"Roman Catholic priests probably commit child abuse no more frequently than secular school teachers".
While it is difficult to gather data on this point, I think one thing that might help people with religion power cover up crimes would be the possibility that threats delivered to children could include a metaphyscial dimension (e.g., "if you tell anybody what happened, I will make sure your mom and dad go to Hell!"). Most secular teachers cannon make such threats in any meaningful way.
I agree with a lot of the critiques of Maher's attack on "islam" (painting with a ridiculously large brush, to say the least).
One point no one has raised:
If the majority of a religious faction or group was biggoted on the basis of the tenets of the religion, the religious holy book, the claims/interpretations of the religious leaders, etc., then it would be reasonable to condemn the religion (to the degree that this biggotry was common and caused harm, sufferring, oppression, etc.,).
What percentage of people who self-identify as Muslim are "bigotted" (given some plausible definition of bigottry) against homosexuals? What portion of this group are bigotted because of the religious beleifs (as opposed to some other source)? Does anyone have data on this?
A comment on this passage:
"Roman Catholic priests probably commit child abuse no more frequently than secular school teachers".
While it is difficult to gather data on this point, I think one thing that might help people with religion power cover up crimes would be the possibility that threats delivered to children could include a metaphyscial dimension (e.g., "if you tell anybody what happened, I will make sure your mom and dad go to Hell!"). Most secular teachers cannon make such threats in any meaningful way.
I agree with a lot of the critiques of Maher's attack on "islam" (painting with a ridiculously large brush, to say the least).
One point no one has raised:
If the majority of a religious faction or group was biggoted on the basis of the tenets of the religion, the religious holy book, the claims/interpretations of the religious leaders, etc., then it would be reasonable to condemn the religion (to the degree that this biggotry was common and caused harm, sufferring, oppression, etc.,).
What percentage of people who self-identify as Muslim are "bigotted" (given some plausible definition of bigottry) against homosexuals? What portion of this group are bigotted because of the religious beleifs (as opposed to some other source)? Does anyone have data on this?
--Tim Christie
What a great piece! Thanks!