An apostate is somebody who forsakes his previous faith or religion, possibly going on to speak out against it. Apparently, in some religious traditions, the prescribed penalty for apostacy is death. Reasonable? What do you think? Answer the poll. Assume, if you are religious, that we're talking about people leaving your particular religion, then speaking out against it. If you're an atheist or agnostic, assume we're talking about a former atheist/agnostic who becomes very religious and speaks out against atheism. Note: we're not talking about killing people who become terrorists or anything like that, here. We're talking about people who merely leave the religion or belief and then go around speaking out against that religion or belief, without committing any violent crimes or anything like that.
My vote..."I am a member of some other religion. Apostates should not be killed." Why, because if the faith of the religion and the religion is correct and true, then no amount of words or opposition will be able to destroy it, that being because nearly every religion predicts its own survival. It should welcome the chance to proof itself against the opposer, even more so if he or she knows the religion from the inside out. Also, freedom of choice of religion is one of the most precious freedoms we have, taking that away is sick.
No one should be killed based on what they believe. People have a right to choose what they will or will not believe in. No one has the right to make that choice for someone else or to kill someone for not believing the same way they do.
Not that I am Christian but "Vengeance is mine saith the Lord." It seems like one can leave appropriate treatment of apostates to God.
Non religious & non killer of the religious. However, if threatened with death by religious malcontents I would kill them if I had the chance, no different than if anyone else tried to do me in.
Being killed is just the beginning...thereafter begins an eternity of torment in hell for being brought up in the wrong religion.
Just be happy they dont still throw people in volcanoes. 10% of the population have come a long way though.
I think the two sentences together are intriguing. In that that have forsworn tossing others into volcanoes?
If people choose to no longer believe Jesus that is their will. If they turn around and speak against Jesus then their words will be countered. Killing people who cease to believe Jesus has never been an action that Jesus called upon His followers to do. All Praise The Ancient of Days
Correction...those Jews who cease to believe are left to Yahweh to slaughter...followed by an eternity of torment in hell. Gentiles werent even considered. "Go not among the gentiles, but rather to the lost sheep of Israel."
Killing apostates is obligatory with the Abrahamic religions. Some countries penal codes would have you put to death for even thinking negative thoughts about the religion or it's prophets. To kill someone for simply changing their minds demonstrates the cruelty and immorality of those religions.
geee JamesR., noone should be killed period, and especially for their religious beliefs even if they have changed recently.
