Where do I start, Josephus the danger from bigoted religion is just as prevalent today as it was say 500 years ago. The Islamic state is a prime example of what happens when the extremes of religion combines with the extremes of the state, disaster. Now, I know you are going to tell me, oh! that's the bad Muslims doing that, and not us good Christians. Granted, but what I am saying is, all religious fanatics regardless of their particular badge are capable, given the opportunity of combining with the state, of carrying out atrocities in the name of god against society. You and others may not agree.
You may also say, Christianity has gone through a period of reformation and the evils of religious extremism have been done away with. I'm not so sure of that, just the opportunity had been done away with by applying what one poster said, division of church and state, most important I believe.

ALTRAV, regardless of what you might think and say, legalising SSM has not caused the sky to fall in. I can't take what you say seriously, after some time back in another discussion saying, paedophilia was nothing more than some kind of (perverted) way of turning boys into men. Do you still hold with that? My haply married gay friends would like to know as well. Like the religious bigot you seem to think if society doesn't follow your moral code then the end is certain, not so.

Yuyutsu, forgive me for confusing the virtues of religion with the evilness of Church organisations, who claim to represent god on earth and the virtues of religion. Don't get me wrong, the vast majority of religious people are not fanatical extremists wanting to control society. I simply point out that the potential for extremism from some sections of religion still exists. Do you agree with that, and not just in Islam, which is self evident, but in Christianity and others as well.

Paul,when reason fails as in your case, the only option is either verbal or physical abuse.
As you are not within reach, just assume I will abuse you verbally except your guardian angels are watching and so we will just have to imagine.
You have been abusing me and calling me all kinds of things, so logic would suggest I am allowed to rebut in kind, but you obviously have issues so I'll be the bigger man.
BTW stop it with that pedophile rubbish, I said no such thing.
Your comment about it says more about you and that it appears it is foremost on your mind, it never enters mine, or you have me mixed up with someone else.
Please find the quote and repeat EXACTLY what I wrote, not your version.
Then I will take you seriously and explain what it was about.

Paul, anyone interested, the title of this thread needs yet another look.
Too the honest first number who agree with its path.
Then read the posts
Some from those who agree, damning anyone with any different view.
Not a single chance, in this world at least, has our first view it is worth supporting, going to change some.

Dear Paul,

«I simply point out that the potential for extremism from some sections of religion still exists. Do you agree with that, and not just in Islam, which is self evident, but in Christianity and others as well.»

A preliminary question before any attempt to answer whether the potential for extremism¹ can exist within religion, is whether religion itself exists to begin with. This is a question of faith: whatever the answer, it cannot be proven.

If religion does not exist, as most modern atheist believe, reasoning that "since there is no God there can be no way to come closer to God", then extremism within religion cannot exist either. Hence let us assume from now on that religion does exist.

Mind you, an atheist can still be religious, at times even more than a church-person, only that this fact would not occur to him/her. It similarly may not occur to a zealous church-person that they actually are not religious. They may think they are, but if their attitude and behaviour does not lead them towards God, then they are not truly religious.

Though it is evident that violent fanaticism occurs in Islam, it is not evident that this version of "Islam" to which we are exposed, is indeed a religion. It may well be that certain churches at certain times are not religious either!

The third commandment is: "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain". A Jew or Christian who preaches violence in the name of God, breaks this commandment, so how can they be called "religious"?

That violence and religion cannot coexist is a clear tenet of Hinduism, hence since you addressed your question to me, my final answer is in the negative, even if the implication is that, at least at certain times and places, Judaism, Christianity and Islam are not religions.

__________
¹ I presume that we are discussing here only violent extremism, of the kind that hurts others and attempts to control them. Other forms of extremism that involve oneself alone can have their rightful place in religion.

Yuyutsu your posts often state definites, and they rarely exist
Morrison has brought his faith FIRMLY into government, by donating in the government's name, to Hillsong.
Truly not troubling me but yes asking why.
Now the extremes right here in this thread, point to a truth
The bill, well-intended, will be miss-used
I could highlight some faiths we probably should not, [strange in such a thread but still true]
Say Scientology, surely many here do not think of it as a true faith?
But it has form, for suing its enemies, so? best not talk about them, [think on that]
Exclusive Brethren, [the same story, walk away] even from its open siding with one side of politics.
GY gave us a subject we, most of us, still see as truth, worth our support.
Others opened the door [be honest!] showing us just how hard it will be for ANY DRAUGHT BILL, to not be a trap leading to warfare.

Dear Belly,

Faith is often an important tool of religion.

But faith can also exist outside religion, so having faith is not a proof of religiosity - nor is having an organization that calls itself "a religion", loud and/or imposing as it might be.

As I said many times, no bill can protect religion because no secular legislative, executive or judicial body is capable of recognising religion (and non-religion) even when it stares at their face. Fortunately, in due course, God Himself will protect religion.