Theplanters95 wrote in message
...
Chuck,

If you check American History, you will see a lot of colonies were founded for
religious freedom. As a Baptist, one of our unique features is an emphasis on
religious liberty. We can agree to disagree, but true Chrisitanity seeks
liberty. Also, many of our presidents were Christian or religious. Religious
expression is found in our guiding documents, such as the Dec. of Independence,
and the Constitution.

Islam is not the same as Christianity. Not all religions are the same or teach
the same. Just remember that "theology" can be different, but ethics, such as
the Golden Rule, can be the same.Look at the core beliefs and you will see
major differences. One of the differences is that Islam practices conversion
by the sword. Some misguided Christians in the past have also practiced it,
but as you point out the Sermon on the Mount does not support it.

I am a Christian "fanatic" as it is my job and my passion. It has changed my
life for the better. I vote my Christian beliefs, irregardless of the
political party. And the Bible tells us to pray for the kings over us. Since
we do not have a king, but we can see a principle to pray for our government
leaders - All of them.

It is not lunacy to accept and practice religious belief (and I am talking in
general terms of all the world religions and sects). What is lunacy is to
misapply religion and use for personal gain, to control people or put people
down because of differing beliefs (For more religious discrimination, check out
Islam and Hinduism, and the Eastern Orthodox churches).

As you said, the foundation of American Values is liberty and that includes the
free practice of religious beliefs.

Indeed, which includess the liberty to not practice
a religion as well.

To consider Hinduism and Islam as similar, strongly
suggests a lack of understanding of either.

In regards to discrimination, one must understand
Hinduism believes in the law of Karma: "as ye sow
so shall ye reap". If one is born to a lowly state in
this life, it is a result of bad actions in a previous life,
thus one is deserving of their current state of
existence.

That said, I agree that true Christianity seeks liberty
(It is obvious that the Christ's teachings were liberal)
but the modern Christian Churches do not practice
true Christianity at all.

Allow me to elaborate:

Islam, Judaism, and modern Christianity all believe
in the god of Abraham. The Christ said he came to
"throw out the old law" - which can only be construed
as meaning the OT and the god of Abraham.

Christ's God is a God of love, compassion, brotherly
love, humility, judge not, and live and let live, etc...

In contrast, Abraham's god was violent, angry,
hateful, jealous, full of spite, and sought vengeance
by killing the unfaithful.

From this, it is easy to see why the world is so
violent and full of hate, given that the major religions
use such a horrific deity as an example for living
one's life.

Chuck, WA7RAI