RevBogovac

we've all been there! Well... most of us...

You expected differently... but nothing new here, reminds me of your topic about the relation between mental state and religious fanaticism. In social/psychology studies it is well known as "confirmation bias"... I just call it "jumping through hoops/loopholes".

Yes, non defendable. <- period. You can jump through loop-holes all you want, but slavery is a bad thing. <- another period. And as Jonathan has pointed out previously; your view of "indentured servitude" is a naive one (at best) and you only use it do defend the non defendable.

I remember something like: 😉 Not trying to take this subject not seriously. Have had my share of pain; both having been in war (twice) and having a chronic illness... but "perspective" does seem to make the difference.

And another great little loophole... after the geocentric astronomy model, the flat earth, Dan actually defends slavery?!? Sorry Dan, but slavery is simply non defendable. That Jesus (whom I personally hold dearly) did not speak against it does say something about the zeitgeist. But it also shows, quite obviously, that we can conclude there is no proof of god in his actions whatsoever; because god would have been eternally "good" and always "right". But you'll probably jump trough the next loop explaining to us all how god actually changes his mind according to the time instead of letting all people live in freedom all the time... don't bother, Jonathan gave a good example of Jesus being "wrong" and which I "adamantly disagree with".

Welcome!

Yup, heard you loud and clear!

Yeah, a youtube video to counter peer reviewed empiric science... says more about your "faith" than mine, I'm afraid.

I can live with that... or, as Jonathan said:

Just saying: Source: Wikipedia on the Level of support for evolution But don't bother, Dan still believes an ancient book should be taken literally...

I'll take the word of scientists over yours at any time...: Source: For Darwin Day, 6 facts about the evolution debate, by the Pew Research Center.

No, it isn't... evolution has a substantial base in empiric science. There is ample of proof to sustain the hypothesis (both through carbon dating evidence from the past as well as through observation of evolution in progress). This proof has been published in peer reviewed scientific journals and has a +98% consensus rate in scientific circles. Or do you also have a geocentric astronomical view? Flat Earth too, maybe? Hey, it's all just "as much of a hypothesis", right...?

Indonesia, right... let's search for some news on Indonesia and Christians... what's the first hit!?! "Indonesian Christian politician held on blasphemy"... Yeah.... progressive compared to other Islamic nations... but to my standards... Well maybe that says more about my standards... And I don't know about that "Not that minorities are discriminated against." either... we have a (very) large former refugee community from Indonesia (mostly from Maluku) here in the Netherlands... But let's see what the CIA World Factbook has to say on the topic. Oh wait, what does it say on Indonesia? "[...] inter-communal, inter-faith, and separatist violence between 1998 and 2004 in Aceh and Papua; religious attacks and land conflicts in 2012 and 2013; most IDPs [internally displaced persons] in Aceh, Maluku, East Nusa Tengarra) (2017)." Yeah, sounds like fun! Good thing they are considered "Progressive / Modern"... But as you already said: "Radicalism is a creeping influence. Small, but growing." Enough running around freely taking some book way too literally.

The only hope, public/state and religion should be divided. Religion is something for the private domain.

Name me 1 country where the Islam is the dominant faith and that you consider "not radical"...

Try looking at the real world and how non-muslims have been or are treated in muslim dominated regions. You might change your mind... Let me tell you from my (Yugoslav, orthodox christian) view: it's not so nice and pretty as you imagine.

Nope. People have rights.

Not confusing anything here... the example may involve catholics, but we were talking about missionaries. I include you in that group too BTW.

Nice try, most of us actually know enough historic facts about what happended to a lot of people who did not want "to hear about it" [nothing to smile there]...

Oh no. Oh no! Don't tell me Dan's a "flat earther" too!!! Why did you have to go and open that can of worms too... ?!? Indeed better to stay "on-topic":

My very name stems from that; it means "free one" and was given to boys who were mutilated by their own parents (eyes poked out, fingers amputated and such) in an attempt to prevent the Islamic invaders in Europe to take them and brainwash them into the very first ranks of their future armies.... Thus becoming quite fanatic because they wanted to "prove" themselves worthy of their new religion. Actually becoming so good at it that for centuries they became the emperors elite forces and personal body guards. For more background info just google: Janissaries (or just read the Wiki link I put in). But yes, all "major" religions were guilty of more or less similar means of "persuasion" (or maybe someone can try to explain what "christmas trees" and [chocolate] easter eggs have to do with Christ's birth or crucifixion [no, I don't believe in his "literal" resurrection]...).

Maybe... Source: The Newyorker, by Isaac Chotiner, Jan. 14, 2019

Try Lessons In Apologetics, Part 1: Introduction & Agnosticism , for starters...

Hmkay, will have to search that one... But it is the same reverence; in "V" the humans "served" the aliens too...