Originally posted by Hightower GT:
Originally posted by TourDeForce:
I've conceeded that there are some people like this, but not nearly so many as you allude to.



Have you ever been to a place I like to call "Middle America" ? I have lived in it for 31 years and I was raised to be one of those people that I described. And since I wasn't describing JUST the US, what kind of interactions have you had with people in/from other countries? What about different religions? Have you taken on a personal quest to research all religions and speak to many people that have these beliefs? (I did a while back)

I do agree with you that there are plenty of intelligent/wise people that practice a religion. However, once you can see the masses/lemmings, you'll see what I am talking about. It's a routine/safe repetition for them. They have also been embedded in them from birth that if they continue these routines, they will go to heaven (or equivalent)



I have been to middle America, and I point out that M.A. is not the population center of this nation. Your point of reference is skewed if you think M.A. religious attitudes are typical of most Americans.

Yes, I have been to other countries. How 'bout you? I've also had, & continue to have, long standing friendships with persons of various religions, including two of my former employers who were both Muslim men from Iran. I spoke to them extensively about Islam, Iran, & the prevailing sentiments of their friends, family, and the general population of Iran itself. Far fewer radicals than I would have thought based on TV coverage, unfortunately, the radicals are armed, organized, & instill fear in the general population. These conditions prevent the majority from speaking out for fear of having their entire families wiped out. So what gets on TV? The radicals, not the typical man on the street. There you have it in a nut shell (pun intended).

As far as research on theological radicalism, no, I have not done that. My experiences are admittedly limited compared to somebody who does research, but they are extensive enough to give me a general idea on what is going on out in the world, I think. Are there radical & wrong-headed religious people? Yes. Do they typically represent the majority view for their particular faith? In my experience, No.

I also have yet to hear any valid support for your assertions.


Must be that jumbly-wumbly thing happening again.