ronthenekred Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 Faith was one of many common denominators. I do not question that those who gathered for the multi-faith prayers were genuinely appalled by the events that promopted it. Nor do I doubt that they hoped/believed prayer might make a difference. But let's not kid ourselves that this was a spontaneous show of unity because the poeple had faith in common. The show of unity was in fact orchestrated to deflect criticism of religion (in general) for its divisive role in countless conflicts and attrocities around the world. The show of unity was in fact a statement. It was in fact a lie. In all fairness I wasn't replying to their reasons or not..that would be pure guesswork, this was what I was replying to: "This has got me thinking... is it really true that faith unites people? Is it not actually the case that faith divides people?". It was the broader question of "Does faith unite people", not did faith unite these set of people in order to deflect criticism. My interpretation was that you were looking for a wider debate because you mentioned "it got me thinking". Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halibut Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 I think these multi faith services following a terror attack are just papering over the cracks I'm afraid. I profoundly disagree. I think they send out an important signal of unity and solidarity. ---------- Post added 02-10-2013 at 22:36 ---------- Faith was one of many common denominators. I do not question that those who gathered for the multi-faith prayers were genuinely appalled by the events that promopted it. Nor do I doubt that they hoped/believed prayer might make a difference. But let's not kid ourselves that this was a spontaneous show of unity because the poeple had faith in common. The show of unity was in fact orchestrated to deflect criticism of religion (in general) for its divisive role in countless conflicts and attrocities around the world. The show of unity was in fact a statement. It was in fact a lie. Orchestrated by whom? Are you implying some unseen all knowing and all powerful hand at work? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
boyfriday Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 Are you implying some unseen all knowing and all powerful hand at work? Despite his protestations I think Zamo's in danger of becoming a feeble minded God botherer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unbeliever Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 Under normal circumstances good people will do good things and evil people will do evil things. If you want to get good people to do evil things, you need religion. Steven Weinberg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Halibut Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 Under normal circumstances good people will do good things and evil people will do evil things. If you want to get good people to do evil things, you need religion. Steven Weinberg Snappy quote, but I don't believe it's as black and white as good people and evil people. I'd say it's a gross oversimplification. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SevenRivers Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 I profoundly disagree. I think they send out an important signal of unity and solidarity. Unity and solidarity of what? Between people who believe in sky pixies, which most people don't anyway? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeterPerfect Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 The BBC reports that Kenya's top Christian, Hindu and Muslim clerics have led a multi-faith prayer service for the 67 victims of the Westgate shopping centre attack. President Uhuru Kenyatta told the gathering that religion had been used to try and divide Kenyans but faith had instead united them. This has got me thinking... is it really true that faith unites people? Is it not actually the case that faith divides people? Even in places, like Britain, where people of different faiths are not fighting each other over their differences, we still have division rather than any sort of faith induced unity. Do not people of different faiths generally worship, cluster and socialise along faith lines? Of course, there is some coming together but surely that is more to do with proximity rather than the unifying influece of faith? Wouldn't it be better to have one less thing that divides us? Wouldn't there be more unity if all people gave up their faith for the greater good? I think it would be a selfless act that any god would surely admire and approve of. They make all the right noises but underneath they don't really accept the others religion. 60 odd people blown up the other day in Pakistan because they were of a different religion says it all... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronthenekred Posted October 2, 2013 Share Posted October 2, 2013 Under normal circumstances good people will do good things and evil people will do evil things. If you want to get good people to do evil things, you need religion. Steven Weinberg By definition if you do evil things you are not good. It's a poorly constructed quote and logically flawed. If something can turn you bad then most likely you lived under the guise of good..especially in the eyes of others. Loving husband by day? reality,..wife beating nasty piece by night. So what is he? Good or bad? Religion isn't the only means by which others do bad things to others. Money trumps most things. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harleyman Posted October 3, 2013 Share Posted October 3, 2013 For people of the same faith who attend the same church yes it does unite and very much so Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angos Posted October 3, 2013 Share Posted October 3, 2013 By definition if you do evil things you are not good. It's a poorly constructed quote and logically flawed. If something can turn you bad then most likely you lived under the guise of good..especially in the eyes of others. Loving husband by day? reality,..wife beating nasty piece by night. So what is he? Good or bad? Religion isn't the only means by which others do bad things to others. Money trumps most things. But then what you describe as evil someone might describe as good, and something you describe as good they might describe as evil, its all just a mater of opinion. There are no good people or evil people, there are just people with different values, morals and beliefs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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