the by, I’ve read some many posts here that could quite easily take the actions and inclinations of God and demonstrate that it is God who is Evil (by most standards) but God is let off the hook because – well it’s God. And Satan has been shown to be quite good (or at least sympathetic to Human suffering and ignorance). Not that this should influence the question.

What I was really questioning was a persons right.

SHOULD people be allowed to worship Satan as well as have the right to raise their children to worship Satan so long as they don’t advocate directly harming another person nor to inflict cruelty?

I could call killing children a religion, but that would not make it one
.It’s funny you should mention killing children because I do believe that Gods has killed off any number of children!

Aside from drowning the entire human race, in 2 Kings, the prophet Elisha takes offense when some small boys call him "baldhead." He curses them "in the name of the LORD" and immediately two she-bears come out of the woods and maul forty-two boys (2:23-24).

But I guess that it’s God so it’s OK?!?! I don’t see how that COULD possible be any worse than Satan. If anything I was under the presumption that Satan just entices people to indulge themselves – not to go off killing children like God does!!

A really quick Google of the word Satanism brought up: A Description of Satanism (http://www.dpjs.co.uk/modern.html)

(warning the above link to to a real live Satanism Web Page, for your soul's personal saftly you may not want to click) :D

I don't have tom much time to waste on reading the site BUT I did copy the bullets pointers at the top:

- Based on The Satanic Bible by Anton LaVey

- Closer to Buddhism than Christianity

- No Gods, Heaven, or Hell

- No Holy Books

- Neither are there tooth fairies

- We do not murder children, kill animals or do weird things to virgins

- Satanists do not burn down churches. Why should we risk our necks just to burn down a handy place to put Christians?

- Eclectic. It takes more than a precursory browse to understand all the complexities and personalities within our theology. This page is a start at least

Sounds pretty mundane to me?

1;Atheist, Born in Venezuel S.A. I now reside in the USA.
2; Yes, as long as they don't try and dictate government, or force others their ominous dogma.
3; Yes, for what I know about Satanists, they are just secularists, they don't kill children btw. They worship life, with out christianity or god. No on the raising of children this goes for any religious dogma.
4; No I believe in the seperation of church & state, the history of fantasy and fable should stay in sunday school. However I think children should not be tought religious dogma untill old enough to comprehend what they are being tought.
5; I don't believe in any gods, or variants, or anything mystical. So no children don't need to be tought fables, and fantasy. Until old enough to understand that it's all mythology.
6; Of course, why go back to the dark ages?.
7; I don't have a religious creed, however I do believe I've got the right stand on logic and reason.
8; I'ts been ok to be an athiest for 23 years of my life. Fact I've never been better. Children should be brought up to think for themselves, not to be cohersed by any religious dogma. Atheism is not a religion.
9; Is it not this why we have major wars?.
10; I think the world would be more at pease if religious dogma was not been forced on other individuals. tis why it's very important to have separation of church and state. Well there's hardly any conversions, there's however "forcing" religious dogma on the population.
11; Yes, well there's more and more civil rights been infriged by religious dogma. I.E. Victimless crimes.
12; My mom is a deist, my dad was an atheist.
13; Science and religion are in contradictions. But not with my secularism.

Godless.

(1) No. United States; pacific northwest.
(2) Yes.
(3) Yes. Yes.
(4) Yes.
(5) Yes. Yes.
(6) Yes.
(7) Yes. Almost certain.
(8) Yes. Yes.
(9) N/A
(10) No. It is an impossible expectation. However, education and ideological integrity--in other words, the long way--are the tools to bring about the broadest influence of a properly progressive idea.
(11) Yes. Abramic monotheism is variously distracting in its diverse forms. On some occasions, religion merely slows progress; in others it asserts to cause damage.
(12) Christian or agnostic, depending on which one.
(13) No.

What true Satanism is is beside the point. When you asked the question, people believed that you meant a belief in Satan himself. In attempt to make their "religion" legitimate (from what i have researched), they point out the notion that they do not believe in Satan as a real being. When you asked the question, the people answering the question believed it meant something completely different than the definition those who follow give in their websites. In other words, for you to now describe what "real" satanism is after the fact is merely misleading. When each person answered that question, they interpreted it as do people have the right to worship evil, and their answer is no. They do not believe that to be a religion, so it did not conflict with their answer to question two. Again I repeat that anyone can pretend they have a religion, but that does not make it one.


