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Jackson Wheat

November 17, 2014

My Counter to Alasdair Maclean


Religion does in no way define morality in the West, and to even say so is nave and the
obvious result of indoctrination into a religion. Religion is defined by the changing moral
Zeitgeist, which is affected by court cases, laws, important historical incidents, and the daily life
of individuals. Five hundred years ago people were terrified of not going to church on whatever
day of the week and no secularists even existed, but today science has explained many natural
phenomena in the universe, but still comparatively small to the things that we have yet to learn,
which has caused a great rise in the ranks of secularists, and even the most pious people today
see no problem with missing a few days of church or mosque or temple. People thought that
homosexuality was the result of mental disease, and grounds for off days from work, and today
people know that someone elses sexual orientation, which is none of your or anyone elses
business other than that persons, is a voluntary choice. The morality of people changes from
generation to generation while religion remains stagnant, what could that mean? Interpretations
of the Bible and Quran have certainly not changed.
Second, literal interpretations of holy books would never lead to an idealistic world
where everyone treats others as they want to be treated. The Bible is very clear about dealing
with non-Jews, as the Quran is clear about non-Muslims. Neither book says, Treat everyone
equally, because they are more concerned about what happens to nonbelievers. Modern
translations have turned, Treat all Jews equally, or, Treat all Muslims equally, into, Treat
everyone equally. Neither the Bible nor the Quran was written to give equal rights to people of
all religions; they were written to promote their respective religions while trampling others. I
would always rather meet a moderate Christian or Muslim than a radical Christian or Muslim
because moderates are less likely to force their beliefs on others. The religious fundamentalists
who claim to, Take their morality directly from scripture, are implying that they are okay with
genocide, infanticide, rape, and the heinous destruction of womens rights as long as the god says
to do it. That is a terrifying thought.
Third, what does religion actually bring? Religion brings consolation to some and
directives to others. Drawing consolation from unprovable beliefs that do not coincide with
anything you can learn about the natural world seems silly. If you can neither identify nor prove
your god then why believe in him or her? Religion also sews terror into the hearts of millions as
Islamic terrorists and militant Evangelicals threaten a civilized way of life. When you deny
Christians in America murdering for religion then I encourage you to look up the story of Dr.
George Tiller. If I left anything out then please post it on my Twitter.

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