Australian Politics Forum - Is Religion doomed to irrelevence in Australia?

Ex Dame Pansi

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Re: Is Religion doomed to irrelevence in Australia?
Reply #15 - Aug 27^th, 2011 at 4:32pm

Life_goes_on wrote on Aug 27^th, 2011 at 4:06pm:

muso wrote on Aug 27^th, 2011 at 3:57pm:

I think as Christianity in its various sects becomes more and more of a minority religion, and it's no longer forced down kids' throats in school, it will start to gain more respect.

I know other non-religious people on here will disagree totally with what I say, but I really don't look on it as a bad thing. Last Sunday I saw a small congregation heading to a local Catholic
Church. Many of them seemed to be immigrants. The priests were standing outside the church in their very colorful regalia welcoming them as they arrived. It struck me as being nice to see. It's a legacy and a tradition from the past, and really it gives people a chance to reflect on their personal ethical performance over the past week, which is something that the rest of us generally don't do. It provides a kind of feedback for the individuals on things they need to improve on.

I fully agree. While I don't believe in God (I never have) and I can't get my head around the idea of believing in such a thing, I think that religion serves a purpose for a lot of people.

I don't have a problem with the bulk of the churches. I think they do a pretty good job in relation to the work they do for the community - yes, even the Catholic church which a lot of people seem to have the most problems with.

I've got no problem with the above perspectives either. It's only annoying when the church tries to flex its wings within the wider community and politics.

Religion gives some people a reason to get up in the morning and that can only be a good thing.

I don't see a younger demographic at the traditional churches, they are predominantly over 50 or even 60, maybe the younger ones are flocking to the modern day 'new age' churches like Hillsong. I can verify this observance from personal attendance. The congregations are bordering on ancient.

Religion doesn't bother me, only the religious people like yadda, who claims his God is the right God and all other Gods are false. Everyone to their own, but that doesn't give you the right to put a dampener on the beliefs of others. Only his ilk will believe his bible stories, no one else.

yadda, would you be game to step away from your theistic safety net and seriously study other beliefs?

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muso

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Re: Is Religion doomed to irrelevence in Australia?
Reply #16 - Aug 27^th, 2011 at 4:37pm

Lisa Jones wrote on Aug 27^th, 2011 at 4:23pm:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Australia

.. religion in Australia remains dominated demographically by Christianity, with 64% of the population claiming at least nominal adherence to the Christian faith as of 2007 ... 18.7% of Australians declared "no-religion" on the 2006 Census with a further 11.2% failing to answer the question. The remaining population is a diverse group that includes fast-growing Islamic and Buddhist communities.

Hmmm ..

The key word there is nominal. The subject of religion came up at a barbecue once, and between cooking the snags, the host asked of his wife "Sherl - What are we again? - you know - religion?" There must be a heap of those 'nominals' out there, and I just wonder if it's a true reflection of demographics to count them as being religious in any way. It's up to individuals to express themselves in whatever way they choose.

Of course of that 64%, a fair proportion of them think that another fair proportion are heretics and are going to hell, so to try to lump them together as some kind of homogenous body is just a tad misleading.

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Lisa Jones Gold Member Offline Australian Politics Posts: 39047 Sydney Gender:	Re: Is Religion doomed to irrelevence in Australia? Reply #17 - Aug 27^th, 2011 at 4:43pm Muso .. it all comes down to the fact that in Australia people have the freedom to choose how they wish to identify themselves. It's been like that for some time. I know I would not want it any other way.
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Sir lastnail

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Re: Is Religion doomed to irrelevence in Australia?
Reply #18 - Aug 27^th, 2011 at 4:51pm

Lisa Jones wrote on Aug 27^th, 2011 at 4:43pm:

Muso .. it all comes down to the fact that in Australia people have the freedom to choose how they wish to identify themselves.

It's been like that for some time.

I know I would not want it any other way.

That same freedom should also be used to expose all religious teachings for the fraud that they are instead of religious institutions maintaining that they are above criticism.

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muso

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Re: Is Religion doomed to irrelevence in Australia?
Reply #19 - Aug 27^th, 2011 at 4:54pm

Lisa Jones wrote on Aug 27^th, 2011 at 4:43pm:

Muso .. it all comes down to the fact that in Australia people have the freedom to choose how they wish to identify themselves.

It's been like that for some time.

I know I would not want it any other way.

Fully agree. I think Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights is a good model. We may need to adopt something similar in Australia.