Aside from drowning the entire human race, in 2 Kings, the prophet Elisha takes offense when some small boys call him "baldhead." He curses them "in the name of the LORD" and immediately two she-bears come out of the woods and maul forty-two boys (2:23-24).

In response to this passage from the bible I say so what? The old testament contradicts itself over and over again. One part says "God hates homosexuals", and another part says love everyone. One cannot interpret the old testament literally because it is written by men with their own different interpretations of what they believe God wanted them to say. When people believe in God, or Allah, or whom ever, they believe him to be a loving entity that would not harm children. If they were atheist, they believe saying yes to answer two is ethically correct. Just because you posted a passage about God killing children does not mean the people who answered that question invisioned that as their God.

Since I seem to be the only one not answering the questions here i go...

1) Yes Catholic, the U.S.

2) Yes

3) No, it is NOT a religion

4) Yes, religion is history

5) Yes

6) Yes. If you teach science, you teach science. If you teach religion, you teach religion

7) No, but that does not mean others have to be incorrect. Mine is the best path for me personally. It leads me to be a better person, serving as a guildline. If different guideline works better for another, than they can follow that.

8) Yes

9) No, it is one guildline

10) No, common religion does not necessarily lead to peace. Belief in my religion does not mean they will follow it correctly. This is true of all religions.

11) No more than mine harms my country. All religions have positive and negative aspects

12) Catholic and Baptist christian

13) Yes, does not contradict it. Mine belief is spirtitual, not scientific.

1) Are you religious and what country or region are you from?
No. The Netherlands.

2) Do you believe that all peoples in all countries should have the freedom to worship as they see fit?
Yes, as long as their worship does not interfer with the rights of others and does not promote hate towards other belief systems.

3) Do you think it is OK for another to worship “Satan”? Is it alright for them to bring up their child worshiping Satan?
Yes. Yes. Given the conditions in the previous answer.

4) Do you feel it is OK for religious history to be taught, from an archeological view, in grade school?
Yes.

5) Do you feel it is OK to worship Polytheistically (multiple Gods)? Is it OK to bring up a child worshiping multiple Gods?
Yes. Yes. Given the conditions in my answer to question number 2.

6) Is it OK to teach grade school children that evolution is the natural mechanism by which humans came to exist?
Yes.

7) Do you think there is a possibility that your religious belief is incorrect? If so what do you think are the odds that your belief is an incorrect one?
I am open to the possibility that atheism is incorrect, but I can not put this in any kind of odds.

8) Do you feel it is OK to be Atheist? Is it OK to bring up a child as an Atheist?
Yes. Yes.

9) If religious, do you believe that your religion holds the most truth relative to all other religions?
As an atheist, I suppose I do think that this view holds for me more truth than others. If it didn't, I should have been agnostic.

10) Do you feel that the world would be most at peace if everyone were to hold the same belief as you? If so what is an acceptable manner to convert the rest of the world?
Where it comes to finding justifications of war, I suppose there are many more to be found than only those associated with religion. Therefor, I think that the abolishment of religion, or having the world's population under the banner of a common religion, does not necessarily make the world more at peace.

11) Do you feel that people of other religions are somehow harming you or your country? Why?
The small group of individuals who step beyond the borders given by the law pose a threat, but in general the vast majority of people of (other) religions do not.

12) Broadly speaking, what religion would your parents belong to?
Catholic

13) Do you feel that science supports all of your religous beleif?
As far as I know, science gives no proof for my conviction as an atheist.

michael:
look up the devils dictionary, written in 1911 by ambrose bierce.
http://www.alcyone.com/max/lit/devils/
it's a good laugh.

heres one meaning

SATAN, n.
One of the Creator's lamentable mistakes, repented in sashcloth and axes. Being instated as an archangel, Satan made himself multifariously objectionable and was finally expelled from Heaven. Halfway in his descent he paused, bent his head in thought a moment and at last went back. "There is one favor that I should like to ask," said he.
"Name it."

"Man, I understand, is about to be created. He will need laws."

"What, wretch! you his appointed adversary, charged from the dawn of eternity with hatred of his soul -- you ask for the right to make his laws?"

"Pardon; what I have to ask is that he be permitted to make them himself."

It was so ordered.

1) Are you religious and what country or region are you from?I'm a Christian from Sweden.

