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Originally Posted by caspofungin
I agree -- it's been a theme, but not one that evryone has lived by. So if Christians have killed and slaughtered on a grand scale over the course of history, does that mean Christianity is a dangerous religion, and Christians are to be feared? No, because we are capable of recognizing the difference between a faith and those who interpret it to suit their ends. As long as that faith isn't Islam, because then terroristas and murderers are "just following their religion." Two-faced bollocks.
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I don't completely agree, I think.
There were many instances in history where Christianity was rightfully perceived as a danger by other religions. This started as soon as Christianity got a hold on political power (during the reign of Emperor Constantine the Great - 4th Century) and lasted till the Renaissance. The final liberation for Christianity from the mortal danger of being percieved as a political threat came when as a result of the Enlightment and with the help of Humanism (which was in itself a result of critical Christianity) the separation between State and Church was established as a Western principle.
Only from the moment that Christianity lost political power it can rightfully distance itself from those who interpret it to suit their political ends.
A few well known examples:
Nazi's used the slogan: '
Gott mit uns' (God with us);
Apartheid policy in South Africa claimed a 'Christian' fundation;
IRA claimed to protect Catholics against Protestants.
Islam doesn't seem know it yet, but it will be a better religion when it gives up all political aspirations, including the submission to the Sharia, and sticks to its moral message.