I have a problem - Its Destiny
You know what...it only takes one person to give Christianity a bad name...for me right now, that's 'Bishop' Brian Tamaki.
I have no doubts that New Zealand was founded on Christian Values. That is different to it being founded on a Christian religion. And as far as that goes...which one? There are several different Christian based faiths in this country. So...which ultimately becomes the state religion as they so demand. Christianity is the dominant religion that is for sure...statistically that is a proven thing. But, if I read Mr Tamaki's line right, there seems to be no place in New Zealand for tolerating other religions.
Does the United States have a state religion? Does our closest neighbour Australia?
For me, what Destiny seems to be proposing is nothing short of religious fanaticism. Maybe Uncle Helen could have said something different but ultimately she is right in this case. We are a multi ethnic, multi faith society that is inclusive of all faiths and beliefs. What is wrong with that? We have no state religion. What is wrong with that? I recall at the service for the tomb of the unknown solider there were representatives from most of the major faiths (less one for some reason) and some minor ones, but no one faith dominated the proceedings. It was a nice simple service. Nothing wrong with that at all.
But when I look at Destiny Church, and its protest marches, its not-so-quiet way of voicing their opinions I find it hard to look at them anything different than a militant wing of Christianity, where as the core fundamental principle of Christian doctrine is peace, love, tenderness, persuasion, not force, domination and demands. So, I don't get Destiny's methodologies.
In the push for a state religion, you have to act carefully that you are not becoming and exclusive zone for one religion only and allow the minority religions or faiths to be subject to persecution or religious intolerance. For example, if Chrisitanity became the state religion and there was a punishment for someone putting that down, then there has to be punishment for persecution of the minorities.
I don't agree with the push for this. Its not worth it.
I have no doubts that New Zealand was founded on Christian Values. That is different to it being founded on a Christian religion. And as far as that goes...which one? There are several different Christian based faiths in this country. So...which ultimately becomes the state religion as they so demand. Christianity is the dominant religion that is for sure...statistically that is a proven thing. But, if I read Mr Tamaki's line right, there seems to be no place in New Zealand for tolerating other religions.
Does the United States have a state religion? Does our closest neighbour Australia?
For me, what Destiny seems to be proposing is nothing short of religious fanaticism. Maybe Uncle Helen could have said something different but ultimately she is right in this case. We are a multi ethnic, multi faith society that is inclusive of all faiths and beliefs. What is wrong with that? We have no state religion. What is wrong with that? I recall at the service for the tomb of the unknown solider there were representatives from most of the major faiths (less one for some reason) and some minor ones, but no one faith dominated the proceedings. It was a nice simple service. Nothing wrong with that at all.
But when I look at Destiny Church, and its protest marches, its not-so-quiet way of voicing their opinions I find it hard to look at them anything different than a militant wing of Christianity, where as the core fundamental principle of Christian doctrine is peace, love, tenderness, persuasion, not force, domination and demands. So, I don't get Destiny's methodologies.
In the push for a state religion, you have to act carefully that you are not becoming and exclusive zone for one religion only and allow the minority religions or faiths to be subject to persecution or religious intolerance. For example, if Chrisitanity became the state religion and there was a punishment for someone putting that down, then there has to be punishment for persecution of the minorities.
I don't agree with the push for this. Its not worth it.
posted by Wiremu Bayliss at
9:59 am
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