NationStates Jolt Archive

Really, when did "Religion" and "Christianity" become synonymous?
I've noticed this observation that when people refer to "Religious People" they generally mean Chrisitans. As well, some Christians refer to "Religions People" with the same connotation, namely that of only Christians.
I, being a non-Christian, religious person, would like to know why this is?
Any thoughts or ideas?

*Note, I did search the forum for a topic like this and found none.. so if I missed it, please be polite about pointing that out to me.

Since...people who didn't know the difference took over...?

Most often, I refer to the group I wish to be against by name and stance. I never use simply "religious," though I am most often refering to Christianity.

I do have a problem with people who think all religions or even all Christians are not good.

:rolleyes:

Because most of the posters on this forum are Christians and most "Christians" don't recognize any other religion as valid. :)

It is only synonymous in predominantly Christian countries. In Saudi Arabia religion and Islam are synonymous; in India religion and Hinduism are synonymous; in Vietnam religion and Buddhism are synonymous.

People know the difference, but....

Because most of the posters on this forum are Christians and most "Christians" don't recognize any other religion as valid. :)


the statement that christians are not tolerant is a statistical illusion

Example: (these numbers were made up for the purpose of the example)
10% of people are assholes

75% of people are christian
25% of people are from religions im too lazy to list

out of say 1000, on average 750 are christians, 250 other, of the 750 christians 75 are assholes and of the 250 other 25 are assholes, so if you were to pick an asshole at random odds are 75:25 hes christian just because christains are the majority, even though they're equally assholes to everyone else

"Religion" also began to equal "Christianity" because most Christians who have strong opinions are of the opinion everyone else is utterly wrong.. and that they're all insane fanatics that are going to Hell. :rolleyes:

Because most of the posters on this forum are Christians and most "Christians" don't recognize any other religion as valid. :)
Generaly this is a rather important point in most religions.

the statement that christians are not tolerant is a statistical illusion

Example: (these numbers were made up for the purpose of the example)
10% of people are assholes

75% of people are christian
25% of people are from religions im too lazy to list

out of say 1000, on average 750 are christians, 250 other, of the 750 christians 75 are assholes and of the 250 other 25 are assholes, so if you were to pick an asshole at random odds are 75:25 hes christian just because christains are the majority, even though they're equally assholes to everyone else

I didn't say they weren't tolerant of other religions just that they don't consider other religions valid, therefore the thought of someone not being a Christian simply doesn't occur to them. That doesn't make them an asshole simply THICK. Plus it was only in jest..sort of. :)

1066. The Crusades began.

Either that or William the Conqueror defeats Britain, but same difference.

The point is the Christians have the most successful military conquest and conversion careers of any religion in the world.

Because most of the posters on this forum are Christians and most "Christians" don't recognize any other religion as valid. :)

I'm going to have to support this one. It seems to make the most sense. Espically since the "Big Three" religions all do not acknowladge the existance of another religion.
And it gets worse. I talked to a Muslim, and expressly told me that there was no belief in a god before Allah (Outright descrimination to the tousands of pre-Christian religions).
Of course I thought of this as a one off shot. Next thing I know the Catholic side of my family takes the same stance (Although Catholic not Muslim).

Anyway... it's really annoying to be either grouped with these people, or not recognised as valid.

1066. The Crusades began.

Either that or William the Conqueror defeats Britain, but same difference.

The point is the Christians have the most successful military conquest and conversion careers of any religion in the world.
I suppose I should be impressed that you realise that the world existed before 1492....
However, you might be interested to know that Britain had been Christian for about 700 years in 1066, and William the Bastard was the great grandson of a pagan pirate.
Further, given the Crusades were into Christian lands which had been overrun by Islamic invasions, and that those lands are now Muslim, that's not much of an argument in favour of successful Christian military campaigns.

1066. The Crusades began.

Either that or William the Conqueror defeats Britain, but same difference.

The point is the Christians have the most successful military conquest and conversion careers of any religion in the world.

It is hard to say... If we just look at European/Asian/Middle East/African history then Id have to say that prize goes to Islam.

Regarding Islam:

Their military conquests began about 632 AD. Islam conquerored and united all of Saudi Arabia and moved on from there. They destroyed the Persian Empire, and captured many Christian provinces including Jerusalem in/about 638AD. Palestine, Egypt, Syria and much of North Africa fell rather quickly. These were once the major provinces of the Byzantine Empire (Christians). They conquered parts of central Asia and made inroads into current day India. In 711 a Muslim army conquored Spain and setup their own Kingdom and became known as the Moors. In 718 the Muslim army was narrowly defeated at Constantinople (The so-called heart of the Christian Empire). Though it eventually did fall to the Muslim Turks in 1453. Islam kept up their conquoring and it seems would have swept all of Europe under its sword until they were defeated at Tours in a now-famous battle by Charles Martel in/about 732.

The Muslim empire was still very strong - for example they sacked Rome in 845AD.

