I think a lot of the vitriol recently is a continuing response to part of the US presidential elections, actually, and the role fundamentalism played in it (Christian fundementalism v. Islamic fundamentalism). Unfortunately, while folks are really referring to the extremists of the various relgions (and, yes, Buddhism [which I spelled incorrectly], Hinduism, Judaism, and, to be honest, Pagan belief all have their factions as well) they are just speaking of faiths, and the using the generic term. Several posts recently have ticked me off royally, until I was able to work through it was the extremist they were really referring to.
Which leads to the oft mentioned point that it is the extremists, who most often have actually moved themselves outside of the actual principle beliefs of their faith, who are most visible and vocal, and thus their view gets associated with the common concept of what that faith is. I'll be honest, some of the major branches of Christianity in the more extreme modes, along with a lot of minor ones, aren't still in Christianity, in my opinion, but have become cults counter to thje teachings of Christ... they've much more become churchs ABOUT Jesus than the church OF Jesus. But, again, that's my opinion. I see similar influences amongst the more extreme in Judaism and Islam, and among the Buddhists (sorry, Kickstart, I absolutely cannot remember the right spelling tonight) in parts of South East Asia, as well as the more extreme Hindu sects. I've encountered similar in some Pagan groups, but since they are a more minute group, do not generally as violent of an impact.
I really see a lot of the comments recently spewed towards religion are really at the extreme ends, whose preaching of intolerance and the demolition of the plurality of beliefs of humankind, invite a like rejection and vehemence. Especially since the majority of this board, I believe, is more towards the middle instead of the extreme.
Just my thoughts.
LthrOttr |
