"Pagan" Is Smart? Depends!

[Guest080312-1]

Originally Posted by PaganGuy

Hmm seems I've been called out, or insulted.. or something...
or not...

PaganGuy --

Definitely "OR NOT."

As I said, my original intent was to share a funny story, not spark a debate on religion.

Nonetheless, it's heartening to see some of you expressing strong opinions, yet remaining civil and respectful of others' views. I'm "crossing my fingers" that the discussion remains civil.

Nikki, Pepper -- I share your anger; yet agree with Flinde's point: "...as disgusting as the Phelps clan is - they are a celebration of one of our other important liberties -- freedom of speech."

[PaganGuy]

It's all good..and healthy debate is fun so long as it doesn't get mean spirited.
I'm about as longhaired peacenik civilian as one can get, and have been actually shocked by how many Pagans I know are or were in the military... one of whom is a retired Lt Colonel. Our presence on bases these days is actually quite common.. some folks I know I know conduct weekly services for large groups at Ft Sam boot camp.
One day the delusion that this is a Christian nation will finally die out.

[Rodram]

I agree with you GV, it is a good thing that a discussion of this manner has taken place. I am a Secular Humanist and while not a religion, we recognize the significance that religion has played throughout history. Humanism is a worldview which says that reason and science are the best ways to understand the world around us, and that dignity and compassion should be the basis for how you act toward someone else.

Humanism is nontheistic. By this, we don't mean to say that there is no God. Instead, we say that there is no proof for the existence of God, any gods, the supernatural or an afterlife.

Therefore, we take very seriously the idea that "No deity will save us; we must save ourselves." We are living the only life we'll have, in the only world we know about. The responsibility for the choices we make are ours and ours alone.

I have noticed however that Secular Humanism is being identified by the religious right as on a mission to destroy the country by eradicating religion of any kind completely.There is no conspiracy by humanists to force people to reject religion.

We do take philosophical issue with beliefs of religious followers. However, what concerns us even more is when religious believers attempt to use the power of the government to force their beliefs upon the rest of society. As it has been shown throughout history, no one benefits when religious belief and government power mix.

We strongly support Thomas Jefferson's call for a "wall of separation between church and state." This ideal can best be reached through a secular government. This would mean a government neither favors religion, nor discriminates against it.

[oldtiger]

Originally Posted by the old one

OT, you "find the surge in evangelical Christianity disturbing"? Christianity is what most of the world is founded upon, what our country is based on and you find it disturbing. It is disturbing that someone would feel this way.

Yes I find the surge in EVANGELICAL Christianity disturbing. I'd bet you haven't been on the receiving end of the arrogance of self-acclaimed Evangelicals, I have.

And frankly any evangelical activity (regardless of belief) is disturbing, the Actively expressing and sharing the (fill int he belief system), or proselytizing has no place in the military, especially when it is coming from UP the chain of command.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/religio...agg23_ST_N.htm

http://www.csindy.com/colorado/noted...nt?oid=2080038

http://www.army.mil/-news/2011/03/08...n-unusual-way/

I could go on, but I think you can catch my drift....

Our country is based on Judeo-Christian principles, agreed. Of course, the themes which "Judeo-Christian principles" cover can be found recurring throughout most belief systems, not unique to Judaism nor Christianity. Moreover, many of our founding Fathers were Deists, not necessarily Christians.

And IIRC, about a third of the world's population is Christian (all flavors). Which means, about 2/3rds isn't....

[Malachaii]

Paganism is cool and all, but me I find the benefits of Pastafarianism are too good to pass up. I mean who doesn't want an afterlife where you get to be a Pirate and have access to a ever flowing Beer Volcano and a Stripper factory.

May you be touched by his noodly appendage this very day

[oldtiger]

The best part of being a pagan is there is no exclusivity contract, I support his Noodlyness!

[Malachaii]

WOOT Paganism !!! You gotta let playas play the polytheism card from time to time or the relationship might get stale

and a slightly smaller "woot" for post 200

[Rodram]

Right on oldtiger, most excellent point! There is a rise in religious indoctrination in the military, and it is extremely worrisome because of the tendency towards fanaticism that governs by ideology rather than whats best for the troops or the nation.

[flinde]

Yes, the fundamental evangelical Christians are taking over everything:

http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle..._offered_.html

[Malachaii]

Pole dancing for Jesus... nice find Flinde, lol