Quote Originally Posted by Yonivore
Please bear with me, there's an important point to be made about government and religion here; but, first, I've got to explain my perspective on the character of God and how we derive our individual rights.

The main point in this argument is the unique character of the Jewish and Christian God. The God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Jesus is unlike any other God known to the ancient religions of Greece, Rome or the Middle East, or any other religion known to our Founders at the birth of this nation.

Uniquely, this God wishes to be worshiped in spirit and truth, in whatsoever manner conscience directs, without coercion of any sort. This God reads hearts, and is satisfied only with purity of conscience and conviction. Those who belong to any other religion or tradition, or who count themselves among agnostics or atheists, are thereby given by this God equal freedom. They, too, must follow their individual consciences. This God wishes to be worshiped by men and women who are free, not under duress.
Nice, meaty post, but it's full of holes (Kind of like "Swiss steak", eh?). I will not address all the holes right here and now, but I will touch upon a couple, and when time permits, I'll try to respond with more thoughtful ... thoughts.

Firstly though, could you kindly state for the record that you are in fact a Christian; and further, if you are a Christian, to which specific sect you subscribe. It's only for my convenience that I ask this - I aim not to make false assumptions about you. If you are uncomfortable about revealing specific details about your religious beliefs, I'll leave it at that.

You say that God wishes to be worshipped by people "without coercion of any sort" and, who are "not under duress." I would say that ETERNAL salvation and ETERNAL damnation are as coercive and threatening as anything - to a Christian. In fact, I believe that Christianity would cease to exist, except for the promise of "Heaven" and the threat of " ."

Hey, is the game back on?

Adios.