Article 9 includes the freedom to change a religion or belief, and to manifest a religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance, subject to certain restrictions that are "in accordance with law" and "necessary in a democratic society"

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Lisa Jones

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Re: Is Religion doomed to irrelevence in Australia?
Reply #20 - Aug 27^th, 2011 at 4:54pm

Sir lastnail wrote on Aug 27^th, 2011 at 4:51pm:

Lisa Jones wrote on Aug 27^th, 2011 at 4:43pm:

Muso .. it all comes down to the fact that in Australia people have the freedom to choose how they wish to identify themselves.

It's been like that for some time.

I know I would not want it any other way.

That same freedom should also be used to expose all religious teachings for the fraud that they are instead of religious institutions maintaining that they are above criticism.

I have no issue with that view. Religious organisations (like ANY organisation) ought to be accountable/subject to the laws of our country IF they are involved in any illegal activities.

Or .. are you asserting something a little different in your post Last Nail?

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« Last Edit: Aug 27^th, 2011 at 5:04pm by Lisa Jones »

If I let myself be bought then I am no longer free.

HYPATIA - Greek philosopher, mathematician and astronomer (370 - 415)

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Belgarion

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Re: Is Religion doomed to irrelevence in Australia?
Reply #21 - Aug 27^th, 2011 at 4:55pm

Religion is becoming increasingly relevant due to the influx of muslims whos religious beliefs taint every aspect of their lives and who wish the broader society to accommodate those beliefs, and the small but increasing numbers of Christian fundamentalists. Then we have the new age gaia worshippers, pagans, wiccans etc. who play with ancient beliefs because they think its cool.

For a rational agnostic like me this represents a serious threat to our society. Australia has got along just fine as one of the most secular nations on earth however I see a new Inquisition on the horizon.

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"I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."

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Lisa Jones

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Re: Is Religion doomed to irrelevence in Australia?
Reply #22 - Aug 27^th, 2011 at 4:55pm

muso wrote on Aug 27^th, 2011 at 4:54pm:

Lisa Jones wrote on Aug 27^th, 2011 at 4:43pm:

Muso .. it all comes down to the fact that in Australia people have the freedom to choose how they wish to identify themselves.

It's been like that for some time.

I know I would not want it any other way.

Fully agree. I think Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights is a good model. We may need to adopt something similar in Australia.

Article 9 includes the freedom to change a religion or belief, and to manifest a religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance, subject to certain restrictions that are "in accordance with law" and "necessary in a democratic society"

As usual .. well stated Mr Muso

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If I let myself be bought then I am no longer free.

HYPATIA - Greek philosopher, mathematician and astronomer (370 - 415)

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longweekend58 Gold Member Offline Australian Politics Posts: 45675 Gender:	Re: Is Religion doomed to irrelevence in Australia? Reply #23 - Aug 27^th, 2011 at 5:07pm Grey wrote on Aug 27^th, 2011 at 11:28am: Quote: LongWeekend - The church is dogin very well thank you and not just oldies... An unfortunate choice of phrase there... as 'king of the typos' I do occasionally come up with some rippers...
Back to top	AUSSIE: "Speaking for myself, I could not care less about 298 human beings having their life snuffed out in a nano-second, or what impact that loss has on Members of their family, their parents..." IP Logged

Bobby.

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Re: Is Religion doomed to irrelevence in Australia?
Reply #24 - Aug 27^th, 2011 at 5:10pm

Belgarion wrote on Aug 27^th, 2011 at 4:55pm:

Religion is becoming increasingly relevant due to the influx of muslims whos religious beliefs taint every aspect of their lives and who wish the broader society to accommodate those beliefs, and the small but increasing numbers of Christian fundamentalists. Then we have the new age gaia worshippers, pagans, wiccans etc. who play with ancient beliefs because they think its cool.

For a rational agnostic like me this represents a serious threat to our society. Australia has got along just fine as one of the most secular nations on earth however I see a new Inquisition on the horizon.

Well with people like Abu & Longweekend on this forum an
inquisition would not be far away - if you let them have their way.

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Lisa Jones

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Re: Is Religion doomed to irrelevence in Australia?
Reply #25 - Aug 27^th, 2011 at 5:20pm

<< bows her head in prayer >>

Dear God

Would you PLEASE end this long running online feud btwn my friends Longweekend and Bobby as well as Last Nail. I know that I'm expecting a miracle here .. but it's ever so tiresome and I hate being caught up in the middle all the time. Amen

PS Please expedite this request.

