Phagocyte wrote:
But I don't think religion is "bad;" I see religious intolerance as just an outlet for good 'ol fashioned human bigotry. If prejudice and hatred can't take the form of religion, it would just find some other form.
You have a strong point. Religion is very often abused, just as much as any other element that can be used as an excuse for improper behavior.
The key to seeing through to the truths beyond that level of sight is in analyzing what the particular religion teaches. For instance, does Christianity teach: "Kill the infidel wherever you find him", as the Koran does? (See suras 2.191; 4.89; 5.33; 8.12; 8.65; 9.5.)
What are Christian churches teaching today, regarding "unbelievers", people who don't agree with us? They are teaching us to talk to them about Jesus. Conversion by conversation.
What do Mosques teach today regarding us "infidels"? They teach that the infidel
must be converted -- if necessary, "by the sword". Conversion by force. See, Islam is still is
Crusades mode, whereas Christendom has advance into the more modern approach of talking to people without pressuring them in any way. We do this because we believe that if conversion to Christ is not fully of a person's will, it doesn't happen.
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Christianity is different than Judaism only in people's minds -- not in the Bible.