Alan Dale

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The reason why it's as important now as ever to discuss the merits of religion is that it affects government policy. It's a disgrace that religion and education are intertwined. If you can find 10% of the cost then you can now run your own faith school with the remainder paid for by the state. Once up and running you can teach creationism if you want to or any other unsubstantiated or intolerant beliefs. And what about non-believers sending their kids to CofE or Catholic schools because of their exam records. How can you do that with a clear conscience? It's much more honest to pay for it yet somehow in centrist political circles that's discouraged whereas filling their heads with guilt and myth is absolutely fine.

Thanks Keef but I fear that this thread will only have any value if someone religous is willing to put their beliefs under the microscope. Failing that someone more familiar with the doctrine could perhaps try to explain to me: 1. Why does God take credit for everything good but doesn't take responsibility for anything bad? (Good business skills) 2. Why does God want to be praised- insecurity perhaps? 3. Why Christians in particular are so big on recruitment. Why the big recruitment drive? 4. Could perhaps the Church's wealth be put to better use? 5. Is it really acceptable that someone should be able to blame their invisible friend for their own intolerance? Maybe *Bob* can help- he answered all of these questions years ago..

I am genuinely interested to know how people of faith reconcile their faith with such arbitrary unpleasant occurrences. The McCann's themselves have sighted their faith as being a driving force in their continued struggle. I have no such religious comforts in my life and find people who do lean on the church in times of hardship completely baffling. I'm sorry if individuals feel that such a question is intellectually beneath them but I'd ask them to find something else to talk about rather than trying to belittle me personally. Unless you can remember the answer from GCSE R.E. then perhaps you could share it and we could move on. You are right Katgod - it was prejudiced of me to assume that DM was a Christian. Sorry if I misclassified you DM. I don't accept that I am not allowed to take issue people making statements that assume a general acceptance of the existence of a God without that being up for debate. That said I do accept Keef's assertion that this might be better discussed on a different thread. Perhaps you could start a 'Religion for Dummies' thread Bob and take questions on faith and theology. I have lots I'd like to ask you...

I am not telling anyone to do anything I am asking how such an event squares with their adopted beliefs. Beliefs that they seem happy to air on the forum. You might think that I'm capitalising on this thread to push an athiest agenda but surely it was the Christian agenda which first inappropriately impressed itself on the thread. I'd argue that it's not for others to bring God into this in the first place but apparently their sensibilities have to observed ahead of mine...

DM - I find all your appeals for prayer and help from God a bit unnerving. Don't you think that in the light of events such as these then either God doesn't exist or at least He's got a fair bit of explaining to do?

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Sorry admin but this guy has a track record for this. Bobby! No capitals?! Has that coffee worn off? I am trying to let you off but it seems you are a glutton for punishment. You may have been born in a travel lodge and I may not be first in the queue for the all you can eat breakfast buffet with my own 12" plate but the two options are comparable. You know it. I know it. Even your best sympathetic pal Jeremy knows it. Rein him in Jeremy - I don't want him to start crying again.

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