You're right we do mostly agree.
Quote Originally Posted by Aesop
I don't see the footsoldiers as killing for a belief, but for a lie. I know it's almost splitting hairs, but I really think the distinction is important. so the lie of belief keeps them in line, but it's still a lie and a tool. Not a belief.
You say its a lie, not a belief; I say they believe in a lie. Therefore they fight for a false belief.

Quote Originally Posted by Aesop
The Bible. I agree that man has warped the hell out of the message, but the basic beliefs of the Bible aren't anything I have a problem with. Be nice, don't steal...these are things I can live with so again I don't think it's the belief that's the problem, but what we as a race decide to do with it.

The problem, as I see it, is we don't know/agree on what the basic "beliefs" of the Bible are. "Thou shalt not kill" means what exactly? I cannot kill ever? I can only kill in self defense? I cannot have an abortion? I can only kill doctors who perform abortions? Each of these is a "belief" someone derives from those four simple words.

Personally, I only have one guiding "belief" - "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

fantassy

See, if you encourage me, I'll never shut up.