Foxy
Yes, I thought it was great.
The late Isaac Asimov (one of my few favourite fictional (?) authors) addressed similar issues in a number of his 'robot' books.

While I think of it you might find "Afluenza" an interesting read. (comments)

Many years ago I attended a seminary (believe it or not) but walked out largely because they were training conversionists. Having grown up in PNG I learned the wisdom and comfort of one’s own beliefs. I still don’t accept proselyting.

When my children were at an age to understand the place of religion in peoples lives I took them to various religions’ meetings.

We settled on the ‘Quakers’ because they accepted all, didn’t preach or have dogma.

The movie ‘Amazing Grace’ was about a Quaker.
Quakers have both started and run many of the peace organizations World Wide. Likewise many NGO relief organizations today. Yet they are almost unknown.
If you were to list great historical British social reformers most would be Quakers. They go about their work quietly as if it was no big deal e.g. Florence Nightingale, Shaftsbury, were Quakers.
Like you astutely said actions not words.
Some years back a newly married couple were kidnapped and killed in Algeria (?) while delivering aid. The parents ASKED for ‘Blood Money’ (Islamic law) rather than have the perps executed. The money was donated to the same charitable program. Ask yourself would you if it was your children? I hope I would but ….
Quakers are always conscientious objectors (anti war, anti violence pro environment, prison reform etc) and oppose capital punishment. While I am an atheist (sort of) I have immense respect/admiration for the Quakers. They’re a fascinating lot.

I guess my subtle advice to him is either missed or unappreciated. Oh well I wish Polycarp could experience Quaker (Christian) peace and acceptance of others. I think he’d be better off and could turn his intellect to more positive pursuits. But like Voltaire said “I disagree with what he says but would defend with my life his right to say it.”

Pelican,
Did you read my response to my unintentional gender reassignment comment?
Be careful agreeing with me you may find yourself being categorized as
being a wannabe Emeritus Profs or looking down on people. Then again
as I've said before acknowledging a fault(s) isn't judgemental merely observational. As Long as I know the difference even though others mightn't keep on pluggin' Some out there will appreciate your wisdom. To paraphrase Isaac Newton "if I can see further it is because I stand on the shoulders of others" Giants are optional. ;-)

Dear examinator,

Thanks for responding, and for your book
recommendation. I will look into it.
After all Tor Hundloe's was a winner.

I'm not at all surprised that you visited
a Seminary. I went on "Retreats" quite a
few times myself. And, for a brief period,
entertained the thought of becoming a nun.

My father had a deep respect for Quakers.
One of his favourite films was one called,
"Friendly Persuasion," starring (I think)
Gary Cooper, as the patriarch of a
Quaker family.

Anyway, Thanks again for sharing.

Fractelle: Quoting an inexperienced writer, taking a few cheap pot shots by focusing on the stale, bad and ugly?

There is a simpler test to identify a Christian of any stripe:

-Does that person believe Jesus Christ was the Son of God, who came and died on a cross for the sins of all mankind?
-and believe the bible to be God's word?
-If put on trial for being a Christian, would he/she be found guilty?

Breathe a sigh of relief that you’re not living under shariah law if answering yes to the above.

Pelican:

<“highly selective material….. I'll take your word for it Poly”.>

Sura 9 is straight from the source.

<“Aren't there passages in the Bible ...?”>

Ad hominem point...It is not helpful to view the Qur’an through the lens of the bible (unless you are absolutely confident that both are equally in error). View the Qu'ran on its own merits and claims.

<Re: the website quoted>

This is a site promoting Islam. It serves the Islamic purpose to have others believe that the Bible and the Qur’an are similar (they aren't).

Note: the “aberration” of hijab and burqa is applauded in the muslim world as the ideal.

<“Is there any part of your life ...?>

Apostates don’t typically become mass murderers or criminals.

Buying Californian oranges fails the test of making a call that would benefit all of mankind, yet this type of decision is typical of the “higher functioning brain”. It doesn't seem to influence the choices of common criminals either.

(Oh yeah, Poly, I’m for the LP. But I think that the person who raised its removal from parliament is guilty of exactly the same rabble-rousing that Pericles has a radar for: polarizing people on an issue which is practically a non-issue for the majority of Australians. Or at least was.)

Aaaah..but Katie.. secular rabble rousers are in reality "High minded and balanced individuals who always have the deepest interests of humanity at heart" haha.. no.. no one said that as a quote, but if you read Pericles and his Chihwawa friends yapping posts they sure imply it.

If a Christian points out something aaah..'that' is rabble rousing :)

EXAMMY...which seminary in PNG mate? most curious about that.

PLECICAN...this incessant "you cherry pick" is becoming wearisome old son. EVVVVVVeryone cherry picks when presenting a case for something.

Cross examination is what sorts out the 'relevant' from the irrelevant'.

Lack of understanding by Pericles and some of his cohorts in conversational crime...(gee..that aliteration surprised even me :)
is at the root of the constant criticism.

You asked an important question though.. "Arn't their similar passages in the Bible which disrespect others belief"?

Hmmm possibly.

If we limit ourselves to the New Testament (and avoid the old testament outcry against futile idolatry) there is only ONE verse which is remotely similar to Quran 9:30.

"If any man preaches a different gospel (to them)let him be accursed eternally"
Galatians 1:8

-This does NOT name a particular faith.
-It is NOT preceeded or followed by a call to arms "fight those who do not believe UNNNNTIL THEY ARE SUBJECTED" (9:29)

It is purely in Gods hands.. at the divine-judgment level. i.e. the hereAFTER not the here and NOW. (as the Quran is)

<<I am thankful that we do live in a nation where people are free to go about their business without fear of being arrested or worse, for failure to adhere to one particular doctrine>>

annnnnd...THAT is exactly why I say what I do.

DOCTINE? check THIS out mate..and see exactly how it works out in Islam for 'those who stray'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VJnNab2zYI

Dear Plucky... one more for you...

You said:

<<I cannot believe that you would commit an awful act suddenly if you were to find out one day that there is no God - you have a higher functioning brain and can make these decisions for the good of mankind.>>

A more appropriate question might have been "Wow.. you did all that when you didn't think about God?" (i.e. in the past)

Now..the wisdom I apply asks the following questions of your statement:

1/ "What is 'awful'"? (relative to.....what?)
2/ "What is Higher" functioning? (relative to....what?)

You see young Jedi, there are so many assumptions about good/evil, right/wrong encased in your statement, which I assume you have inherited from the popular consciousness and education.

Without God, and our reference to Him.. we are left with Machievelli...Sartre and so on.

Mr Derrida (if I understand his position) would have us believe that even WITH a consciousness of God and obedience to His Word.. that each of us can arrive at our own truth about that. On the peripherals I'm tempted to agree.. (infant/adult baptism and the such like) but on the core.. that Christ died for our sin according to the scripture and that He was raised on the 3rd day according to the scripture..that we remember his death for our sin in communion, there can be no leeway at all.

The conundrum of your statement about values ('higher') etc is well illustrated by this:

http://www.as.ua.edu/ant/Faculty/murphy/436/pomo.htm

1/ Postmodernism is highly debated even among postmodernists themselves. (no kidding)

2/ The postmodernist critique of science consists of two interrelated arguments, epistemological and ideological. Both are based on subjectivity.

Wellll duh... of course.. if it's all based on SUBjectivity..then.. people will jump on their ideological horses and ride off in....all directions.

I believe that there is benefit from reciting the Lords Prayer, but that benefit will be limited to those who accept it as true and meaningful, and do not have a carnal and greedy agenda which is opposed to it's values