Re: Is religion antithetical to democracy [formerly: Are Islam and Democracy Incompatible?]

David H Li <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote in alt.atheism

<snip>

> On reading this proclamation [from the pope, prohibiting Chinese Christians
> from paying respects to Confucius], I can only conclude that the Westerners
> are small minded.  How can they talk about the great ideas of China?

What's the general view of the Pope in China these days?  Do most of
the people in China think the Pope speaks for all of western
Christianity?  Do they think Bush speaks for protestant Christianity,
or do they even know the difference?

> No Westerners [who presented themselves on behalf of the pope]
> understands Chinese books, and when they discuss them, our people
> find many of their remarks ridiculous.  Now I have seen the Legation's
> proclamation, and it is just the same as Buddhist and Taoist heresies
> and superstitutions.

Which of the current popular religions aren't really superstitions in
your opinion?

> I have never seen such nonsense as this.  Henceforth no Westerner may
> propagate his [missionaries at that time, all Catholics, were invariably male]
> religion in China.  It should be prohibited in order to avoid more trouble.

Where does West start in your opinion?  Is there some specific
dividing line, geographically, that you consider West, or is it a set
of particular beliefs which include Christianity?  For example, I am
an atheist living in Texas.  Do you still consider me a westerner?
What if I was Buddhist living in Texas?  Would I be a westerner
or an easterner?  What do you base the word "Westerner" on when
you use it?

-- 
Elroy Willis
EAP Chief Editor and Newshound
http://web2.airmail.net/~elo/news