To Shun Or Follow The American System?

by Englishman 20 Replies latest jw friends

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  Englishman

  A recent poll suggests that over 90% of Americans believe in God. This compares to around 48% of Brits who believe in God's existence.

  Even the devoutly religious Tony Blair doesn't want Britain to follow in the religious footsteps of the USA, as he clearly states here as he risks incurring the displeasure of George W: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4369481.stm

  So, as a person whose criticism of the US is confined mainly to it's penal system, I was wondering this: Do you think that the more religious a country becomes, the harsher it's treatment is of those who err, harsh punishment being seen as a Christian virtue?

  Or do you think that non-religious countries such as the United Kingdom have such a secular agenda that their populations become totally selfish and self-centered?

  Or something else?

  Is there an ideal balance somewhere, and if so, what should it be?

  Englishman.
• 

  Valis

  Dammit I just lost my whole post...The short and sweet Eman is that GW talks big talk about faith based initiatives and all that, but IMO it is just a ploy to maintain control of the electorate.
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  Elsewhere

  Do you think that the more religious a country becomes, the harsher it's treatment is of those who err, harsh punishment being seen as a Christian virtue?

  Of course! These people are, after all, doing the will of gawd.
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  Pleasuredome

  Do you think that the more religious a country becomes, the harsher it's treatment is of those who err, harsh punishment being seen as a Christian virtue?

  of course, and also the amount of human rights abuses shoot up too.
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  Bas

  So, as a person whose criticism of the US is confined mainly to it's penal system, I was wondering this: Do you think that the more religious a country becomes, the harsher it's treatment is of those who err, harsh punishment being seen as a Christian virtue?

  Not necessarily, but when compared to europe (less religious, less harsher punishment) this could be the case in America, yeah
• 

  aniron

  Do you think that the more religious a country becomes, the harsher it's treatment is of those who err, harsh punishment being seen as a Christian virtue?

  Maybe we should change the question.

  Do you think that the LESS religious a country becomes, the more lenient its treatment of those who err, harsh punishment being seen as infringement of human rights.

  Going by whats been happening lately in Britain, the second question is more fitting.
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  Englishman

  Just occurs to me that the more fundamentalist the country, the more cruel it becomes. The obvious examples are the moslem countries, where, I'm told, virtually100% of the population believe in God.

  It seems that official belief in God is used as a justification for harsh treatment. It seems to be a recurring theme right down to WT DF'ing, the ultimate in harsh treatment.

  Englishman.
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  talesin

  Which countries are the harshest?

  Link to article: http://www.newsbatch.com/deathpenalty.htm

  Most of the fatalities by death penalty occur in these four countries,

  China * secular state

  Iran * belief in God, Islamic law

  Saudi Arabia * tribally ruled, 'monarchy', Islamic law

  USA * belief in God, Judeo-Christian law
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  franklin J

  IN the American culture, there is clearly a separation of Church and State. The different "checks and balances" in this countries government keep it that way. There is also such a "mix" of differing religiouns here that the government has to be a separate "secular" entity.

  Middle America , and the deep south are both very provincial regions, most of your moral majority is from these areas.

  Both coasts of America, especially the North East and promarily New York City, tends to be more secular. I am myself , along with "waves" of other Americans are concerned by the outspoken moral majority. They are literally like a subculture which is beginning to grow in financial and political influence.

  The American President is allowed to be any religion he chooses ( why not?) However, IF (and thats a big IF) the religious moral majority ever take control of this country, There would be such a voter "backlash". I guess that would be a great excuse for me to move back to Europe.

  It would be like having the Jehovahs Witnesses in Political Power. ( Good Grief; is that how it happened in Germany 75 years ago?)

  They are just as scary to us as they are to you.
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  Euphemism

  Just occurs to me that the more fundamentalist the country, the more cruel it becomes.

  I agree, but the key word there is "fundamentalist". Just because a country has a higher level of belief in God, it doesn't necessarily follow that it will be fundamentalist.