Faith central role in tackling the world's problems.

[ruby27]

Blair has called for faith to be given a central role in tackling the world's problems.

I don't think religion or faith has caused world problems, but people have used religion as a means to fight war, obtain wealth and exclude some from power.

Personally I don't consider Blair's faith to have solved problems if you consider this was a guiding force in his decision to go to war with Iraq.

But, Blair aside can people stop using faith and religion as a weapon to use against each other and instead draw upon teachings to help?

[Theland]

One of the problems for Christianity, is there are so many people who call themselves Christian, but do not adhere to the teachings of Jesus Christ, so then we have so called 'Christians' threatening or using violence against abortion clinics and thie staff, for example.
Jesus, by His example, taught us how to suffer and serve, to put ourselves second, and love our neighbour.
Some parts of Christendom are more concerned with politics than religion, and that is wrong.
Islamism is a political movement, backed up by a violent koran, as illustrated in the film, "Fitna," so how we reconcile ourselves to them is beyond me, unless and until the muslims renounce those parts of the koran that inspire some of them to kill us for allahs sake.

[brionon]

Blair fervently believes he is a christian and went to war in Iraq. thousands have died,many innocent women and children. How can he reconcile this -unless he believes that christianity and the invasion of another country are compatible? You can't say he is ,conventionally stupid,he has a degree and is a member,I think, of the Bar. So what is the explaination ?

[ludwig]

It's the kind of thing religious leaders say all the time and have been saying for thousands of years. They're religious and so they believe religion should play a central role in everything. Nothing's going to change though is it? It's like a non-religious person saying 'hey wouldn't it be great if we all stopped fighting and got on with each other'.

[jake-the-peg]

He also played a substantial role in bringing peace to Northern Ireland!

Incidently I only heard today that he finally converted to Catholicism in December - Was it just me or was that kept a bit quiet?

I think faith probably has a role to play in countries where it's still a major force.

In the UK where chuch attendence is 3% and most people think they are Christians because they put "CofE" on the census form it's probably a distraction

[ruby27]

Its just you jake-the-peg that he didn't want to be told. The rest of us were kept informed.

Theland. I agree wholeheartldly with your first paragraph and the first sentence of the next started of well, but your tirade against Islam, to me demonstrates that religious beliefs probably do more to divide than to unite

[Theland]

Ruby - I'm all for uniting around what we believe, any true Christian would feel the same way, even if holding on to their own belief regarding salvation. But where does the violence come into it? Simply from the koran that encourages jihad against the kuffar, that is us!
So, we offer the hand of friendship and it is taken as a sign of weakness, and encourages further jihad.

[naomi24]

I believe religion does divide rather than unite. Theland's post illustrates that - and sadly, there will never be compromise.

[keyplus90]

According to Theland religion divides people and Islam is the violent religion. That is a common statement from the people who are afraid of Islam. Because Islam tells them to give up things they love. Islam forbids because their own religions (if they believe in them) tells the same things. Theland�s advice is to amend Quran so it becomes more acceptable for people. Same way people tried to make bible more acceptable and ended up having over hundred or more different version. And anyone can start his or her own different church.

Now what Islam says, Islam tells you about the original message from Adam, Ibrahim, Moses, Jesus and all the other prophets (peace upon them all). If people like Theland are so willing to follow the teachings of Jesus (pbuh) then follow it. And I can give examples from Bible that Jesus (pbuh) asked his followers to follow Muhammed (pbuh).

Instead of that they propagate against Islam. But I would only say, that look at the things Quran forbids and their consequences only one example of alcohol is enough. Then I wonder why when media is showing Islam as a violent religion then more than ever people are embracing Islam in the west. I am not saying it, do your own research and see. Because they looked into Islam more closely after misconceptions and instead found the truth.

[Theland]

"Hello Doctor Tomlinson? Yeah, it's me again. I still keep hearing those voices, but there's nobody there!
Hmm ... yes .... yes .... O.K. .... fine ..... thanks for listening ..... I'll ring you soon if it happens again."

[keyplus90]

When people have no answer then they do hear voices from within themselves. These are know as subconscious. You must listen to them otherwise you would go astray.

[Theland]

"They're coming to take me away, ha ha,
They're coming to take me away,
to the funny farm, with lots of flowers ......
Oh dum de dum de dum de dum,
We'll keep the red flag flying here,
Land of the freeeeeeeeeeeeee,
Sitting on the dock of the bay,
and all of a sudden ..........
Oh my!
Where not in Kansas anymore Toto.

[keyplus90]

Who is it you are asking for help Theland?

http://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Society-and-Cul ture/Religion-and-Spirituality/Question545828- 3.html

[keyplus90]

See everyone, did I not say that few people talk against Islam but they are in fact under phobia of Islam and due to that they sometimes act rather strangely. But do not worry these are the common symptoms. Now if you look at what Theland is doing so it is very easy to see what I meant.

[Theland]

looks up Wikipedia - persecution complex - rolls another spliff and tops up wine glass

[naomi24]

Theland, click the heels of your ruby slippers three times - and say after me ...... there's no place like home ..... there's no place like home.

[Theland]

Ah yes! In the bosom of my family.
They know I talk to myself, bit it doesn't bother them.
Did you hear that? And again?

[naomi24]

Funny things, ears. They do tend to play tricks.

[Theland]

I hope I don't have nightmares!

[naomi24]

Nah, you know you won't. You've given me such a laugh tonight - so much so, that when his curiosity was aroused by guffaws emanating from my study, my husband even ventured into No Man's Land to read this thread!! You really should try writing comedy you know - you really should. Your sense of humour is priceless.

[Theland]

I hope the council tax people can take a joke!