Reply #6: I agree. [View All]

I agree. One has to look at the individual(s) leading the particular 'religious' movement rather than applying a broad generality.

Gandhi immediately comes to mind. One of the most progressive-minded individuals of the 20th century yet also one of the most religious oriented.

From Emmanuel Kant and Friedrich Schleiermacher to William Channing and Albert Schweitzer we can easily see how the interpretation of the religion by the individual leading (or among the forefront of) a religious/philosophical movement may so differ from other religious authorities as to appear to be almost diametrically opposed to mainstream fundamentalism if looked at and judged by their secular agenda.

(That's a very awkward sentence upon re-reading it, but I'm on my lunch hour and can't really give time to pretty it up....)