formerroadie
DP Veteran
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- May 13, 2009
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Read the fuggin Bible!
"Now go attack the Amalekites and totally destroy them. Do not spare them, put to death men, women, children, infants, cattle, sheep, camels, and donkeys." - 1 Samuel 15:3
For example. Find something like this occurring in the name of "secularism" (Communism doesn't count).
The wars in the OT are not justification for war. That is horrible interpretation and should not be followed. My church does not. We don't even read the OT in our calender except during lent and only the portions that refer to the suffering servant in Isaiah. Here, this is a quote from an encyclical from the patriarch of the Greek church:
"We stand firmly against those who violate the sanctity of human life and pursue policies in defiance of moral values. We reject the concept that it is possible to justify one's actions in any armed conflicts in the name of God."
You see, in my church, scripture is highly valued but is also a part of tradition, as it was from the beginning. Therefore, one can argue against said craziness like those wars in the OT. So, it is NOT canonized in all churches at all times. Have people used it to justify their violence: yes. But it has never been a doctrinal canon to do violence. So, you must blame individuals at certain times in history rather than blaming the religion.
For example, during the crusades, the Christians of the east took a passive stance. The monks took in both crusaders and moors alike when they were wounded. No questions asked. It has been that way for eastern monks since their inceptions. You see, the west often ignores the east, which is, 1) where Christianity originates (it is not a "western" religion in the sense of origins) and 2) the east holds the second largest church in the world and more recently, many westerners have joined the east as well. We have a strong sense of human dignity and at the center of our doctrine is the idea that all humans are Images of God and therefore ought to be treated with such dignity. No death penalty and no war. Of course, my church has had its horrible moments in history, but that is due to people being mislead to think they are doing what's right rather than following proper doctrine.