Interestingly enough while Christians were struggling through their Dark Ages, the Islamic culture was far ahead of Christian Europe in terms of advancements of any kind. It wasnt until arguably the 1700-1800's that the great Islamic empires began to slide downwards, and the Christian dominated European countries began to arise in power.

In comparison the three Christian crusades that I can think of were all terrible faliures. They managed to capture Jerusalem and hold it for what? Less than a hundred years. The crusades were pretty pathetic in terms of military conquests. The only reason the Muslims didnt kick their trash outright was that they were too focused on the Mongol hordes to the East (Gengis Khan ring a bell?).

It's because when liberals say things like they're against "religion" in the class room they really mean Christianity

1066. The Crusades began.

Either that or William the Conqueror defeats Britain, but same difference.

The point is the Christians have the most successful military conquest and conversion careers of any religion in the world.
Personally I would argue that Islam does a far better job at military conquest and conversion due to the rapidly expanding rate of Islam is the middle east

It's because when liberals say things like they're against "religion" in the class room they really mean Christianity
look up a site called Protest warrior. they're your usual ultra conservatives who enjoy making fun of stupid liberals (not to infer that all liberals are stupid) One of there less than politically correct signs says and I quote: "The ACLU: We don't hate religion we just hate Christianity" anyway, thought I would add that comment.

Really, when did "Religion" and "Christianity" become synonymous?
I've noticed this observation that when people refer to "Religious People" they generally mean Chrisitans. As well, some Christians refer to "Religions People" with the same connotation, namely that of only Christians.
I, being a non-Christian, religious person, would like to know why this is?
Any thoughts or ideas?

*Note, I did search the forum for a topic like this and found none.. so if I missed it, please be polite about pointing that out to me.



Because the overwhelming majority of religious people in the US are christians.

look up a site called Protest warrior. they're your usual ultra conservatives who enjoy making fun of stupid liberals (not to infer that all liberals are stupid) One of there less than politically correct signs says and I quote: "The ACLU: We don't hate religion we just hate Christianity" anyway, thought I would add that comment.

dude, I'm a member

are you?

It's because when liberals say things like they're against "religion" in the class room they really mean Christianity
Lol Christianity is about the only one trying to push their way in right now lol if other religions were actively trying I am sure more liberals would be against that too :-P

Because the overwhelming majority of religious people in the US are christians.

but then why not come out and say "we hate Christianity"

I'd have alot more respect for the ACLU if they just came out and said it

but then why not come out and say "we hate Christianity"

I'd have alot more respect for the ACLU if they just came out and said it


Because most people *dont* hate christianity, they hate Religious Fundementalism Muslim fundementalism in muslim countries, christian fundementalism in christian countries, hindu and jewish fundementalism in their respective countries as well.

Lol Christianity is about the only one trying to push their way in right now lol if other religions were actively trying I am sure more liberals would be against that too :-P

if you look closely enough you'll see other religions do it too. like that florida woman trying to get her driver's licence picture taken with here burka on

Because most people *dont* hate christianity, they hate Religious Fundementalism Muslim fundementalism in muslim countries, christian fundementalism in christian countries, hindu and jewish fundementalism in their respective countries as well.
Yup usually it is a matter of familiarity

if you look closely enough you'll see other religions do it too. like that florida woman trying to get her driver's licence picture taken with here burka on
And what does that have to do with the classroom?

(I disagree with the burke thing personally but …)

dude, I'm a member

are you?

Yeah. I am.

Yeah. I am.


I give money to the ACLU.

And what does that have to do with the classroom?

(I disagree with the burke thing personally but …)

cause we're not just talking about the class room, this goes furth out

the ACLU dosn't just sue over the classroom either, they recently sued to have the image of a Catholic Church taken off the LA county seal. the immage of the Church was to commemorate the town/county's history as a mission but the ACLU used anyway because they thought religion shouldn't be represented in county seals. right next to the immage of the Church was the immage of an innuite pagan goddes. the ACLU didn't say anything about that

I give money to the ACLU.

...that's how one becomes a member, so so do I.

Really, when did "Religion" and "Christianity" become synonymous?
I've noticed this observation that when people refer to "Religious People" they generally mean Chrisitans. As well, some Christians refer to "Religions People" with the same connotation, namely that of only Christians.
I, being a non-Christian, religious person, would like to know why this is?
Any thoughts or ideas?

