Enigma869 wrote:Let's see...Seeing a church (which in the south could be run down, old auto body shops) every 3 feet. Walking into the DMV and seeing religious plates all over the wall. Driving down the highway, and seeing religious references on the marquees of fast-food restaurants. Having 67 people ask me within 10 minutes of relocating my family to NC "What congregation do you belong to". I could go on, but I won't bore you with the details.
Well John, the things you just mentioned aren't really what I, or most normal people consider "shoving religion down your throats." The simple existence of a church building is just what is, a building. It can't speak to you. It can't run you down and stop you to talk about religion. While it is a house of worship, there is no reason why it would threaten you or your privacy. As far walking into the DMV and seeing religious plates, well, I haven't seen such in our DMV. If I did, I see nothing wrong with it. It's freedom of speech and freedom of religion. People should have the right to a voice. As far seeing religious references on marguees of fast-food restaurants, well, they also have that right John. Those businesses are private businesses. They're simply messages. Nothing more, nothing less. If you're offended by those things you have mentioned, then it could only mean that you're convicted of something that you know is not right in your life. Someone who doesn't believe in God or at least doesn't believe in the God of the bible and is secure in their belief system is not going give any of that stuff a second thought. What I have learned to be true, more time than not, is those who complain about church, Christianity, or religion as a whole and they do it quite often, usually have some history of a bad experience with church. And, because of that bad experience, they have devoted their life in justifying themselves as to why they think it's all "garbage". It's a constant battle, and usually is one that has no resolution.
Enigma869 wrote:Yeah...I've heard this argument before, and it simply doesn't fly with me. Not everyone in the world (or even in our country) believes in "Jesus", and not everyone prays to the same God. As I said, I believe religion should be a personal issue for people, and should remain completely out of poltiics and government. It simply has ZERO business being infused into those arenas! The last time I checked, the government is supposed to represent all people, not just those who claim to be "Christian"!
Well John, it's not an argument. It is what is written in the bible, and Christians believe that the Word of God is truth. I mean, you could argue all day long whether the bible is true or not, but that's whole different argument. Because most evangelical Christians believe that the bible says to go out into the world and compel those to come to Christ, then they are only doing what their religion is telling them to do. If they are in your face and rude to you, then I can definitely understand your point of view. But, as what CPC said, if they're respectful about it, I can't see how that is shoving their beliefs down your throat.
You know, I see a lot of colorful language on this forum and others, on tv and in the movies. Does it offend me? Yes, but I realize it's freedom of speech. I have a choice to listen to it, read it, or turn it off. It's as simple as that.
See there, I just found a way to combine this board two hottest topics, politics and religion! 
On second thought... Dakota is having a bonfire at the house tonight after his homecoming dance, maybe I should've asked her for some signs... 
