Jews maintained the pagans were wrong in worshiping many gods. Christians maintained that the Jews were wrong in not recognising Jesus as the Messiah. Islam maintained that Jews and Christians had it wrong in not recognising Allah and Mohammed as his prophet. Orthodox Christians maintained that Catholics were wrong in making the pope the head of the church. Protestant Christians maintained the same thing and went into business for themselves. In the east Hindus had their own narrative and followed many gods. Buddhists maintained that there are no gods but cycles of life and transmutation of life forms by reincarnation.

Could it be that they are all wrong? Could it be that all religions are nothing but human made mumbojumbo?

david f - religions are nothing but human made mumbojumbo

I believe you are at least 90% correct. The prime intent of religious franchises generally is glorification of a few 'experts' in order to subjugate the masses. I guess a few of the smaller groups might still follow the truth substantially but they would definitely be in the minority. There are numerous examples where franchise doctrine is in clear conflict with respective holy books, neither islam, catholocism, judaism, buddhism, confucianism nor the protestant franchises are much different in that respect. That said, this thread was started to discuss issues with the church of rome, & that mob are probably the worst offenders on the planet where intentional distortion for personal & institutional gain is concerned.

Could it be that what is called a gay lobby is nothing more than a group in the church who would like to see equal treatment for homosexuals? I hope there is a gay lobby working for equal rights for homosexuals, a woman's lobby working for equal rights for women and a lobby that recognises that people with other or no religion are just as entitled to equal rights as anybody else.

In case of a suspected crime one calls the cops. They are equipped to deal with such matters. I hope there is also a lobby in the Catholic church that supports calling the cops in cases of pedophilia or other crimes. The new pontiff has declared that pedophilia will be investigated and dealt with severely. He has not mentioned calling the cops so he really doesn't seem serious about the matter.

david f

Any religious franchise (leastwise one with mosaic roots), which condoned homosexuality would be in very clear breach of its charter. Note that islamics & jews still regard condemnation of homosexuality relevant today, its only catholicism & some (but not all) franchises derived therefrom which have joined the politically correct bandwagon. Whilst many consider political correctness infinitely more important than biblical principles, the fact remains that an organization ostensibly founded on biblical principles should reasonably be expected to conform to those principles. The fact that the church of rome doesn't, in no way negates the value of said principles to those who regard them important. Atheists at least take their principles seriously however one has to wonder what part of 'abomination' those who claim to be homosexual christians fail to comprehend.

David, Archy Pell was going to call the cops but he lost their number.
Religion was invented by women so men would have something to do on Sundays (in the days before pubs opened). The only religious text I believe in is "The Life of Brian"; "He's not the Messiah, he's a very naughty boy".
"Could it be that all religions are nothing but human made mumbojumbo?"
David what ever gave you that idea?
If you want to get an insight into what the Catholic clergy in Australia were like in the 1960's I can recommend the movie "The Devils Playground", a bit dated by today's standards, but not that far removed from the truth.

praxidice wrote: "... the fact remains that an organization ostensibly founded on biblical principles should reasonably be expected to conform to those principles. "

Dear praxidice,

If we followed biblical principles Saturday Sabbath observers would stone to death Sunday Sabbath observers and vice versa. Jesus encouraged his disciples to forsake their families to follow him. Luke 14:26 “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.” I think it’s generally better for families to stay together and not be disciples of Jesus.

What does the Bible say about women? Deuteronomy 22:21 A girl who is not a virgin when she marries shall be stoned to death at the door of her father.

Most Bible believers have the humanity not to follow that evil.

Paul said, 1Timothy 2:11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

If the Bible were followed not only would Gillard not be prime minister, but women would be allowed to neither vote nor teach. They would merely make babies and be quiet.

Most men and women love their mothers and respect and care for them but not Jesus.

John 2:1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: 2:2 And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. 2:3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. 2:4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.

Most men would not be as rude to their mother as Jesus was to his. Most Christian and Jewish men are decent enough to ignore the evil way the Bible recommends treating women. I don’t see why they cannot also ignore the evil way it recommends treating homosexuals.