I think we should all convert to Buddism...a truly peaceful faith..
Dowding will undoubtedly find some skeletons in their closet too though..
Re: Christianity...
We had some Bishop giving a lecture at Rotary the other day. He was discussing "violence" and the root cause of it in our society. He professed it to be 'land'....it's ownership, and the desire of others to have it.
He went on to say that sometime in the 8th or 9th century the Christian church recognised the need to answer violence with violence...despite the fact that the whole concept of violence was utterly disavowed by the church. They codified it in some sort of document...can't remember what it is called.
After his talk he asked if there were any questions.
No-one replied, but I just couldn't keep my mouth shut...eventually I raised my hand.
I said to the Bishop..."Sir, without trying to sound too combatative I simply cannot reconcile some of what you have said. In your discussion you gave the date of the 8th or 9th century as the Church's edict on the justification of violence when protecting land or property specifically, but also to protect an individual's life and the life of his or her family. Since that time the Christian faith engaged in the crusdades, the Holy Inquisitions and numerous other wars of religion. I repectfully suggest that while land may be stained with the blood of many wars...religion is bathed in it."
His answer..."Ah ok...point taken Sir...are there any other questions?"
I stood there waiting until someone else asked something to break the ugly silence...and then sat down.
Afterwards, the person responsible for thanking the Bishop stared me down and went on to say that "Jesus is our only hope to quell violence"..as he had seen the violence inflicted by one faith on another first hand while serving in the British army throughout the world. I just shook my head and under my breath said "Not if I am Musilm".. The visiting Rotarian from the US who was sitting next to me leaned over and whispered "Or Jewish...like me".
SIGH
