There are freaks and hate mongers in every religion, every country, every color, everywhere. Those are the exception but they get the publicity!

I'm OK with that. But when they start a confrontational thread, or conversation for that matter. it's on them.

You chose not to be religous because some woman that's crazier than a *****house rat hates Heath Ledger and homosexuals and claims to represent God?

There was a guy in my old neighborhood that pushed around a cart full of cans and wore trash bags that also said he represented God, there's double proof that you made the right decision. ;) I cast a spurious glance in your direction, I bet you had other reasons. :)

You don't have this sort of thing in Aussieland?

Wierd thing happened this morning. Woke up thinking about this thread - specifically about those crazy "church" members. Then I had a thought, what if these guys aren't really a "church", but the most hardcore of atheist in the world - on a mission to deliver a blow to Christianity. If you think about it, what better way to give "Christians" a bad name than to do what these people do, "in the name of God"?

I mean seriously, these guys are bizarre. They are polar opposite from every Christian I have ever known. Maybe, in fact, they are polar opposite???

- Skip

Too sophisticated for those morons. They're just trying to hide their crazy behind the skirts of "religion".

Weird people make weird Christians. Cool people make cool Christians. Just like everyone else.

I am not a "religious" person. I consider "religion" to be bad thing. But, I am definitely a believer! And like 911Rob, it's between me and God.

I really dislike being cast into the same bucket with the wacko's.

- Skip

I agree Skip. What i take issue with is trying to impose whatever beliefs on the uninterested.

Mule- Imposing doesn't work. I've found living by example to be most appealing. Unfortunately, too much of the time, I get it wrong.

I think a lot of the issues arise when people feel they are being imposed upon. I think some people's "imposition level" level is set wayyy too low. Any mention of God at all (or any belief structure related to God) creates panic and a feeling of imposition. (I do agree there are the "forcers" in society)

Some (this is not code for "you") on this board have shown extreme anger by Christians trying to force their beliefs "down their throat". Personally, I don't feel there are those kind of people (the "forcers") on this board and I'm usually confused by the acquisition.

An example is the PB discussion... You believe PB is a good breed. You will argue it is a good breed. You're giving the truth, as you truly believe it.

Now, what if a large percentage of people jumped on you, accusing you of forcing your beliefs on others. It's OK for you to like PB, but don't you dare say it in public. Don't you dare try and convince other's to get one. Don't you dare defend the breed against attacks. Don't you dare correct slander. And, by the way, only a person of low intelligence could ever believe PB is a good breed.

I know, I got wayyyy off topic.

- Skip

Well I did like the "love thy neighbor, but bomb the hell out of those that live far away" line.

So, let me get this straight now, you choose not to be religious because of what a couple of inbred, hate filled, backwards hillbillies think? Your logic both astounds, and saddens, me.

Dot, Dude, I was hoping you'd chime in on the Chavez page. I know this is tough on you but another left wing hero is turning out to be a thieving, low life POS. WTF Dude? Ya'll are running slap out of heros. Who's next, Michael Moore? Lenin?

We've got our freaks and cults - but we haven't come close to a David Karesh (sic) or a Waco incident. The average Aussie just doesn't give a rat's arse who's flag you raise, so long as you don't bother your neighbour with it. The idea that any person could have the temerity to preach such poisonous opinion at a funeral (as was suggested in the article) is completely unheard of.

Australia has one of the lowest (and dropping) active religious populations in the world. In our last census, 7% of the population wrote down "Jedi Knight" under the question about their faith :D

Christianity in particular here has dropped from favour (much like the rest of the world), but Islam is making rapid inroads. Mind you we're still talking very small percentages over all.

I always get a chucke talking to your Mormon preachers that come over here as a part of their training. Generally really great guys, but crikey they they struggle even getting an Aussie to even admit they're home when the doorbell rings, let alone listen to them :) If you can convert the average suburban Aussie slob into a Mormon, you're one hell of a salesman.

Up until this very small group, it was unheard of here too.

I still say it's a bunch of atheists...

Well, I'm an Ordained Minister:p


This is the church I belong too.
http://www.beerchurch.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1217

That's awesome! I really need to visit sometime. In the meantime I'll raise a brew in salute.

Atheists have too much respect for the living. It is, after all, all we got. ;)

Sorry. Didn't see the Chavez thread - but he is a complete buffoon.

I've been too busy fundraising for Hillary lately. Gotta run.

$20 says Phelps is a repressed closet homosexual.

Hallelujah Minister, you may turn me yet ;)

I'll buy you a beer whenever you get here Dave... I feel the Force is strong with you.

I dont feel it neccessary to respect your relationship with your imaginary friend. If your relationship with "god" is personal, period, best you keep it to yourself, really.

Lest normal people think you a bit weird.