Confronting The Problem of Archaic Morality
Another problem that I have had with religion in general is its moral codes. Specifically, moral precepts that those in an authoritative position tell us their religion holds in high esteem. I will only attempt to tackle a few of them here, specifically as they are linked to Christian beliefs. Many of these moral codes transcend religious barriers and are found duplicated amongst other religions,such as the Islamic faith.One of the first issues that I would like to make an example of is the issue of abortion. This seems only fitting as it is both topical and has had much to do with American politics and law. I cannot speak for all Christians, obviously, but the vast majority do not believe that abortion should be legal here in the states. They believe in this issue so much that they are willing to sidestep other, more pressing, issues simply to vote for a Presidential candidate solely based on that candidate’s stance on abortion. They will picket clinics and harass the women going to the clinic. In extreme cases, they will go to lengths to destroy the facility without regard to the lives inside. (This is one of the reasons some would say that fundamental Christianity is no different than fundamental Islam. Both feel that they are quite justified in using terrorism to put their point across.)
Just like the Christian population, I cannot speak for all atheists and agnostics. My personal opinion on abortion? I am pro-life…in my personal life. My voting record would indicate that I am pro-choice. If there were an actual measure on the ballot to ban abortion, I would be against the ban. To some, this would seem hypocritical. Far from it. Studies have shown, without a doubt, that regions which outlaw abortion have the same rate of abortion (sometimes higher) as those regions where abortion is legal. The problem with this statistic is that these are “procedures” which are performed in a home, an alley or by an unlicensed, untrained individual. Many of these cases end in the tragic death of both the fetus and the mother. Statements like, “She chose to do it so it is her fault,” do not work in a properly functioning society. Just because something is made illegal doesn’t mean that it won’t happen. Recreational marijuana use is illegal. Find me a neighborhood without an occasional pot smoker in it…
Do I believe that abortion should be used as a contraceptive measure? No. Contraceptives should be used as a contraceptive measure. The problem with this is that many sects (or “brands”) of Christianity do not believe in contraceptive use. However, we should realize the fact that abortions will hapen. The choice that we have as a society is this; do we provide a safe environment for these to occur or would we rather have more back alley abortions take place? Do we save one life or let two die?
Homosexuality. This is a touchy subject as well, as California has no doubt shown us. I actually abhor the way that many homosexual people are treated by many religions. Christianity is more tolerant than Islam is with regards to homosexuality, but not by much.
In Islam, it is simply laughable to talk about the rights of homosexuals. Islam treats these people as worse then animals/criminals and there is barbaric punishment for those who engage in homosexual acts, either male or female.Islam considers this kind of sexual preference as unnatural or deviant and as an act against Allah.Sodomy deserves capital punishment (for men) in Islam. Thus, all those people who participate in the annual Mardi Gras festival are subject to be killed if they happen to live in any Islamic Paradise and if ever they are caught in action, make no mistake about this. Islam has no mercy for these people. ~Source
In another discussion, an Islamic proponent further pressed the issue:
it is true though, islam does not recognize the “naturalness” of homosexuality. and truly, there is no such thing. somebody who says about himself that “gay” is his “sexual orientation” is mentally ill or has convinced himself for whatever reason… our prophet muhammed (pbuh) told us: every human being is created upon the straight/pure/innocent path/way, when he grows older, he is then diverted from it by his surroundings and parents.
even among the animal kingdom, we are commanded to put an end in a merciful way to the life of any degraded and base animal that has homosexual inclinations. why does this happen in the animal kingdom? it is a rare occurance, no doubt about that. so when it does happen, it is either because the animal has some sort of mental drawback-which is the rarest-or it is because the animal was not able-for whatever reasons-to vent its desire naturally upon the opposite sex. therefore, it will look for any other means to vent upon, which usually ends up being the same sex. this occurance itself is EXtremely rare but happens more often than the other.
As to the idea that it (homosexuality) is quite rare in nature, multiple studies have shown otherwise:
Lest you are tempted to believe that all of this is highly unusual and well out of the ordinary, you’re in for quite a surprise. Homosexual behavior is not only common, but even more common in other species than in humans. While numbers are hard to come by, there are a few that present some interesting patterns. In ostriches, male homosexuality is much more common than bisexuality, but among mule deer, bisexuality is more common than homosexuality. Among our closest living relatives, the bonobo chimpanzees, few if any are either exclusively heterosexual or homosexual. Indeed, all that have been observed are exclusively permanently bisexual. ~Source
What I want to know is how does one person’s sexuality have a bearing on your life? How does it impact you if if there were a gay couple living in your neighborhood? Being gay is not a communicable disease, you will not “turn gay” from shaking a gay man’s hand. In the end, it will have very little affect on you other than making you feel uncomfortable due to your ignorance. (And I use ignorance as it is intended to be used, not as a verbal jab.) Simply because you do not understand the dynamic behind their relationship does not nullify their ability to be in a loving, caring and commited relationship. Other than what they do behind the closed doors of their bedroom, their relationship is probably no different than the relationship that you have with your “same sex” best friend that you have known almost all your life.
There are plenty of areas where the moral teachings of religion seem quite archaic with regards to everyday life. I have only touched on two issues here. I would love to discuss more (like euthanasia, for example), but I have run out of time for the day. Have a good one!
by sam
can you be anymore ignorant. you cite anti-islamic sites for information about islam. "Islam treats these people as worse then animals/criminals ". just ridiculous. homosexuals are not treated like animals/criminals. they are put to death without any treatment or co-existence at all. learn from credible sources before you write. and your stand on morality is subjective and therefore is not any better than archaic morality. you sympathize with homosexuals because you have been brain washed by movies where homosexuals live happily ever after. such movies desensitize people to moral implications of nudity, adultery, drinking, and homosexuality because the author plans the movie to end with a happy ending and does not touch on the reality of the situation. on the other hand, archaic morality fights homosexuality because within it is system of social order and family structure, homosexuality does not fit and causes more damage than good. the whole thing is subjective and depends on one's framework of logic and premises on social and criminal justice as well as the acceptance of existence of deity.
one advice … do not learn about other cultures and religions from anti- sources. they are always biased and corrupt facts to spread hatred and propaganda. enlighten yourself by doing your own research from the original academic sources on cultures and religions.
posted 6 months ago
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