Well the Ivy league didn't really turn up'

I suppose I should clarify my position. I have made some statements which maybe need clarifying a little to explain my provocative statement.

To be "seen and not heard" is very dismissive, a remark commonly said when referring to children, although it is dieing out these days.

It was not however meant in that way, except to stir the pot.

Of course I believe that every person deserves equal rights, maybe more than most. Sometimes my statements may sound communistic, and I suppose in a way they are, but I believe that a hybridization is possible if it hasn't started already.

Now of course I mean communism in it's purest sense, not the various attempts that have been made by various self interest groups. This though is another topic.

Our current two major parties are both a fairly homogeneous blend of capitalism and socialism. The far left and far right are really just left of centre and right of centre respectively. Again this is

As I stated the title was more an attention getter, what I am saying goes for religion in general.

What I am saying is this....

If a discussion is about religion, and I use that in it's broadest sense. Then sure preach, but to say that "Joe Blow" does this because of his :Whatever Religion: beliefs is wrong. You are immediately assigning some Holy (better Col) status to him, or at least it can be interpreted as such.

Matthew could really said to be saying, that even a public declaration of your faith is not enough, if people cannot just look at you and see that you are.

If this is true then to keep pointing out the obvious is just boasting, or worse, pushing your point. You cannot covert someone to a Christian, by pushing your point, the decision to become a Christian must come from within, not without.

You must however witness to them, for the Lord has instructed you too, witness to us by your actions, for words can be hollow.

It is also OK for you to speak out against what the government is doing, it is a democracy after all.

It is also fine to say "Joe Blow" is wrong to do such and such, but to say it in God's name is to say God is wrong, for Romans says that nothing happens except through God's authority.

It's a long story but my daughter was once enrolled in a very strict fundamentalist Christian school, she was 6. She came home crying one day, why did God kill mummy. Sometimes "nothing happens except through God's authority" can be miss interpreted, or misused.

To cut it short, by all means have your say on issues, personalities, philosophy what ever. Just don't tell us about God, show us and if you do it good enough, we will tap you on the shoulder and say, "Hey man, I want some of what you have."

Climate change, the environment and a lot of other issues are about two moral, ethical and scientific debate. Religion just clouds the debate with emotive issues which in themselves have nothing to do with the debate.

I definitely do not believe in abortion for instance, and I am sorry if I offend anyone, that is definitely not my intention. But to deny an innocents life because of a career, money, convenience etc, and wow, some even have abortions for aesthetic reasons, is wrong.

I have expanded on this here: http://forum.onlineopinion.com.au/thread.asp?discussion=3361#80133

It is because I believe in a right to life, but because I truly believe it is the right thing in my heart, not because someone told me to or because I read it in some book.

The Bible keeps saying, don't judge, don't judge, lest you yourself be judged, hey and by your measure.

What do you mean by don't judge. Do you mean to be simpleminded or nieve or do you mean Christians must not have an opinion or do you mean something else. How can people know that God is Love unless they hear about God. Christianity is God initiated. Religion is man originated. Christianity is relationship initiated by God. God created man in his own image to love {not lust} one another. Have been studying the belief system evolution not a science but a belief system. Webster's dictionary defines religion as follows:"Cause,principle system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith". Evolution is a religious position that makes mans opinion supreme and its fruit are lawlessness, immorality, impurity, abortion, racism, and a mocking of Gods word. Christians are not perfect just forgiven and are subject to failure because we belong to the human race. All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God so we are all in the same boat But christians know that we have forgivness in the man Jesus and if we change our mind to line up with his will found in his word and confess our sin he is faithfull to forgive us.
Regards Richie 10

Why are children born with a designated religion. We live in a free society, except religion. This has got to be an abuse of human rights.

Because man has decreed it so. God decreed for man to believe which comes after hearing the word. Man changed it around with man as the focal point.
Richie 10

Wybong

Don't be sorry if you offend people. Jesus often offended people (especially those self righteous enough to dent their need of a Saviour). While it should never be the intention to offend people the truth does. Your belief in abortion is enough to offend people unless of course you keep it to yourself. Then again if you had a daughter who was about to murder her baby you would be very wrong not to speak up. If you re read your bible you will find that Daniel spoke up on moral issues a number of times to his King.

You will also find that the devil and his followers likes nothing more than Christians to hide away being to gutless to speak truth. If people did not speak out society would be far worse than it is now. Look at some of the Greens perverted social policies. Enough said.