Elephanticity:One might say that Christianity is merely a belief in a deity, yet His adherents go out of their way to make others believe...or legislate their belief...or make others live by their standards...or kill those that don't.<<

Yes, I believe if one could whittle an entire way of life down to "a mere belief" then THAT person could say that. Then...we see a good ole blanket statement...as to "His adherents"...labeling *all* adherents, simply by not defining who the speaker is speaking of as adherents. The facts, say different...if one looks at Christian scripture. For...if one is truly an adherent to Christianity (not a Church)...then he is compelled to love his neighbor as himself/herself...prohibiting the causing of harm to others. Then too, Christianity is not human legislation for the laws have all been determined ahead of time, from God and Christ and Christian disciples. To take away from...or add to, would be a violation of scripture. Also, we see respect for human government within Christian scripture as a guideline, when we are told to pay Caesar's things to Caesar and [but] God's things to God. God being the higher authority is the one we should abide by, if the two conflict.

Christianity...in its true form, is a peaceful life of godly devotion and tolerance for others. Forcing standards outside normal parental privilege and within the oversight of the Christian congregation itself...is to go far beyond Christian principle. Yes, preach, teach, those who are willing to listen, but the buck stops there. To force an issue upon another...is to be without love for neighbor, as required by Christ. The Apostle Paul further expounds...that those who love God would show a fruitage of His Spirit...which is "Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control..." (Compare Galatians 5:22) I quoted from the NIV...but any translation will testify to the same.

No, it is not Christianity itself...but the abuse of...that has been a major cause of friction among men. Let there be no doubt...the two...are *not* the same as implied here. To me, for one to think they are...is to *merely* listen to others, and not to learn for one's self, from the Christian Scriptures first hand.

I mean, fair is fair. No?

Touche',
Steve