ISIS would agree there shouldn't be Christians on RallyPoint. Is it right to strike one religion for the sins of another?

You make good points. My theory is this true. But hate is something to overcome.

MAJ (Join to see), That is true, but I think "hate" is brandished about as an accusation and as a derogatory label in places where I think "Ignorance" might be a better term. With groups like ISIS, there isn't any question - ISIS hates. Most people that live here in the real world probably don't hate as much as they react extremely to things they either fear or are ignorant of.

Note, not insinuating ISIS isn't real with that "real world" comment, only that they live in some sort of mental fantasy lala land where that kind of attitude can be fostered. There are less extreme examples of their brand of hate, the Westborough Baptist Church being one example that comes to mind, and those people are similarly delusional (and fortunately less violent).

Respect appears to be operative word

Great point! I would also add that people shouldn't get offended if a person speaks about faith, if they don't expect me to get offended when I hear them use curse words without any regard.

Intolerance is ignorance. You don't have to agree or even like others but arrogance is a folly.

Dave, it is wrong to generalize atheists as intolerant/ignorant because of a few you have met. Likewise it would be wrong for me to say the same of Christians (though I have met many). Just as with any prejudice I would ask you to look to your own to note that many on both sides of the argument are arrogant/ignorant/intolerant.

SrA (Join to see) Why would you even click on a topic when you know you will be going in to something that's going to offend you? RP has many different kinds of discussions; yet you see something you know you're going to hate, then surprise surprise, you're now complaining about it. Your frustration is self-inflicted.

Religion happens to play a large part in our lives rather if we like it or not; therefore it's going to be a big topic among us. Heck our enemies are killing people in the name of their religion. Many Muslims say that they don't recognize these terrorists as their own; but that doesn't change the claims that the terrorists are making.

You have every right to come in to these topics, obviously; but it's unproductive for you to just click on something just to come in to it and complain about it. Seriously, maybe you should just pass it up if it bothers you that much.

"Why would I go on a topic if I knew it was something that would offend me?"

"You have every right to come into these topics, obviously."

You answered your own question sunshine. But wait there's more. How in the world would you have known if I went in only disliking the post or topic already. Do you know my tolerance levels? Do you know exactly how I'm feeling? Are you intertwined with me by the heart, soul, or other counterparts to know me so well there sailor? Do you think I'm as feeble minded as you may be? I do go back and forth with issues I'm against or don't understand. You think by explaining some obvious points about muslim extremists is shining light through my day?.

Did I not say I went in there to read the comments? Maybe I wanted to see people's thoughts and gain some more understanding of the issue and then seen some ignorant comments as usual and put my two cents in and it set in rage mode. Am I not human?

When it comes to the topic at hand it was slightly different than the usual I love Jebus posts. This post brought Isis in the loop and I for one stay updated on the complexities of terrorism and have been studying it for quite a while even if I'm not so excited about the idea of religion. I have no choice other than to learn it one way or another. So it would be natural for me to see what's it about, but I didn't expect a bible throw down and calling other people's religious books "the devil" so I said something about it. But like you said I have every right to say so.

You're coming at me but why don't you take the initiative and correct those whom claim love and peace in the name of their lord as long as others love their specific lord too. Don't be mad at me because I don't believe and stand out and say something in a sarcastic manner. If religious people here can rant on how much they dislike other religions, sexual preferences and other issues, I definitely can point out their hypocrisy, repetitiveness and unproductive commentary. In no way did my decision to respond and read cause self-inflicting wounds. It actually relieved me of the stress of enduring the stupidity. It's called a rant, tangent or venting for a reason. I certainly felt better letting my thoughts out whether(not rather like you used before) anyone liked it or not.

If you don't like my comment, tough, don't read it. If by behead me, crucify me blah blah with the religion already didn't show you that this would be something you would dislike, then why did you continue to read it? If it bothered you that much, you probably should've just passed. I can use the same logic you bestowed upon the world.

It's all part of being an American. Thats what makes RP great!

Ironically most members of the Islamic Faith have never read the Koran.

In Afghanistan there was a significant number of Imams that never read it.

A matter of fact our terps caught some just making stuff up.

I can agree I am a Pragmatic Libertine. To a point but I don't think they should be restricted to the home; unless disruptive to the liberty of others.

Sir, I am not suggesting the belief must stay in the home. More, for example, I am saying that it's my opinion that if I am your Soldier, there is literally no interaction I can have with you in the OFFICIAL course of our duties where your religion is relevant or appropriate...to include how you choose to lead/command me and what policies you choose to have in place unless you can express/justify those policies without reference to your religion. This is separate from whether or not you have to justify your reasoning to ME as your Soldier (which you obviously do not).

There is a lot of truth in that statement. I should be able as a leader to covey my decision making in a logical manner. However, there have been several times in my life I have made decisions with no rational reasoning other than "God told me" and it saved my life and others. I do get your point though I don't entirely agree with it.

I think it's safe to say you don't have any strong convictions about God.

SGT Anthony Rossi You would be incorrect in that assumption. I wholeheartedly believe he is a pipe-dream meant to control the masses, regardless of the name he is given. I have studied the Christian faith from my teen years till now and continue to do so. I have never found evidence to believe he is there. All that said, I do not preach my beliefs in uniform or with people who do not wish to hear it. And I do not tolerate similar preaching/ teaching in my peers/ subordinates while in uniform. What you/ they do on their own time is your/ their own business, but while in a professional environment these teachings/ preachings can only serve to fracture the unit's cohesion unless everyone involved already shares the same beliefs. Therefore it is a matter of good order and discipline that we not engage in religious discussion in uniform.

Well I guess if a soldier was concidering taking his life, and I told him God loved him and it prevented it I should have just held my peace because after all we want to keep things professional. Your point of view on the surface is very logical but not always practical. Once again the statement holds true you don't have strong convictions about God. Thanks for your response.

There are many ways to intervene in your posed situation without bringing the Judeo-Christian deity into the discussion. I fail to see how you think I have no strong conviction about "God". I believe I have made it very clear that I have an extremely strong conviction that he is not there (which is certainly a conviction about him). You seem to be the "last word" kind of guy, so I promise not to post again; please make you final rebuttal.

Very true, as far as Christianity goes those actions were either done in ignorance or scripture was twisted to fit ones agenda. There is nothing in Christianity that promotes aggression unless it is to protect the innocent.