posted by johnthompson at 18:10 | link | comments

I think it is amazing that people can work side by side in the commercial industries and not care about who the person is, where they are from, etc. (many places have come far in this I know), but then when you say your religion, people can change their attitude. Why?

And how come we don't have more religious organizations working side by side. So many church or religious groups want to help the society with major problems such as drug abuse and crime. Yet they don't all work together in an aligned effort. A bunch of separate twigs, easily broken, yet if bundled together, strong as an oak.

Let's get some more activities happening. I like those of http://www.interfaithalliance.org/ and http://www.religioustolerance.org/ etc.

I'd like to know what others think on this....

posted by johnthompson at 18:03 | link | comments (2)

Promote religious tolerance in Pakistan ... "In a letter, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) urged President Bush to impress upon Mr Aziz the need for Pakistan to spread religious tolerance and freedom of worship. ... (click here for more)"

 

 

posted by johnthompson at 14:01 | link | comments (1)

I recently walked down the street ripping off stickers off poles with religious slurs on them. 5,000 people rioted fueled by racists and other similar ilk. Then I came across this article. A bit over the top, but makes you think.

posted by johnthompson at 11:20 | link | comments (1)

Another day, another death sentence. I don't think it really helps. Some people aren't detered by this (obviously Nguyen wasn't). The people who it deters the most wouldn't be a mule for drugs anyway. Any thoughts?

posted by johnthompson at 16:22 | link | comments

Part of tolerance is understanding and I found a very interesting article here:

Ramadan nights

Ramadan nights had the feeling of modern day music concerts. Crowds of people gathered in tea shops, sitting side by side in rows on straw mats, all chewing the narcotic khat, sipping light, sweet black tea and burning incense once in a while on a little stove, or girgire, strategically positioned to warm the place and to help the effect of khat to kick in. The "rock and roll stars" of Ramadan nights ... more

posted by johnthompson at 18:00 | link | comments

I found this in addition to the United Nations one, which is very interesting and sheds light:

Universal Islamic Declaration of Human Rights

posted by johnthompson at 15:54 | link | comments

Take note:

Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 18:

Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.

On December 10, 1948 the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

posted by johnthompson at 15:33 | link | comments

I remember seeing Tom Cruise´s Minority Report but never thought I´d see it in real life. Look here. http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/Vic-Libs-want-crackdown-on-bad-thoughts/2005/09/30/1127804614127.html

posted by johnthompson at 00:50 | link | comments

Freedom of speech at risk?

This article is good in that it asks the question.

My view on it is that Freedom of Speech is right when it doesn't include the freedom to tell lies about people or groups to ruin their reputation. Lies don't mean that you dislike something, or think it's crap. Lies are provable untruths, like the Koran says A, when it actually says B or just the opposite of A.

 peace.

 

posted by johnthompson at 18:53 | link | comments