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If I let myself be bought then I am no longer free.

HYPATIA - Greek philosopher, mathematician and astronomer (370 - 415)

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longweekend58

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Re: Is Religion doomed to irrelevence in Australia?
Reply #26 - Aug 27^th, 2011 at 5:28pm

Lisa Jones wrote on Aug 27^th, 2011 at 5:20pm:

<< bows her head in prayer >>

Dear God

Would you PLEASE end this long running online feud btwn my friends Longweekend and Bobby as well as Last Nail. I know that I'm expecting a miracle here .. but it's ever so tiresome and I hate being caught up in the middle all the time. Amen

PS Please expedite this request.

it does get old, I admit. The reason that it continues is that neither of these dimwtis have half the integrity or intelligence necessary to move on. It doesnt seem to occur to them that I am not Catholic either - despite being repeatedly told so. What really ensures it continues is that both these boneheads insist on occupying positions on topics that are well beyond ludicrous. You have experienced the breathtaking stupidity of toenail (and pansi) on the subject of real estate so you know what I mean. These three are little different from PRevailing but without the mental illness excuse he has. You cannot get a credible or reasonable response from any of them on any topic. 'debating' with them on any topic is like shooting fish in a barrel.

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AUSSIE: "Speaking for myself, I could not care less about 298 human beings having their life snuffed out in a nano-second, or what impact that loss has on Members of their family, their parents..."

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Bobby.

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Re: Is Religion doomed to irrelevence in Australia?
Reply #27 - Aug 27^th, 2011 at 5:29pm

Lisa Jones wrote on Aug 27^th, 2011 at 5:20pm:

<< bows her head in prayer >>

Dear God

Would you PLEASE end this long running online feud btwn my friends Longweekend and Bobby as well as Last Nail. I know that I'm expecting a miracle here .. but it's ever so tiresome and I hate being caught up in the middle all the time. Amen

PS Please expedite this request.

Hi Lisa,
I hope God answers your prayers.

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Lisa Jones

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Re: Is Religion doomed to irrelevence in Australia?
Reply #28 - Aug 27^th, 2011 at 5:30pm

longweekend58 wrote on Aug 27^th, 2011 at 5:28pm:

Lisa Jones wrote on Aug 27^th, 2011 at 5:20pm:

<< bows her head in prayer >>

Dear God

Would you PLEASE end this long running online feud btwn my friends Longweekend and Bobby as well as Last Nail. I know that I'm expecting a miracle here .. but it's ever so tiresome and I hate being caught up in the middle all the time. Amen

PS Please expedite this request.

it does get old, I admit. The reason that it continues is that neither of these dimwtis have half the integrity or intelligence necessary to move on. It doesnt seem to occur to them that I am not Catholic either - despite being repeatedly told so. What really ensures it continues is that both these boneheads insist on occupying positions on topics that are well beyond ludicrous. You have experienced the breathtaking stupidity of toenail (and pansi) on the subject of real estate so you know what I mean. These three are little different from PRevailing but without the mental illness excuse he has. You cannot get a credible or reasonable response from any of them on any topic. 'debating' with them on any topic is like shooting fish in a barrel.

Or it may be that God is using these very same people to teach YOU the invaluable lessons of patience and forbearance Mr Longweekend.

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If I let myself be bought then I am no longer free.

HYPATIA - Greek philosopher, mathematician and astronomer (370 - 415)

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Sir lastnail

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Re: Is Religion doomed to irrelevence in Australia?
Reply #29 - Aug 27^th, 2011 at 5:30pm

Lisa Jones wrote on Aug 27^th, 2011 at 4:54pm:

Sir lastnail wrote on Aug 27^th, 2011 at 4:51pm:

Lisa Jones wrote on Aug 27^th, 2011 at 4:43pm:

Muso .. it all comes down to the fact that in Australia people have the freedom to choose how they wish to identify themselves.

It's been like that for some time.

I know I would not want it any other way.

That same freedom should also be used to expose all religious teachings for the fraud that they are instead of religious institutions maintaining that they are above criticism.

I have no issue with that view. Religious organisations (like ANY organisation) ought to be accountable/subject to the laws of our country IF they are involved in any illegal activities.

Or .. are you asserting something a little different in your post Last Nail?

I just don't like how followers think that their irrational religious beliefs are above criticism just because it is personal to them.

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"All of the arab states have said we will have peace with Israel when there is a state of Palestine as a UN member state and properly constituted." - Jeffrey Sachs.

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