Comments on: Conversational Intolerance

By: Bob

Bob — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:14:16 +0000

Larry,

Thanks for your perspective brother. I think it would interesting to discuss at some point (not necessarily publicly on a blog) exactly where it is we might differ when it comes to spirituality, and where our viewpoints overlap. I don’t really have too many set beliefs and I’m constantly questioning the ones I do have. I’m much more of a seeker than a preacher, but I do think dialogue is the key to our collective spiritual sanity. Thoughtlessness and ignorance get me riled up, wherever they take cover. Religion, science, politics, the hearts of men and women — it’s a mixed bag of corruption and potential wherever you look. If I’m set on any belief, it’s that a radical authenticity is possible and is sorely needed.

–Bob

By: Bob

Bob — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 12:46:42 +0000

~C4,

I hear what you’re saying man, and I certainly don’t expect (or even want) Obama to start openly challenging religious belief. That would just guarantee we’d have a lamer president. But what about your average Joe, what do you think the advantages and disadvantages of “conversational intolerance” are for general public discourse? Ideas have consequences, especially in the religious sphere (9-11 anyone?). What do think about the idea that a “live and let live, believe whatever you want” attitude is no longer appropriate when it comes to questions of faith? We speak out against other ideologies we find destructive, so IF we think religion is destructive, should we not passionately express this?

And I’m curious, what do you mean by a “cultural Christian?”

Thanks for sharing your point of view.

–Bob

By: Larry Vaughan

Larry Vaughan — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 03:18:32 +0000

Boshe,
Loved this post. And I can’t wait to see the movie! Religion is big business in this country; I would venture to guess that a person could not get elected to the presidency without the support of pewists. So yeah, the Rick Warren interview was indeed a love fest. If you’re not a fan of organized religion then that puts you in the company of the historical Jesus. Speaking of ballsy! While you and I may differ on some things, what draws me to you is our common work of exploring the spiritual dimension. Ah, the old days…homeostasis and the pineal gland. Miss you here!

By: ~C4Chaos

~C4Chaos — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 01:07:19 +0000

“…if Obama or any other politician shares MY worldview, he or she would have to lie through their teeth about it in order to be elected to public office.”

i very much agree. but the reality is that, you can’t win a presidential election in the U.S. if you apply “conversational intolerance”, especially on faith and religion.

i don’t think Obama is lying per se, but i feel that he’s pandering a bit to assure people that he’s a Christian, and of course, to win the election. it’s the same feeling i had when Tony Blair converted to Roman Catholicism. http://bit.ly/3UOnZq

i have no doubt that Obama is sophisticated enough to have outgrown those outdated Christian myths. but who knows. all in all i still prefer his answer to the question of “evil” than McCain’s worldview, religious, or otherwise.

i believe that people can be a cultural Christian without sacrificing reason.