funkatron101 wrote:mugzi wrote:Here's the difference between Muslims and Christians. the former are committing acts of violence daily against not only their own people but against those they view as infidels around the world. I don't see stories of Christian suicide bombers or mosques being burned down by Christians. But I do read on a regular basis about a suicide bombing or churches burned by Muslims.
So is it the words that are written or how they're depicted?
And I'd like you to point out a single example of stoning children or selling women into slavery in the new testament, which is the Christian bible.
Since you're referring to the old testament you do know that much of the quran has borrowed from the old testament yes?
There have been plenty of stories throughout history and even recently of Christians using the words and teachings of the bible to justify violence and hate against fellow man. That is the problem with using religious text to fit an agenda and oppress its people. This is not exclusive to the Muslim world.
The issue I take with those who ask me to recite similar examples of oppression and violence in the New Testament, is that it's as if they claim that the Old Testament is null and void. Not only should the body of work be viewed as whole, but Jesus himself was a follower of the old teachings (Matthew 5:17). With that said, the overall tone in the New Testament did change, but then that opens up a whole new can of worms on the fallibility of god.
I can cite examples of Jesus himself promoting violence in the name of God and his message. Most Christians will refer to it as allegory and metaphor. Just as most Muslims will do the same with passages in the Qur'an.
I won't argue that the middle east is in a state of chaos. It is. I am thankful that I live in a country doesn't oppress its people (so heavily) through religion. I can not say, however, that Christianity in the US is guilt-free of this. We feel its negative effects.
You make generalizations but you dont provide any proof of your assertions. That seems to be a frequent thing on this thread.
Like I said, show me Christians blowing up themselves or others, stoning people to death or beheading non-believers.
Regardless of your agnostic take, anyone who is trying to equate Islam and Christianity on a violence level is flat out lying. The proof is just not there to do so.
Historically, Im not a revisionist. Yes I know about the Crusades, I also know that the Crusades was a reaction to the proliferation of Islam by the sword. That's what Islam has always tried to do, conquer by the sword. Whereas Christianity is spread largely by word of mouth. Big difference.
And your comments subtle as they may be indicate an anti Christian bias.
So what are these negative consequences of Christianity we can see here in the U.S.?
Traditional Marriage? Morality? Family Values? Hard Work? Humility? Adherence to God? Chastity? Charity? Accountability in entertainment?
I live my life by my own code. I'm an adult. I drink when I want, smoke weed when I want, and Im single and playing the field because I can. Would many people call that Christian? Maybe not, but Im not accountable to them.
I earn a living, pay taxes, occasionally give to charity, help out friends and family when I can and if they need it and I dont ask for anything I havent earned.
So at the end of the day Im fine with that, and hope that the God I believe in is too.
Trust but verify.