Anyone of any party can be a barking moonbat. I have seen moonbats on both sides of the political spectrum. This thread isn't to call anyone out, but to make people aware of there is a term for this deadly social illness. In these sorts of cases, the person probably isn't even aware of the fact that their beliefs are based only on what they want to believe. The trick is to make people realize it on their own, which can be a very painful process to go through. When you try to make someone aware that they are ignoring the facts, they feel attacked, which in turn makes them attack back. Which is why discussions of religion and politics are always so divisive. Thus we will always have barking moonbats who will bark at each other all day and night without listening.

Its our mating ritual

All right I will throw this out. Since we are talking facts, prove that the bible is true and god does exist. Arrrrooooooooooo those dam bats anyway I want to add I do believe in god and my own interpretation of the bible and I cant prove that my beleifs are right. Are yours right? One reason I dont push them onto others..

If you look through the religion threads, you will see lots of people talking about a lot of different belief systems. Some are atheistic, Pagan, Wiccan, Protestant Christian, Catholic Christian, Jewish, we've had Muslims and Hindu's also. (If I left anyone's religion out, it wasn't intentional.) Many of these people will talk about their beliefs and try to teach others about their beliefs...it is a forum for discussing religion after all. But when Christians talk about their beliefs, they are accused of "pushing" or "shoving then down throats". I think the barking moonbats are those who accuse Christians of behavior which is common to all who regularly post in the religion forum.

That said, every belief system must make assumptions and be taken at faith, even atheism. So the fact that I cannot prove that my God does exist, doesn't make me a barking moonbat. I can no more prove that God exists than an atheist can prove that God doesn't exist.

Where you will find barking moonbats in religious discussions is when you have someone who insists on a particular interpretation of a scripture, which is clearly out of context or is historically inaccurate. For instance: Atheists love to point out that the Bible says that bats and insects are birds in Leviticus 11. The problem is in the translation. The original Hebrew word could mean "bird", but it could also mean "a winged creature", which is accurate. In the same way, the Bible describes some birds and insects as being "four legged". Once again a translation issue. The actual word means "walks close to the ground". Israelites were forbidden from eating insects that could fly or birds that couldn't walk (those that hop like birds of prey and carrion birds). But your average atheist will reject going back to the original documents. They will actually insist that the translation should be perfect and accuse anyone who shows them the correct translation of the word of being dishonest. That is a barking moonbat. One who can be shown through reason, logic and evidence that they are wrong, but they continue to insist that their interpretation is correct.

See you said it. The bible has many interpretations to it. Do you agree? If so what make yours right and mine wrong. I have never brought my religious believes into a discussion only when I have started it in a topic in a thread.. I can not prove them beyond my own heart. I think I have said this before, you and I have many of the same believes only different interpretations of what they are. Am I right? Are you right? That's why religion has no place in politics of any kind.

"it is a forum for discussing religion after all". There is a separate religion thread! Two to be exact..

There are many interpretations possible for the scriptures, that is absolutely true. But some interpretations aren't possible. That is simply because the Bible is composed of written words, which were put into context by the author. The author had an intended message! It is the readers job to determine what that message was. If the reader comes to his or her interpretation using the original definitions and taking in the context both textually and historically, then the number of possible interpretations is very limited. Sometimes a reader will give more credence to one scripture to another (which is the most common cause of denominations). That doesn't mean that the interpretation of the scriptures themselves are in question, but that the way the scriptures should be interpreted together should be questioned.

As far as religion in politics...Religion belongs in politics as much as each individual voter desires. It is not legal to limit the freedom of speech or the voting rights of the religious, simply because you disagree with their beliefs.

Like I have told you before its ok as an individual but when the church as whole is involved that's my problem. I think all Church's, non-profits and business as whole should stay out of it. It would give your and my "vote" the true power it was intended to have..JMO

"it is a forum for discussing religion after all". There is a separate religion Forum! Two to be exact..
Edited by templter on Mon 12/15/08 01:33 PM

opps

A church is a collection of people. It can't make it's own decisions, it isn't a thinking being. It is an organization. If some organizations can be politically active, then all should be able to be politically active. Otherwise you are rejecting the church members rights to work together towards a common cause.

"it is a forum for discussing religion after all". There is a separate religion Forum! Two to be exact..
Edited by templter on Mon 12/15/08 01:33 PM

Did you read what I wrote?

think all Church's, non-profits and business as whole should stay out of it. It would give your and my "vote" the true power it was intended to have..JMO

Are you implying that the General Religion forum is only for non-Christians to discuss their religions among each other and that Christians aren't welcome?

No Im stating there is a forum to express your religious beleifs..Wernt you the one who talk about people turning the words around for their own gain?

"it is a forum for discussing religion after all" That was your qoute..

There are two forums for that. How did you get that they were only for non Christians out of that?

Did you read what I wrote?

People who feel strongly for an issue get their message out through an organization. When Christopher Reeves was trying to get funding for stem cell research, he did so as the spokesman for a foundation. One person by themselves can't accomplish anything in our political system. So like minded people get together and push towards their goal. A church is largely a group of like thinking people. This is how our politics are designed to work. Sorry, but one voice gets easily lost in a chorus of 400 million voices.

You make a point. Maybe thats why we are in the mess we are in. Ever think of that? What controls everything in goverment? Could it be big business?

I will argue it all night long. What will that get us. Nothing but you calling me ignorant and the whole mess starts again. By the way thx for not doing that!!!

I see no problem with having groups of people organize to voice there ideas, and get laws passed as they see fit as long as it is constitutional.

The problem with religions generally is the idea that beliefs are not open for criticism, or generally even discussion.

That can be a problem when your belief is what is directing a request to change law or governing policy.

No...if you go to the CS forum you will see sharing & considerate discussion...unlike the other...nothing but fights & slams.

I prefer the civility of the CS forum over the free for all sectarian hatefest that is allowed to go on against Christians.

Thank you. I dont hate Christians. I consider myself a man of god. Its just that religion has a place in my life and its not in discussing policies that affect everyone. To me god wants "Me" to accept him unconditionally and not by the policies of man.

IMO: You get hate when you show hate. If you lead out bashing people how can you espect anything less in return. I think you have done that so much people just do it by habit whether or not you are doing it at that time...

I haven't seen you be considerate yet, must be going on where your views are the master view. Your approach to anything different from your point of view are the reason many want nothing to do with christianity.

I think the church would do well to look at the conservative way of gaining new members. So far you only seem to attract those that are in lock step with your particular views. Diversity is not welcome.

It's easy to discuss your views with people that are vulnerable or of the same views themselves. It's when differing views come in that you get snarky and mean yourself but pretend you are holier than thou.

Sure makes me want to join you.. NOT