2) Do you believe that all peoples in all countries should have the freedom to worship as they see fit?Yes.

3) Do you think it is OK for another to worship “Satan”? Is it alright for them to bring up their child worshiping Satan? (notice I didn’t ask if you yourself believe in Satan).No, in no way is it allright to worship Satan.

4) Do you feel it is OK for religious history to be taught, from an archeological view, in grade school? Even when it happens to run counter to Religious dogma?I think that when we teach children, we shouldn't say facts that contradicts religion. We should present them in a way that don't conflict with their beliefs.

We should, however, present the truth. But not necessarily say the truth in a way that contradicts religion.

5) Do you feel it is OK to worship Polytheistically (multiple Gods)? Is it OK to bring up a child worshiping multiple Gods?No, not according to my religion.

6) Is it OK to teach grade school children that evolution is the natural mechanism by which humans came to exist?If we teach children that, then we should also bring forth the point that we still are unclear at how it happened.

7) Do you think there is a possibility that your religious belief is incorrect? If so what do you think are the odds that your belief is an incorrect one?I don't believe using odds.

8) Do you feel it is OK to be Atheist? Is it OK to bring up a child as an Atheist?What one believes or not believes is ones own choice. Therefor we shouldn't raise our children to become atheist. But keep them openminded. But it's up to each person to raise their children their own way. Thus reflecting their own ideas and principles. But we shouldn't close the path of anything that the child believes, if it isn't outright dangerous to them.

9) If religious, do you believe that your religion holds the most truth relative to all other religions?Of course I do. But I don't see it that way.

10) Do you feel that the world would be most at peace if everyone were to hold the same belief as you? If so what is an acceptable manner to convert the rest of the world?Even demons believe in God. So that they just believe in God isn't a guarantee that the world would be at peace. It takes sacrifice and patience, faith and alot of other things. But it would be easier for me to set one straight if they shared my beliefs.

The acceptable manner of converting, is letting the person choose for himself what to believe in. Hopefully he will find the way. Also we should keep the option visible, so that they can get information on it if they want it.

11) Do you feel that people of other religions are somehow harming you or your country? Why?There are of course religions that are dangerous and could do harm to us.

12) Broadly speaking, what religion would your parents belong to?One is a Christian, and one is more of a atheist (but I don't really know).

13) Do you feel that science supports all of your religous beleif?Science hasn't disproved or proved, so science is so far neutral to me in terms of describing what I believe in.

1) Are you religious and what country or region are you from?
I'm an (Agnostic)Atheist, and I'm from Pennsylvania, USA.

2) Do you believe that all peoples in all countries should have the freedom to worship as they see fit?
Yes.

3) Do you think it is OK for another to worship “Satan”? Is it alright for them to bring up their child worshiping Satan? (notice I didn’t ask if you yourself believe in Satan).
Yes. I do not believe the child should be brought up worshipping Satan. This should be his/her own choice when he/she is capable of making such a decision.

4) Do you feel it is OK for religious history to be taught, from an archeological view, in grade school? Even when it happens to run counter to Religious dogma?
I do not see a problem with it, as it is, after all, history.

5) Do you feel it is OK to worship Polytheistically (multiple Gods)? Is it OK to bring up a child worshiping multiple Gods?
Yes, it is fine to worship multiple gods. Again, the child should be able to choose at an age when he/she is capable of making such a decision.

6) Is it OK to teach grade school children that evolution is the natural mechanism by which humans came to exist?
That would be fine, but as it hasn't been proven, so to say, I would say it must be labeled as a theory.

7) Do you think there is a possibility that your religious belief is incorrect? If so what do you think are the odds that your belief is an incorrect one?
It is possible that my views on religion could be incorrect. I am human, with very little knowledge, thus I cannot determine a god's existence. I do not believe in the Christian God, along with many other organized religion's god's, for several reasons that I will not get in to here.

8) Do you feel it is OK to be Atheist? Is it OK to bring up a child as an Atheist?
Yes. Well obviously if you don't bring your child up as a theist, you bring him/her up as a atheist in a way. Although the choice is theirs to decide what they wish to follow. My knowledge can be passed upon the next generation, but forcing my beliefs on them, is not right in my eyes.

9) If religious, do you believe that your religion holds the most truth relative to all other religions?
Not applicable.

10) Do you feel that the world would be most at peace if everyone were to hold the same belief as you? If so what is an acceptable manner to convert the rest of the world?
Perhaps. Although then again, perhaps not. Atheism is nothing more, or nothing less then the disbelief in a god. Other issues, may play a larger role in getting along. With the religion issue, that would be solved. Do I wish to convert anyone to Atheism? No, not really. They have the right to choose what they believe. It is perfectly fine to discuss ideas, and if someone is converted through discussion, so be it.

11) Do you feel that people of other religions are somehow harming you or your country? Why?
Sometimes, and sometimes not. For some it helps, turning people's lives around, making them better people. For others, it just creates a barrier, and creates a reason for people to hate each other.

12) Broadly speaking, what religion would your parents belong to?My parents, as well as all other (extended, as well as immediate)family members, are all Christians.

13) Do you feel that science supports all of your religous beleif?
If a god, or gods were to exist, then science would not matter. Therefore it does not matter if Science supports all my views on religion.

t
1) Are you religious and what country or region are you from?

2) Do you believe that all peoples in all countries should have the freedom to worship as they see fit?

3) Do you think it is OK for another to worship “Satan”? Is it alright for them to bring up their child worshiping Satan? (notice I didn’t ask if you yourself believe in Satan).

4) Do you feel it is OK for religious history to be taught, from an archeological view, in grade school? Even when it happens to run counter to Religious dogma?

5) Do you feel it is OK to worship Polytheistically (multiple Gods)? Is it OK to bring up a child worshiping multiple Gods?

6) Is it OK to teach grade school children that evolution is the natural mechanism by which humans came to exist?

7) Do you think there is a possibility that your religious belief is incorrect? If so what do you think are the odds that your belief is an incorrect one?

8) Do you feel it is OK to be Atheist? Is it OK to bring up a child as an Atheist?

9) If religious, do you believe that your religion holds the most truth relative to all other religions?

10) Do you feel that the world would be most at peace if everyone were to hold the same belief as you? If so what is an acceptable manner to convert the rest of the world?

11) Do you feel that people of other religions are somehow harming you or your country? Why?

12) Broadly speaking, what religion would your parents belong to?

13) Do you feel that science supports all of your religous beleif?


1. athiest USA

2. Yes as long as they don't try to force there religon on others or harm other for no other reason then for there religon

3. sure aslong as it doesn't coninside with answer 2.

4. Not in public schools because it coninsides with other peoples religons (accaully i believe we should get the USA text book from europe - because the us one is bieased AS HELL!!!) but if you go to a catholic school and they teach catacism well... that's fine

5. ... Same as answer 3

6. yes because this is has been proven through science (which yes i know can be consider a religon)

7. of corse probly pretty big because we truely know nothing.

8. !!!... NOT AGAIN same as answer 3 !!!!!!!!!!!!! lol ^^

9. nope not at all it's the only one that has acaully made sense to me

10. LOL of corse not. they would find some loop hole ot kill each other again and to form nations and slave. etc

11. in a way of corse, But mostly were doing the harming to our selves and others =(

12. My Father is an aithiest. My mother is a... hard to say but i know she beleive in rencarnation

13. science is my belief

I had a few questions regarding religious tolerance. I’d be really happy and interested to hear some of your opinions. As this is primarily questions to YOU there is little need on this particular post to flame the answers of others – I am asking about your personal views.

1) Are you religious and what country or region are you from? ”

I am an atheist, I live in the united kindom.



2) Do you believe that all peoples in all countries should have the freedom to worship as they see fit? ”

oh yes, as long as it does not harm others. (but I reserve the right to take the piss)



3) Do you think it is OK for another to worship “Satan”? Is it alright for them to bring up their child worshiping Satan? (notice I didn’t ask if you yourself believe in Satan). ”

answered in question 2, and I have no belief in any god/gods, devil/demons.



4) Do you feel it is OK for religious history to be taught, from an archeological view, in grade school? Even when it happens to run counter to Religious dogma? ”

yes, best to have the best of both worlds, dont you think.



5) Do you feel it is OK to worship Polytheistically (multiple Gods)? Is it OK to bring up a child worshiping multiple Gods? ”

answered in question 2, each to their own.(and I still reserve the right to take the piss)



6) Is it OK to teach grade school children that evolution is the natural mechanism by which humans came to exist? ”

answered in question 4.



