Zulu77, I'm just wondering what particular mindset you think I have, regarding my use of the word 'alleged' in relation to a prophet called mohammed and his teachings.
I use the word alleged for a number of reasons.
1. I am not a muslim.
2. I do not believe in Islam (or any religion - I believe religion is there for power, control, money and subjugation, but that's another issue).
3. 'Alleged', is a word used when discussing something unproven. How can we not use the word 'alleged' when talking about things as fancy as thus?
Even if you ask a muslim about the events when their prophet mohammed was allegedly spoken to by god, or a christian about their alleged events, or any other religion, we would be wrong in not using the word alleged, as when pressed they will all tell you that they have faith, not proof, or evidence to back it up, and these are believers! You could argue that they have their alleged religious books, which can be used as proof or evidence. I tend to think these are tall stories, no doubt I'll be told off for saying that, we've all got our own opinions!
Even alleged religious books, are only a collection of fact and fiction (decide the ratio for yourself), cobbled together and bastardised over the years, with nothing to back them up.
If you think I have the mindset of a free thinker, who makes informed decisions, who makes his own mind up, not unduely influenced by others, or far fetched fanciful stories designed to subjugate and control us, least of all from the most self serving of the Abrahamic religions, then you're right!
Thank you for taking the time to consider this response and explaining your line of thought Geoff.
I can now see that you seem to hold a particular opinion on the basic tenets of mainstream 'religion' that wasn't very clear from your initial piece.
Now that you've explained the thinking in your choice of the word 'alleged' I can begin to appreciate your position.
Your initial post now seems to be less of an outright diatribe about the unsavoury (or otherwise) inclinations of the followers of a particular religious discipline (Islam) and more about your concerns of how fervency in, and adherence to, a belief can encourage people to think and behave in a particular way.
You might again be surprised to learn that I agree with more of your opinion than perhaps you would immediately expect.
My initial post, by my own admission is a diatribe, if not an outright diatribe. If by diatribe you mean 'a bitter criticism or attack, denunciation'.
Of course I'm not tarring them all with the same brush, but as I stated earlier, where are the moderates to say 'this is not us and what we believe in'?
Your assumption that it was a diatribe (irrelevant that it actually was), is part of the problem in Britain, where silly people think we can all get along harmoniously, with no disagreements. (I'm not calling you silly, just speaking in general). Not that I would want to cause tension or disagreements for their own sake, but I think alot of people need to toughen up and understand you can't agree or get on with everyone, all of the time.
Certain opinions people hold about certain subjects can be deemed as offensive, so I think it would be unwise to offer these opinions as it would create conflict, but if asked their opinions I certainly don't think they should soften their approach, sanitize their views or hide in the shadows to say what they think. Modern day Britain is gradually losing its freedom of speech and expression, in fact I believe all liberties are under threat due to the ruling Liberal Elite's submission to Islam, which is wrong.
I'm all for allowing people to believe what they want to believe, I'd be contradicting myself to say otherwise. However, for someone like me who does not believe in any sort of religion, creation, or intelligent design, to respect any belief in religion, creation, or intelligent design, would be completely wrong.
I think it is more about respecting anothers right to believe what they want, not what they actually believe.
If you agree with more of my OP than you say I would immediately expect, then they say great minds think alike!
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