I really did misunderstand you then.
I do not feel powerless. The right and freedom to object is comforting.
It must be examined why this phenomena is occuring however - it may be mostly fear. With the threat of terrorism and a world turning against us ( England, UK especially ), both politically and theologically, comfort can be found with the release of emotion, and in 'feel good' remedies. After the fix has worn off, though, strong emotions set in - blame, guilt and hate amoung them. I don't think the God of any of the world's religions require public demonstrations of faithfulness. Moreover, it is love that should be spread on behalf of the divinity of these religions. As it is, there seems to be a confrontation brewing between the 'rath' of conflicting theologies.
Reason must balance our spirtual and emotional lives. This may be too complex to sort out in a post or two; but, we must recognize the delicate balance that holds the world community together. Fear and ignorance are only half the problem. People must embrace change and difference. The further right or left we travel the more we veer off course. Walk straight down the middle of it.
Recognize that you have spirtual needs. But also realize you have responsibilities as well. It is everyone's job to discourage evil and support good. Your heart should be your guide.
The inspiration you chose can enable you to carry out your tasks. Whatever the source, be it art, music or religion, the motivation should translate into a responsible pro-active lifestyle. For example, if your moral convictions are against prostituition or pornography, then don't fund it. But more than that, hold more than women accoutable.... If you want better schools, then get involved. But, if you'd rather dress up on Sunday morning and convince yourself that yammering gibberish will set you free, then you are not only lazy and uniformed, you are not promoting the theology that is the basis for your religion.
Inspiration should be the fuel for perspiration. Work at listening to others. If I can't understand your prose, how will your speaking in tongues reach me?
Bear with me while I sort through some rhetorical scenarios for the right AND left:
* Every life is precious, even the unborn - yet birth control and sex education should be left to the church and the parents?!
- Unreasonable and a failure!
* Every life is precious, yet you will execute the retarded and let the wealthy go free. Unreasonable and unjust!
* Every life is precious, so every pregnant teen should be forced to bring another life into a world that is not prepared or committed to support the educational and medical infrastructure required for viability?!
Unreasonable and immoral!
The left should also give ground here as well. Reason dictates that responsibility and adoption should be part of the educational process before the unwanted pregnancies occur. . Moreover, a women's right to chose should be maintained with limitations. Reason should prevail. A zygote, embryo and a fetus should be distinguished. Four months or less should be provided to make the desicion. Otherwise adoption should be required if the baby is not wanted. That may sound like a compromise, but the truth is usually somewhere in the middle. A fetus is more viable that a zygote. The right of a women to chose should be defended. The right of a viable creature should also be of value. This conflict need not be a conundrum or a political football. How can you defend the right of an unborn child from assault if you do not ascribe value to the intent to have that child. The choice should remain with the mother, until the viability is established. The health of the mother should always be considered however.
I will continue this if there is any response. However, I'm not going to solve the world's trouble's here. But if we don't spread the word of reason then they will 'spread the word' as they see fit One size does not fit all, and there are no easy solutions.
No tithes required to here this word.