[Vision2020] Religious Diversity Education

Luke lukenieuwsma@softhome.net
Sun, 29 Jun 2003 19:23:53 -0700


Mr. Moffet:

> Again, you adopt an extreme interpretation of how much we all must think
and
> act the same before chaos engulfs us.

It already has engulfed us. Look at the courts, look at politics. The world,
the US, Idaho, none of it is peaceful. Controversy wracks us continually.


> What you are saying is truly frightening in the stereotyping and
> oversimplifications you make of complex issues!  If you can't see that
this
> sort of extreme thinking is what leads to wars, then you need religious
> diversity education desperately.

I never said exclusive thinking doesn't lead to wars. But I can see
something quite clearly; you are intolerant. You don't tolerate anyone who
thinks they are really right; you claim that your view of life and religion
is the only correct one, and that I should adopt your position.


> Remember my comments on the rules of basketball differing and being
changed
> yet the game is still played according to rules with people enjoying the
> sport?  How can the NBA and the NCAA have differing rules yet both leagues
> play in an organized manner?  They don't wage battles to force one league
to
> play with the same rules as the other league.   Hey, this basketball
> metaphor is your creation, so if the reality of how basketball is played
> does not fit your worldview, you should have picked a different metaphor.

Well then, to return to that metaphor, you couldn't stick NBA players and
NCAA players on the same court, tell them to all follow their particular
rules, and have a good game. The result would be truly chaotic.

> So why can't the Islamic and Christian communities each have their own
> religious "league" and play their game, and leave the other league alone?

Because we're all on the same playing court in the same game.

> stereotyping at work.   But there are differences of opinion that are
> debated and argued and a compromise is reached.  Democracy is not a pretty
> and efficient machine, but it is constructed here in the USA in theory to
> prevent any one group from gaining total control of our government or
> society.

Actually, this nation was constructed as a republic, not a democracy. Look
at the history. Look at the pledge. "I pledge allegiance to the flag, and to
the Republic for which it stands..."


> It appears from your comments that you do not respect the principles of
> democracy, you want us to all be singing your tune, and any disagreement
on
> religion or ethics will be met with a hysteria based on a fear of chaos
and
> disorder.

Well, it seems pretty clear to me that this is indeed what we have in the
world.


> BTW, I know very well the world is not all fine and dandy, and those with
> rigid irrational views of how we all should think and act the same, are a
> large part of the reason.

By your own logic, you are one of them. You deny everyone who thinks that
their religion is the right one (which is 99% of the world), and yet you
claim that your understanding is the right one. You see, realistically there
can
only be one. You're in this with us.
Have a good day,
Luke Nieuwsma