On 22/09/2009, at 7:57 AM, Chris Frandsen wrote:
A referral to "Religion" without being specific often sparks a response on this list.
Sure, but this isn't one of those times. Asking non-Christians and Christians alike to be more civil is one thing - civility in discourse is one thing. But what you forwarded was specifically saying we should ask "What would Jesus do?" and to the millions of non-Christians in your nation and elsewhere that's meaningless at best.
My wife is not a follower so she did not write this with this illustrious group in mind. Guys, I suggest taking her to task on this is part of the problem. There are many out there with religious beliefs be they Christian or otherwise. Being civil means respecting their beliefs though not necessarily accepting them.
Being civil has nothing to do with respecting beliefs. Being civil means not being unnecessarily offensive while pointing out where beliefs are damaging our societies. Some beliefs deserve ZERO respect (creationism, anti-vaccinationism etc). However playing to Christian beliefs if it helps frame a debate in a way they'll understand can be useful and help keep the tone civil.
But the way I see it, if someone is lying about you or something you do or say or believe, as so many in the lunatic fringe that has such a disproportionately loud voice in American politics do - Coulter, Limbaugh, Beck, then call them on it. Don't pander. Call them on it, and then move on by.
I agree with Bruce that in general lessons ascribed to Jesus are about love and acceptance of the other.
That's the widely perceived view of them, yes. Doesn't totally hold water if you actually read the New Testament, but yes - if people tried to act a bit nicer to each other we'd be better off.
Charlie. _______________________________________________ http://mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l_mccmedia.com