*Note, I did search the forum for a topic like this and found none.. so if I missed it, please be polite about pointing that out to me.

we live in the USA. the predominant religion is christianity. So... that is what people usually think.( its a stereotype)

It's because when liberals say things like they're against "religion" in the class room they really mean Christianity
Choo Choo! It's the Clue Train! Last stop? You. No, "liberals", like our founding fathers, are for the separation of Church and State. I can tell you're either a Southerner, an idiot or both, so let me explain this in simple terms. Liberals don't hate Christianity. They hate people who try to make kids in school pray, or stop Evolution from being taught in public schools. Unfortunately, these people are ALWAYS Christians in the U.S. Our founding fathers were deists, but they were against any one religion being taught in schools. Does that answer your question?

but then why not come out and say "we hate Christianity"

I'd have alot more respect for the ACLU if they just came out and said it
The ACLU doesn't hate Christianity, they like these funny things called 'civil liberties'. Having Christianity in our schools is against the constitution, dumbass. That's a violation of our civil rights. Next, I am going to come out and say that yes, I hate Christianity. And it's because not only has basically everything horrible in the world been perpetrated in the name of Christ, but also because all the religious Christians I've ever met have been the scum of the earth, unable to justify their ludicrous faith but perfectly able to bastardize it for their own purposes.

if you look closely enough you'll see other religions do it too. like that florida woman trying to get her driver's licence picture taken with here burka on
If you want to take your driver's license picture with a cross pendant, I won't stop you.

cause we're not just talking about the class room, this goes furth out

the ACLU dosn't just sue over the classroom either, they recently sued to have the image of a Catholic Church taken off the LA county seal. the immage of the Church was to commemorate the town/county's history as a mission but the ACLU used anyway because they thought religion shouldn't be represented in county seals. right next to the immage of the Church was the immage of an innuite pagan goddes. the ACLU didn't say anything about that
Um but let me get this strait I made a comment on specifically Christianity interfering with the classroom

You came back with “Nuuh “ and gave an example refuting my statement with something that has nothing to do with a classroom

I am confused I understand the wider argument but if you are trying to refute a specific statement with another statement of your own … try to make it relevant

I'm going to have to support this one. It seems to make the most sense. Espically since the "Big Three" religions all do not acknowladge the existance of another religion.
And it gets worse. I talked to a Muslim, and expressly told me that there was no belief in a god before Allah (Outright descrimination to the tousands of pre-Christian religions).
Of course I thought of this as a one off shot. Next thing I know the Catholic side of my family takes the same stance (Although Catholic not Muslim).

Anyway... it's really annoying to be either grouped with these people, or not recognised as valid.
You're actually just kind of wrong here. The Muslim who told you that was lying or being stupid, because not only does Islam recognize the other two major religions as "people of the book" but they believe Jesus was God's prophet and that he shall return when the day of judgement draws nigh. Islam and Judaism aren't mutually exclusive either, since they believe the same things except for the whole "convert the infidel" thing that Islam and Christianity have going. Judaism has no overt "you're wrong" stance on the other two... It's basically only Christians who reject all other religions. Cept for Unitarians, but they're funny.

cause we're not just talking about the class room, this goes furth out

the ACLU dosn't just sue over the classroom either, they recently sued to have the image of a Catholic Church taken off the LA county seal. the immage of the Church was to commemorate the town/county's history as a mission but the ACLU used anyway because they thought religion shouldn't be represented in county seals. right next to the immage of the Church was the immage of an innuite pagan goddes. the ACLU didn't say anything about that
Church and State. Re: Separation. You just don't get it. Pagan goddesses are not worshipped anymore. There is no risk of cooptation of schools or government or anything else by pagan freaking cultists. There is a risk of cooptation by Christian fundamentalists.

You're actually just kind of wrong here. The Muslim who told you that was lying or being stupid, because not only does Islam recognize the other two major religions as "people of the book" but they believe Jesus was God's prophet and that he shall return when the day of judgement draws nigh. Islam and Judaism aren't mutually exclusive either, since they believe the same things except for the whole "convert the infidel" thing that Islam and Christianity have going. Judaism has no overt "you're wrong" stance on the other two... It's basically only Christians who reject all other religions. Cept for Unitarians, but they're funny.


Eh, no, he was telling me the truth. We wern't including the Jews and Christians in the liniage.
Muslims don't acknowadge the existance of the ancient Greek gods, Egyptian gods, or any others. And Polytheism is one of the biggest sins in Islam.
Next time, read my post through fully, you'll notice the term "Pre-Christian".
You, are the one who is wrong.
I very adamently looked into this, because all of the places I wish to visit for spiritual reasons are in Muslim countries. And I can not go there for a very literal fear of death because I am polytheistic.

Not everyone is a mainstreme religion, don't start descriminating against those that arn't.

Pagan goddesses are not worshipped anymore.
You are trying to be funny here, right? Given the massive growth of Paganism over the last two generations?
:
:
Waits to be insulted.......

1066. The Crusades began.

Either that or William the Conqueror defeats Britain, but same difference.

The point is the Christians have the most successful military conquest and conversion careers of any religion in the world.
How about Islam? A bunch of desert raiders with a religious ideology that compels them to convert the world fought the christians and jews that inhabited the middle east, conquered them. Spread to Africa, to Europe, to Asia, and now have some 1.6 billion followers.

If you want to take your driver's license picture with a cross pendant, I won't stop you.
The problem is that a driver's license is a form of picture ID. If you can have it taken with what is essentially a mask covering your face it has no value.