Somehow, I wrote a blog post on my site that captured a bit of everything.  I figure that in some ways, everyone can relate, and in some ways, everyone may be offended. 

:: shrug ::

It is what it is.

I came across this news article in my scan of the news this morning. In it we find that if you insult Islam in the wrong place you will find yourself in court fighting for your life.

The effect this had on me was to appreciate our nation and culture for allowing all points of view, and the freedom to

express these views, with out fear.

Afghan journalist sentenced to death

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080123/ap_on_re_as/afghan_journalist_death_penalty

"KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan journalist sentenced to death for distributing an article that allegedly violated Islam is actually being punished for reporting by his brother about abuses by northern warlords, a media group said Wednesday."

More here.

Introduction

This is the beginning of a special series of posts, just for my friend Rob.  Rob and I lived and worked together for 3 years at Bread & Roses, and have shared enough drinks to blind a sailor.  It is, therefore, important to me that he get his very concerning questions answered about what I think is going to happen to him after he kicks the bucket.

This is also a good opportunity for general discussion on religion, as there is a tremendous amount of misinformation and misunderstanding around the issue.  So I am going to take the opportunity to post on a range of issues that seem to go to the root of the misunderstanding, including: afterlife, scriptural exegesis and interpretation, the meaning of faith, and the purpose of religion.  Some of what I will write in this series will be based on my understanding of current biblical scholarship, which is highly technical and actually quite scientific in its [the scholarship, not so much my understanding of it] approach.  And some of what I write will be my own opinions, which are relatively well educated but nonetheless quite subjective.  I am by no means in any way an expert.  Just a lively layperson.

Please feel free to jump in on the discussion, but let's try to avoid making assumptions and jumping to conclusions about the beliefs of others.  Let's try to keep it polite and civil as well (okay Mike, here you go: Let's try to be gentle with each other here.)

Afterlife 

"So, do you indeed believe in an eternal "punishment" for not believing in God and Jesus and following Christian dogma?"

Spirituality is very important to me -- I'm an active church member and do a ton of interfaith work.

I also am also a strong supporter of the first amendment prohibiting the government from supporting one religion over another. I read with interest the debates over Christmas displays in the state capitol building. But it wasn't until I walked through the building that I really saw how incongruous and out of place these displays are.

The nativity scene is accompanied by a sign that reads: "This Nativity Holiday Display was provided and erected by private citizens of the State of Washington to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, which is celebrated by Christians around the world."

Just to the left is a Jewish menorah, accompanied by an explanatory sign about Hanukkah. What's the benefit to the public of having these displays here? Is this balance?

Hanukkah, as I understand it, is a relatively minor holiday on the Jewish calendar. Will the capitol be hosting more religious displays for the High Holy Days? For Diwali? For Ramadan? For that matter, what would the "private citizens" think about adding to their sign that Jesus is recognized as a prophet within Islam? I'd love to find out!

I'd prefer to see a display at the public library, with rotating information about cultural and religious holidays from many traditions. The library is a natural place for being exposed to new ideas, and has the resources for those who want to learn more.

Anyway, have a look for yourself: