RE:I don’t think any religions have a place in a rational, modern world. Sadly, the vast majority of people seem to disagree.

These are personal choices. It should not be up to me to dictate to them what they should believe in. They can believe in the Great Pumpkin for all I care so long as it does not impact the freedom of others in any way. In general, I have no problem with people believing in a deity or higher intelligence. It’s a morally based system in the majority of cases and – again in the majority of cases – is a positive thread in the social fabric, rather than being a detrimental one.

I do have problems with people and institutions who believe they must shove their theological beliefs down my throat (Jehovah’s Witnesses at my door) and other religions intolerant of others (Islam) and who enact brutal public punishment for transgressors of their beliefs, whether or not the victim even share those beliefs.

What I absolutely disagree with are religious candidates elected to advance policies favorable to the beliefs of one religion over another or who advance policies (e.g. abortion) based upon theological teachings. These areas cannot be legislated and should be dropped in my opinion. It is a slippery slope and extremely dangerous.

Nowhere in my comments is there room to inject the idea of round up people and shooting them. Respectfully, you are way off-base.</blockquote?

This is true. You neither said nor implied anything like that. I misspoke, and I am sorry.

I do agree that Islam has no place in our world, but as I've said before, I don't think any religions have a place in a rational, modern world. Sadly, the vast majority of people seem to disagree.

I have however advanced the understanding Islam is a political ideology which must be reformed.

I recognize the majority of Muslims are peaceful, however it is unacceptable that so many imams for this group remain silent about the radical elements among them. Staying silent is a choice and gives the radical elements a pass.

While I am not a devout Christian today, (probably agnostic with leanings toward atheism) I have in the past read the Bible many, many times from front to back. I cannot recall readings supporting anti-woman and support slavery, however, I do recall teachings to defend oneself against attackers and attackers of neighbors.

It teaches the reader there is no good reasons to remain a pacifist and that to do nothing against a transgressor is immoral.

Until it does, Islam has no place on this planet.

Oh, ok. So what’s to be done then? Round up and shoot all the Muslims? But what about the 99%+ of them who just want to lead good, quiet lives and raise their families and are, in fact, just like you, but they follow Muhammad instead of Jesus?

Anyhow, I haven’t gotten to the New Testament yet, but I’m already aware there’s portions in there that are anti-woman, support slavery and support violent war, so believe me, I’m looking forward to it!

During ancient times in the Old Testament, about the only thing that got people’s attention was raw power. God of the Old Testament was mean-spirited and quick to anger; an entity to be both feared and revered.

By the time Jesus walked on earth, human attitudes had advanced. In contrast, Jesus in the New Testament is the essence of Love, Tolerance, Patience and Compassion. Jesus consistently demonstrated and taught Love and Generosity and Gentleness.

The one god of both books displayed different aspects of His personality as necessary for the people He was interacting with.

It could be argued then that the Old Testament’s harsh teachings became outdated, replaced by the New Testament’s revision of God’s message through Jesus who taught lessons of love, tolerance, forgiveness, understanding and spiritual growth.

With this, Christianity’s message of the New Testament represents reform to reflect the attitudes and thinking of more modern times. It is forward looking.

As I have said, if Islam is to persist, it too must be reformed. It’s pages with teachings of hate, intolerance and violence against non-Muslims, describing Jews and Christians as monkeys and pigs, has to be ripped from the Qur’an. It’s teachings are counter to the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament. Islam’s teachings must change to reflect the beliefs and values of a modern world. Until it does, Islam has no place on this planet.