7) Do you think there is a possibility that your religious belief is incorrect? If so what do you think are the odds that your belief is an incorrect one? ”

I dont have a religious belief, however if you mean my atheism.
the odds of atheism being incorrect. pick the biggest number ever and times it by itself (thats the odds) to 1 ( an impossiblity)




8) Do you feel it is OK to be Atheist? Is it OK to bring up a child as an Atheist? ”

most truly yes, if a child of mine wishes to follow a religion that is there choice, when there old enough.
no religion, should be allowed to indoctrinate a child, let the child chose, when it's able


9) If religious, do you believe that your religion holds the most truth relative to all other religions? ”

I have no religion, but atheism is the only truth.



10) Do you feel that the world would be most at peace if everyone were to hold the same belief as you? If so what is an acceptable manner to convert the rest of the world? ”

yes it would be nice, people may respect life more, if it's the only one they have.
the day is coming it wont be long.



11) Do you feel that people of other religions are somehow harming you or your country? Why? ”

no, they do more harm to themselves, I pity them.


12) Broadly speaking, what religion would your parents belong to? ”
none there have more sense.



13) Do you feel that science supports all of your religous beleif? ”

it surports atheism, but I not a sheep .
s


Thanks,
Michael II

PS: My belief would probably be best described as agonistic atheist. However, I have an interest in religion and others view on religious belief. It is and has been a powerful influence in society and that in and of itself is fascinating. ”

as do I, however people will soon start to think, that religion is a thing that should be left in the past.

1) Are you religious and what country or region are you from?

Not religious. United States.

2) Do you believe that all peoples in all countries should have the freedom to worship as they see fit?

Freedom to believe ... yes. Freedom to worship? Not a fucking chance. The hijackers were worshipping Allah, after all, just as Torquemada was worshipping Christ, and the assholes at Masada were worshipping Jove and Jehovah, respectively.

3) Do you think it is OK for another to worship “Satan”? Is it alright for them to bring up their child worshiping Satan? (notice I didn’t ask if you yourself believe in Satan).

Do you mean the Church of Satan? Couldn't give a fuck if I tried.

Do you mean worship Satan, the Christian boogeyman? No. Why? Well, if you're going to believe something as absurd as the Bible, why pick the loser? I mean, if you're going to base your belief structure around the Godfather, why the fuck would you worship the Tattaglias or Sollozo?


4) Do you feel it is OK for religious history to be taught, from an archeological view, in grade school? Even when it happens to run counter to Religious dogma?

Especially when it runs counter to religious dogma.

5) Do you feel it is OK to worship Polytheistically (multiple Gods)? Is it OK to bring up a child worshiping multiple Gods?

Again, I don't care.

6) Is it OK to teach grade school children that evolution is the natural mechanism by which humans came to exist?

Yeah.

7) Do you think there is a possibility that your religious belief is incorrect? If so what do you think are the odds that your belief is an incorrect one?

When I'm felling agnostic, I'm not sure ... and I'm not sure. When atheist ... maybe, but not too likely. When I'm hatefully deistic, probably incorrect.

8) Do you feel it is OK to be Atheist? Is it OK to bring up a child as an Atheist?

Of course.

9) If religious, do you believe that your religion holds the most truth relative to all other religions?

10) Do you feel that the world would be most at peace if everyone were to hold the same belief as you? If so what is an acceptable manner to convert the rest of the world?

Even if the entire world were united in a monolithic belief, it'd fracture. Look at the Shiites and the Sunnis or the Catholics and the Protestants, or the dozens of LDS sects, or the various branches of Buddhism, or whatever you care to name. Shit, look at Trotsky and Stalin, if you want.

11) Do you feel that people of other religions are somehow harming you or your country? Why?

Fundamentalists are fucking the world, IMNPHO, by clinging to their anti-rationalist, thoroughly idiotic pap.

12) Broadly speaking, what religion would your parents belong to?

Catholic.

13) Do you feel that science supports all of your religous beleif?

Yeah.

the assholes at Masada were worshipping Jove and Jehovah, respectivelyI don't understand? Why combine Jehovah into the Roman pantheon of Gods? Where they just calling Jove, Jehovah?

I had a few questions regarding religious tolerance. I’d be really happy and interested to hear some of your opinions. As this is primarily questions to YOU there is little need on this particular post to flame the answers of others – I am asking about your personal views.

