Debates
13 Feb 05
13 Feb 05
I read in today's Observer that the Grand Ayatollah Sistani, leader of the Iraqi Shias, will be outlawing the playing of chess in Iraq, on religious grounds (though not, it seems, the playing of cricket.)
Sistani's justification for this interdiction was not provided. But I find it very hard to think what it even might be.
What is depressing about the interdiction is the sheer boneheaded triviality of it. Hasn't Sistani better things to ban in the name of spirituality and goodness?
13 Feb 05
You've pointed out one of the most evil things about the Islamic faith, they just can't accept the idea of seperation between church and state and insist on a government theocracy in every country they infest, disallowing any sort of freedom of religion, and freedom FROM their religion.
13 Feb 05
Originally posted by Dodger11That's just the sort of treacherous freethinking you'd expect from an infidel chess player 🙂
You've pointed out one of the most evil things about the Islamic faith, they just can't accept the idea of seperation between church and state and insist on a government theocracy in every country they infest, disallowing any sort of freedom of religion, and freedom FROM their religion.
Caissa akbar!
13 Feb 05
Originally posted by Dodger11And the US manages the seperation between church and state so well?
You've pointed out one of the most evil things about the Islamic faith, they just can't accept the idea of seperation between church and state and insist on a government theocracy in every country they infest, disallowing any sort of freedom of religion, and freedom FROM their religion.
13 Feb 05
Originally posted by XanthosNZAs good as can be expected, Xanthos. The government doesn't cram religion down every one's throat and require people to believe one way or the other. What's your point? Just the kind of thing I'd expect from you.
And the US manages the seperation between church and state so well?
13 Feb 05
Originally posted by StarrmanPersonally, I blame Russ. The ambiguities inherent in the name "RedHotPawn" probably aren't doing us any favours in Sistani's eyes.
Can anyone explain why it is that chess is forbidden? Could it be that the Iyatollah has discovered that RHP forums are too subversive a force for freethinking? Are we at RHP somehow responsible for the Iraqi Shias now being deprived of chess?
13 Feb 05
Originally posted by Dodger11Well, I think maybe we could expect a little better from the U.S. too.
As good as can be expected, Xanthos. The government doesn't cram religion down every one's throat and require people to believe one way or the other. What's your point? Just the kind of thing I'd expect from you.
Didn't I hear something about creationism being taught alongside evolution in schools recently?
Still, the U.S. is a relatively free society, even despite the recent drift towardsw authoritarianism.
13 Feb 05
Originally posted by Dodger11Your money has 'In God we trust' printed on it. The Pledge of Allegiance contains the phrase 'One nation under God'. Creationism is taught alongside (and in some states to the exclusion of) Evolution.
As good as can be expected, Xanthos. The government doesn't cram religion down every one's throat and require people to believe one way or the other. What's your point? Just the kind of thing I'd expect from you.
So you can't pay for anything or get through a day of school without God. Way to not cram it down people's throat there.
And I should point out that proclaiming the insidious and evil nature of other religions is exactly what I expect from you.
13 Feb 05
Originally posted by XanthosNZOK, good point...how about this;
Your money has 'In God we trust' printed on it. The Pledge of Allegiance contains the phrase 'One nation under God'. Creationism is taught alongside (and in some states to the exclusion of) Evolution.
So you can't pay for anything or get through a day of school without God. Way to not cram it down people's throat there.
And I should point out ...[text shortened]... proclaiming the insidious and evil nature of other religions is exactly what I expect from you.
"You've pointed out one of the most evil things about the every religious faith."
