...in order to maintain the necessary separation between sectarian religious beliefs/motivations, and a government that treats all sectarian beliefs, non-sectarian belief, and atheism with clearly-demonstrated equity.

Beliefs about what constitutes a "good character" or even a "good person" evolve as we learn and understand more about ourselves and people whose beliefs are different from our own.

It's particularly challenging for many sectarian religions to accept the changing nature of such beliefs. Most religious sects' beliefs DO evolve- but it tends to be a slower process involving considerable examination and testing, and often some type of formal acknowledgement or even re-interpretation of doctrine.

In cultures and societies where many sects, believers without sectarian affiliation, and non-believers co-exist side by side, there is also (in effect) a freely-evolving secular belief "meta-matrix" about what constitutes a "good character/person"- a matrix that is regularly challenged by, and a challenge to, sectarian beliefs.

Putting the discussion of "good character/person" in an explicitly sectarian matrix places some agreed-upon parameters to the discussion, at least among believers of the particular sect.

When the discussion of "good character/person" is directed to that meta-matrix, no such parameters are agreed-upon, so the discussions regularly incorporate challenges to and from the various standpoints of sectarian believers, non-sectarian believers, and non-believers. It can get hairy fast.

wryly,
Bright

Who would Jesus insult?

If the Jesus that liberal Christians believe in was real, I kinda doubt he'd insult anyone. But most Christians - liberal and conservative alike - always seem to think he'd insult the people they don't like. Wild coincidence, I'm sure.

I just don't get some people's infatuation with gun talk. Seems like a religion.

As it is, it comes off as mere trolling and bigotry.

Bye.

Painting with a mighty broad brush are we?

and I've seen you insult people many times. Data point confirmed.

Go back and re-read my post being questioned and see if you can figure out why your attempt to spin it back on me makes absolutely no sense.

of behaving like fundamentalists. In my experience that is something to avoid. Intolerance is reserved, you see, for people of faith.

a broad statement? Your agenda is confirmed. But just your agenda. Your responses here do not lead me to generalize about "many non-believers".

In my overall observations throughout my life, MOST of the Christians I've seen and interacted with, whether they be liberal or conservative, seem to think Jesus hates the same things they do. Why you were so desperate to try and turn this into some kind of "broad brush attack", I don't know.

You're the one who claims to speak for Muslims by defining what their religion is - and even fabricating quotes from the Koran as you see fit.

But no, it's only OTHERS who have an "agenda." Right.

To the rich and powerful because they only vote or recommend or order others to do the killing for them.