1) Are you religious and what country or region are you from?

US, and I am a Pagan.

2) Do you believe that all peoples in all countries should have the freedom to worship as they see fit?

Of course. It is a basic human need to believe in some kind of Divine or at least have a form of religious belief. This being the case it is a natural right for one the believe as they will without conflict.

3) Do you think it is OK for another to worship “Satan”? Is it alright for them to bring up their child worshiping Satan? (notice I didn’t ask if you yourself believe in Satan).

Perhaps a bit of education is in order about what Satanism is and is not. I will not attempt to do so but simply provide a [nutshell] basis for my answers.

Yes and No.

Before I answer let me say that I do not think it is OK to force a child down any particular path. Presenting them with what is there, and letting them make up their own minds is the better choice.

There are different forms of Satanism and I will break them down into 2 separate categories. Let's for the sake of simplicity label the first Hollywood Satanism. This is the kind you hear about most often and is not real Satanism. It is the kind where animal sacrifice is common place. This sort of belief is most often based on ideas gathered from inaccurate sources and lasts only a few day's to a few months. This I do not agree with as whole. This is not a religious belief but more a counter measure against the Christian God and a defiance against social values and traditional behavior.

Real Satanism is much different from the above stated fallacy. And would require one to make an educated attempt at reading and learning about it's structure and beliefs. I will not attempt to define real Satanism here. But my answer within the boundaries of my personal belief would be that it is perfectly OK to 'show a child this path and if they so choose it great, if not great.

4) Do you feel it is OK for religious history to be taught, from an archeological view, in grade school? Even when it happens to run counter to Religious dogma?

I don't think religious topics should be brought up in school at all. But being the case that is happening, personally I think it is important to know the origins of ones (and all) beliefs to better educate yourself from all sides.

5) Do you feel it is OK to worship Polytheistically (multiple Gods)? Is it OK to bring up a child worshiping multiple Gods?

Yes I do believe it OK to do so. Personally I do not Worship any being, I honor them. To worship a being of the Divine nature to me is to lower oneself and admit that you are lesser. This is simply not the case. My views about raising children on any given path have already been presented.

6) Is it OK to teach grade school children that evolution is the natural mechanism by which humans came to exist?

Of course because it is. If we all came from Adam and Eve would we not be inbred? Seriously, who did Adam and Eves children breed with if not one another? The story of Adam and Eve is loaded with holes as it is, so it holds no water. Evolution is a concept which does hold water, and is evident by many findings.

7) Do you think there is a possibility that your religious belief is incorrect? If so what do you think are the odds that your belief is an incorrect one?

No. Beliefs are of a personal nature and are governed simply by what one believes not by a book, not by what another views as correct. If let's say for example, Christianity is the one true system of belief then where was God the many centuries before Jesus when Pagans where about the world doing what they do? ....

8) Do you feel it is OK to be Atheist? Is it OK to bring up a child as an Atheist?

Yes is that's what suits your needs. And No as I already states before my thoughts on Children and belief systems.

9) If religious, do you believe that your religion holds the most truth relative to all other religions?

lol. No. The truth can be found outsides religious belief systems.

10) Do you feel that the world would be most at peace if everyone were to hold the same belief as you? If so what is an acceptable manner to convert the rest of the world?

No. Peace is a concept that by it's very definition is an absolute nonexitant possibility. Can you imagine a world totally at peace? I can, and I would not want to live there. Too boring. That's why we don't have it. People would never get anywhere with only peace. My path is right for me.

11) Do you feel that people of other religions are somehow harming you or your country? Why?

Yes and No. From a Pagan standpoint many other 'which shall remain nameless' faiths are always bashing that which is not right for them. So in a sense yes, but with proper education one can also know the truth. In anycase I see these people as slaves, and in that sense the only harm they cause is to themselves as more and more people seek out the truth.

12) Broadly speaking, what religion would your parents belong to?

Father: Catholic
Mother: Pagan

13) Do you feel that science supports all of your religous beleif?

Science has no place in religious belief. However many of the natural occurrences that Pagans have harnessed and have known about for sometime are being founded to have a realistic foundation.


Thanks,
Michael II

PS: My belief would probably be best described as agonistic atheist. However, I have an interest in religion and others view on religious belief. It is and has been a powerful influence in society and that in and of itself is fascinating.

I agree. Religious belief is a very interesting topic.