Author Challenges Faith of a 'Christian Nation'
Audio for this story will be available at approx. 3:00 p.m. ET
Day to Day, September 29, 2006 · In his new book Letter to a Christian Nation, author Sam Harris argues that faith is an antiquated and destructive notion that should be challenged more vigorously. Harris attacks religious moderates -- Muslim moderates in particular -- who in defending their faith as tolerant and peaceful, provide cover for extremists. Harris talks with Madeleine Brand about the controversy his book is already generating.
Full Version: Govt, danger belief in rapture and Armageddon
Common Ground Common Sense > Issues that Affect Our Lives > Religion in Politics > Religion in Politics Issues Archive
Many people need faith. It is a substitute when there is little hope. I don't want to attack anyone's faith, as long as it is not being used politically, to force me to profess any particular faith, or to rule over me.
It should be a personal thing, not worn on ones sleeve as some kind of "merit badge" from God. IMO.
It should be a personal thing, not worn on ones sleeve as some kind of "merit badge" from God. IMO.
QUOTE(TheRestofUs @ Sep 29 2006, 12:55 PM)
Many people need faith. It is a substitute when there is little hope. I don't want to attack anyone's faith, as long as it is not being used politically, to force me to profess any particular faith, or to rule over me.
It should be a personal thing, not worn on ones sleeve as some kind of "merit badge" from God. IMO.
It should be a personal thing, not worn on ones sleeve as some kind of "merit badge" from God. IMO.
I need my Faith... especially now!
It should be personal or it's not real.
It should NOT be a part of government policy.
For someone to think that they are "The Decider" is the height of arrogance..
The issue is not faith, accept that moderate religious voters have allowed because they need their faith, as you stated ,the political influence of extreme Christians to govern and move into important political positions throughout federal, state and local governments.
The discussion of the author was the danger of having people, who believe the second coming of Christ is happening in their lifetime and that the rapture will take them to heaven and save them from armageddon ,in power and making the decisions for our lives.
His argument is that it is the same as electing an official that believes if he flies a plane into the twin towers he will gain heaven.
My personal take was he has a valid argument and it is a good reminder why Church and State need continuing separation.
The Rapture did not even enter Christianity until the 1950's when a religious sect in Germany had a leader who introduced it to his followers.
The discussion of the author was the danger of having people, who believe the second coming of Christ is happening in their lifetime and that the rapture will take them to heaven and save them from armageddon ,in power and making the decisions for our lives.
His argument is that it is the same as electing an official that believes if he flies a plane into the twin towers he will gain heaven.
My personal take was he has a valid argument and it is a good reminder why Church and State need continuing separation.
The Rapture did not even enter Christianity until the 1950's when a religious sect in Germany had a leader who introduced it to his followers.
QUOTE(cutecat @ Sep 29 2006, 03:04 PM)
The issue is not faith, accept that moderate religious voters have allowed because they need their faith, as you stated ,the political influence of extreme Christians to govern and move into important political positions throughout federal, state and local governments.
The discussion of the author was the danger of having people, who believe the second coming of Christ is happening in their lifetime and that the rapture will take them to heaven and save them from armageddon ,in power and making the decisions for our lives.
His argument is that it is the same as electing an official that believes if he flies a plane into the twin towers he will gain heaven.
My personal take was he has a valid argument and it is a good reminder why Church and State need continuing separation.
The Rapture did not even enter Christianity until the 1950's when a religious sect in Germany had a leader who introduced it to his followers.
The discussion of the author was the danger of having people, who believe the second coming of Christ is happening in their lifetime and that the rapture will take them to heaven and save them from armageddon ,in power and making the decisions for our lives.
His argument is that it is the same as electing an official that believes if he flies a plane into the twin towers he will gain heaven.
My personal take was he has a valid argument and it is a good reminder why Church and State need continuing separation.
The Rapture did not even enter Christianity until the 1950's when a religious sect in Germany had a leader who introduced it to his followers.
I am totally in agreement with you. IMHO Mr. Bush believes that it his job to "Bring it on". As a believer in Christ it makes me sick to see what people like that do when they get into power.
Thank you BT for coming back and hearing my explanation.
I need faith not because of the Twin Towers or war in Iraq. I learned that an unpopular and mishandled war will disenfranchise those voters as the war becomes emotionally and socially and physically draining. The demonstration in Washington last week against the war with 71 people arrested for their non violent protest.
I need my faith because I just lost my mother and my faith helps me to trust that again after 30 years she and my father can be together again.
Science teaches about energy and molecules so mom and dad are still popping around some neutron or proton somewhere.
I need faith not because of the Twin Towers or war in Iraq. I learned that an unpopular and mishandled war will disenfranchise those voters as the war becomes emotionally and socially and physically draining. The demonstration in Washington last week against the war with 71 people arrested for their non violent protest.
I need my faith because I just lost my mother and my faith helps me to trust that again after 30 years she and my father can be together again.
Science teaches about energy and molecules so mom and dad are still popping around some neutron or proton somewhere.
I hear you cutecat. I'm sorry for your loss. I know what that feels like.
I agree with you, and him upon hearing the explaination you made of what the author is saying.
I agree with you, and him upon hearing the explaination you made of what the author is saying.
QUOTE(cutecat @ Sep 29 2006, 04:47 PM)
Thank you BT for coming back and hearing my explanation.
I need faith not because of the Twin Towers or war in Iraq. I learned that an unpopular and mishandled war will disenfranchise those voters as the war becomes emotionally and socially and physically draining. The demonstration in Washington last week against the war with 71 people arrested for their non violent protest.
I need my faith because I just lost my mother and my faith helps me to trust that again after 30 years she and my father can be together again.
Science teaches about energy and molecules so mom and dad are still popping around some neutron or proton somewhere.
I need faith not because of the Twin Towers or war in Iraq. I learned that an unpopular and mishandled war will disenfranchise those voters as the war becomes emotionally and socially and physically draining. The demonstration in Washington last week against the war with 71 people arrested for their non violent protest.
I need my faith because I just lost my mother and my faith helps me to trust that again after 30 years she and my father can be together again.
Science teaches about energy and molecules so mom and dad are still popping around some neutron or proton somewhere.
I share your grief and loss, cutecat.... though for me, it be 47 years ago... the loss of mother is the loss of a friend, a friend so close and dear and precious that nothing in the world is ever quite right again... yet there is a feeling of presence... the prayer and hope that she is still there... holding us and watching us and comforting us in her loving embrace... there is no doubt, electrons and protons and neutrons of her within us - but there is also a presence of her being that will live in us and our children for-ever...
QUOTE(wundermaus @ Sep 29 2006, 08:46 PM)
I share your grief and loss, cutecat.... though for me, it be 47 years ago... the loss of mother is the loss of a friend, a friend so close and dear and precious that nothing in the world is ever quite right again... yet there is a feeling of presence... the prayer and hope that she is still there... holding us and watching us and comforting us in her loving embrace... there is no doubt, electrons and protons and neutrons of her within us - but there is also a presence of her being that will live in us and our children for-ever...
This is beautiful!
Five years for me. My memories of her make me smile and her example makes me keep on going.
I just re-read and realized its important youre all good people
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