Philo, why do you try to belittle women, you know I am not one. You state, “Does she imagine she has no worldview to introduce to the whole of society? A religion is a worldview or philosophy about how society should function. By confronting people of faith with an atheistic world view has done as much damage to the world as any other religion in the last 100 years. To hold no view of where we came from why we are here or where are we going leaves us a lawless zombies. Even atheists have such a worldview they are passionate about; note the vilification they post when the subject of Creation is introduced witness their antagonistic passion aroused.”
The world is filled with religious zombies. Provide evidence of the world view that atheists are providing to the world and the damage it is doing. My world view, is based on the reality of the universe, not, a past its use by date fantasy. My view is logical, to why, how and where to. This Victorian law is another attempt to politically correct us all. Religion should be restricted mostly to the places of worship and the home in this country. A true secular state would stop the religious and any other groups from forcing their beliefs and standards onto us. Multi culturalism is a failure and these laws are just an attempt to stifle those that want freedom, over religious control. In Britain, they have a situation where they are in the control of conflicting religions and there are no borders or front line. You have the right wing christian politicians and the ethnic multicultural Muslims, they both think they are right so there will be no solution. Laws like these, encourage conflict. There is little free speech in this country, we will soon see less and less until we won't even be able to have these discussions. Remember, in Australia, we have no rights what so ever, except what the ruling elite allow at certain times, then they take them back, when it suits.

Dear David and BOAZ David

Thank you for your posts. On reflection, I can see how my posts must have frustrated both of you. I have been akin to an oscilating fan with my views - well, that's I must have presented.

Both of you have given me a great deal to think about over the past 24 hours - and I thank you for that.

Let me make my position clear. I am Christian born and bred - and I am usually moderate in my views. I try and give other belief systems as much as I possibly can in my fair dinkum way. I hold Christian values and I try and live by same.

I have been "soft" in my postings re Islam because I am scared. I am scared for my young family (my nieces). They are only 12 and 13 years of age. They have already said that they are scared about watching TV and listening to radio because of Islam, Muslims, and terrorism. It is not fair that they should be frightened.

I have now had a gutful of being fair! Where are the moderate Muslim people? What are they doing? Why should we send SAS back to Iraq? I want our troops here to care for us.

What about sending radical Muslim people back to wherever - to fight their own stuff?

I know that I have not presented an argument. I know this post is emotive.

Kay

Our forum arguments are becoming more and interesting, as well as intelligent enough to be progressive. But what worries us older folk so much, is that comparatively recently we've just had two wars to end wars, but things are getting more dangerous than ever. Maybe we would all pull together if we had a common enemy like an invasion from outer space.

It is so interesting that many of the nasty little wars we have had since WW2 as in Bosnia have broken out between Moslems and Christians who were held in check by a man like Marshal Tito. Was that because a more benevolent style of Marxism was keeping them more content rather than the rape and slaughter than has happened since?

However, none of us want to see a return to Communism, even though the effects of social secularism, with an armoured truck on every street corner might enforce the peace.

The worry is, that the way the world is now, either our two main religions solve their problems harmoniously, it won't be the war to end wars, but sadly the war to end everything on this planet.

Still living in hope,

regards, Bushbred

Thank you for your post Kay, there is so little grace on these forums, and it has been good to dialogue with you and others.

I think for all of us, especially those of us who are not Muslims, we are struggling to come to grips with a culture that does not seem willing, or indeed able, to blend with the dominant culture with its Christian and subsequent enlightenment heritage.

I am truly concerned that unless so called moderate Muslims (ie those who interpret the Qur'an and ahadith in a benign way) can exert influence in calming the extremists in our midst and their sympathisers, who are in great numbers than most of our politicians and newspaper editors care to admit, we are heading for civilisational catastrophe for it is not impossible for far greater damage to be done with these suicide bombings and I don’t need to spell it out.

Personally, we should have left the Middle East well alone: quite apart from the increase in suicide bombings in the West, the outcome for Christians living for the past 2 millennia in the Middle East long before the Muslims arrived in the 8th century AD has been deplorable(and there have been millions of Christians living there under conditions of dhimmitude). The problem has been oil and the presence of Israel restored to at least some of her ancient lands. What is answer to these two issues, none of us truly knows – do we

I want to out myself: "David" is David Palmer the author of the article to which these comments are attached. I think nom de plumes encourage people to say hurtful things which as "David" I too have been guilty of. I apologise, but promise to defend Christian values and understanding with full vigour and integrity as time and ability permit.

I bid you adieu for at least 24 hrs as I have now used up my alloted 2 posts for the day!

Dear Kay
I noted with strong interest your clarification of your position.
Thanx for that. You were indeed a model of moderacy :)
Forgive me if I sound patronizing here, (specially as your my 'elder' by one whole year :)... but it seems that you are at a kind of crossroads, as you pointed out, your post was more emotional than argument. Don't worry, we all need to vent our spleens at times :)

The important thing, is for all of us to chanel our passion and our faith in the right direction as Christians, which means simply putting our lives and futures in the hands of Christ. Building a relationship with our heavenly father, as described by Paul

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth all knowledge, that ye might be filled will all the fullness of God (Eph 3:17 and following)

Knowing Gods love as our daily experience, does not mean we recoil from "speaking the truth in love". Though at times we also have to speak with condemnation, as Jesus did of the Pharisees, Lawyers and Scribes (Luke 11:37 ff) But even then, it is the scalpal of healing, not the knife of malice.

As you experience of His peace deepens, this will be conveyed to your nieces.

We have peace, thru Christ, and can rejoice in the glorious liberty of life in all its abundance' as we are set free from the 'flesh' and all its trappings.

I hope you will dig deep into scripture, and be overwhelmed with regular encounters with 'Him' thru prayer, opening your heart to His Spirit, who will guide you in all things :)