Ditching The Devil

[naomi24]

The Church of England is to remove reference to the devil from the christening service – in my opinion a positive move. What say you?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/10551423/Church-of-England-removes-devil-from-christening-service.html

[Khandro]

naomi; As you eschew all religion in general, why does this seem a "positive move" to you by the Christian church? Why do you care what they do? you are not engaged in any way with them, and they ask nothing of you. Why should they not say to you, "Mind your own business, we don't care what you think, and don't seek your approval".
What motivates you to ask these questions, - is it simply rabble-rousing to seek approval and self-aggrandisement from your AB atheist cohort?

[naomi24]

Khandro, I have no idea who you think my cohorts are, or from whom you think I seek approval and self-aggrandisement. I’m pretty self-sufficient. However, any move away from superstition designed to terrify people pleases me. What motivates me to ask these questions? My utter disdain for organisations that prey, and thrive, upon the weaknesses and insecurities of the vulnerable and the gullible.

[naomi24]

... Having said that, let's not get personal ..... again. If you have a response to the question, I'd be pleased to read it.

[Khandro]

n. //What say you?// I say the question is reminiscent of someone who hates cricket, knowns nothing about cricket, and yet wishes to broadcast their opinion on who should be dropped by the selectors for the next test series. :-)
By the way, on the subject of the devil; just as God expects you to take up the challenge, the devil expects you to fail, - it's all within the mind anyway, it's all psychological - but of supreme importance to us individually in the daily round.

[beso]

Khandro //I say the question is reminiscent of someone who hates cricket, knowns nothing about cricket, and yet wishes to broadcast their opinion on who should be dropped by the selectors for the next test series. :-) //

Except that cricket fans and officials don't demand that their beliefs be enshrined in the laws that govern everyone in the country.

[naomi24]

Khandro, do get a grip!

[Khandro]

beso; Have you not read the OP? It's about voluntary participation, in a private service, in a C of E church, and none of your business.
Who is demanding that 'their beliefs be enshrined in the laws that govern everyone in the country'. ?

[jomifl]

^well, most believers in their wilder dreams..

[jake-the-peg]

Who is demanding that 'their beliefs be enshrined in the laws that govern everyone in the country'.

Well that is the status today

The CofE is the established church and their position is enshrined in law

Bishops are appointed in effect by the Prime Minister and there is a mandatory act of worship that must be 'broadly Christian' in all maintained schools by law

[Khandro]

jomifl; The only people who want that 'their [religious] beliefs be enshrined in the laws that govern everyone in the country' are our bearded friends.

[Khandro]

jake a ''mandatory act of worship that must be 'broadly Christian' in all maintained schools by law" is not only untrue today, it was untrue half a century ago. No child can be forced into Christian worship if that is against their and/or their parents wishes.

[jomifl]

Khandro, when I was at school, assembly complete with christian hymns and prayers was compulsory unless you were of some other religious persuasion. There are still clerics in the house of lords.

[Khandro]

Yes, I guess they were pretty strict in Borstal, (only joking ;-) Actually, in my (grammar) school there were quite a few Jewish boys and they stood outside of the hall while we said a prayer and sang a morning hymn - never did me any harm! - and then entered for the general announcements.
They were also allotted a classroom at lunchtime in which to eat their brought, kosher, food.
I really don't remember, but I'm sure arrangements were made for Hindus etc.
A handful of elderly Bishops in the upper house isn't exactly apocalyptic is it?

[jomifl]

Khandro, they are no more elected than you are, so much for democracy.

[Khandro]

Well at least they are nominated, which is more than some peers of the realm are. I don't want to justify it, but it's no big deal really, and it adds a sense of history to parliamentary proceedings, n'est pas?
Who knows, they may even have something to contribute.

[sandyRoe]

I agree. It's not right to bash the bishops.

[DTCwordfan]

Oh hell, naomi, that can't be the case, surely not.