boaz, I suppose the reason why modern christianity has been successful is largely because of its tolerance (even those to some, that is becoming an ugly word) and the fact that it has allowed free speech over dogmatic religious rule.

I suppose the chief thing that concerns me in comments such as those by Gibo, is that he finds something like Harry Potter evil, and said that were he able to make the choice, he thinks it should be banned for promoting witchcraft.

I'm getting at issues related to free speech, and there's a key difference here to usual Christian rhetoric.

Take another related issue - pornography. Even though I disagree with christians who are pushing to have this banned, I can see that some of them are making their stand from a societal standpoint. They feel that pornography degrades women, harms the family unit and leads to a breakdown in society. At least, however tenuous I may feel it is, there is a basis for what they are saying, which can be argued, is not simply derived from dogma.

On the other hand, this dislike of witchcraft and Harry Potter is nothing less than one faith wanting to prevent people from looking at or being exposed to another belief set, because they regard it as evil.

Yes, it seems nonsensical, but this opposition is based wholly and solely around a dogmatic vision - in vision, it is not far from the Islamic extremists who regard other religions as infidels.
Of course this is a far lighter example, but it's still extremism and intolerance.
I guess I can understand some of the anti-muslim sentiment insofar as it's a reaction against the hyperactive intolerance displayed by the extremists of that faith, however I don't accept that we should retreat into similarly intolerant attitudes as a consequence, we just need to make it clear that people are welcome to practice whatever beliefs they wish, but the moment they start attempting to clamp down on others they've crossed the line. It's pretty simple really.

Boazy: "CJ actually seems to regard Jesus as 'ok'.. which makes me wonder why he does not seek a more meaningful connection."

Easy Boazy - I'm a bit like Gandhi (at least with respect to Christianity):

'I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.' - Mohandas Gandhi :)

I've seen 'The Pledge' - it's an excellent film. But then I'm also a fan of Jack N. The film to me was a thriller - I didn't see any hidden message in it about religion. But I suppose it's all in the eyes of the viewer.

In countries where one faith is dominant, the minority often feels intimidated. Those many societies who are inclined toward a more secular outlook or who practice a minority faith may worry that the moral views of the religious majority will be imposed upon them. And, in the U.S. many fear that the constitutional barrier between church and state is breaking down. Perhaps that's what the director wanted to depict - beware of religious fanatics...
Ex-US President, Bill Clinton said that the question comes down to whether we are willing to admit that we are not in possession of the whole truth, That is, he said, "The whole shooting match, the whole shebang." It is OK he added to say you believe your religion is true, even truer than other faiths, but not that you are in possession in this life of a hundred percent of truth.
Therefore if you accept that you may not know everything, it is harder to feel any kind of joy in hurting others. I guarantee that those who burn down mosques or destroy sacred places do not think they know only in part. Everbody should fess up - we don't know it all.We'd be better off with an honest dialogue about our differences.

Damn well said Foxy.

BD, I dont see this sort of film as being a set against Christians in particular, just a warning that there are wacko's of every persuasion out there. There may also be a subtle message that for most of us there are more dangerous things closer to home than terrorists. And that's a good kind of message to remember now and then.

CJ, I hadnt heard Gandhi's quote before, but I like.

Its a pity people like Gandhi rejected the free gift of salvation because of what he saw and perceived in others. If he could of seen the depravity in his own heart as well as others he would of run to the only One who could of cleansed him.