Religious Extremists Vs Religious Moderates: Part Of The Same Problem?

[birdie1971]

We all know the threat posed by extremists – murder, terrorism etc. Many religious moderates routinely label the criticism of religious beliefs and practices as intolerant. In doing so, do the these moderates (inadvertently?) stymie legitimate debate and therefore create a medium in which extremists can thrive and develop?

[jeffa]

"Many religious moderates routinely label the criticism of religious beliefs and practices as intolerant."

Do they? What percentage of religious moderates do that?

[baza]

No.

[birdie1971]

Oops. An extra “the” somehow found its way into the above question. Apologies.

[birdie1971]

Baza -

Anything to add or is that it?

[237SJ]

I work in an area where we are subject to the results of Islamic exremism and my answer to your question would be "No"

[cupid04]

NO!

[birdie1971]

Jeffa - “... Do they? What percentage of religious moderates do that?...”

I have no idea what percentage. No one does.

However, one only has to look on this website to see the number of people who routinely call those who criticise the beliefs of the religious by describing them as aggressive or intolerant.

[jeffa]

^^ LOL! :-)

[birdie1971]

237SJ -

Can you elaborate on your answer? It sounds rather intriguing.

[birdie1971]

Jeffa - “^^ LOL! :-)”

Well, that's shown me hasn't it?

[jeffa]

It has, rather! You mention *many* religious moderates, yet have absolutely no idea how many this represents. Maybe it's none...

[birdie1971]

Jeffa - “... Maybe it's none...”

And maybe the moon is made of cheese. To suggest that no one today ever says that the criticism of religious belief is intolerant is quite absurd and contrary to observed evidence.

[jeffa]

So how many is it?

[birdie1971]

Jeffa -

Once again, I can't give you a specific number. You however have suggested it's zero. I disagree and so does the observed evidence. Just google “aggressive atheism” and look at the resultant articles. I've linked a few for your convenience.
http://goo.gl/DYIlql
http://goo.gl/qrBU4
http://goo.gl/uzR9tJ

So now we know that “zero” is not the answer. That's a start.

[jeffa]

Well, that's shown me hasn't it?

[birdie1971]

Yes and no. At least we both now know that there are some (apparently moderate) people who find the criticism of religion “intolerant” and that's pretty much where my question starts...

Anyway, it's late and I'm off to bed. Merry Xmas everyone.

[mibn2cweus]

And all this time I was under the impression that AB is a Q&A site. I'm in big trouble if a certain someone finds out I've been frequenting a dating service all these years . . . :o/

[woofgang]

I think you have to look at what religion causes people to do. I don't think its intolerant to hold different views from mine. I haven't seen any religious moderates on here (or elsewhere for that matter) label criticism of religious beliefs, which lead to terrorism, as intolerant.

[solvitquick]

Nope! Nothing and nobody creates a medium in which extremists can thrive and develop. They are a crazy minority who will continue their evil deeds, irrespective of a few regious moderate's or others' views.These maniacs do not understand religion. Ignore them and deny them the publicity they crave. They do not terrify me - look back at history - we all just got on with our lives and jobs. And we won in the end, every time!
SIQ.

[solvitquick]

Dear birdie1971,
Your question is built false premises which you seem to be struggling to justify.
How many extremists do you know who are inspired by your "religious complainants"?
How many of these "religious complanants" have ever supported the crimes which you cite?
C'mon Birdie most of us know you as a wise person.
Must do better than simplistic rabble-rousing tho' you phrase your views as a question!
SIQ.
(atheist)