Bible drawn into sex publication controversy

[Vegas]

http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSHKG26218320070516?feedType=RSS&rpc=22

HONG KONG (Reuters) - More than 800 Hong Kong residents have called on authorities to reclassify the Bible as "indecent" due to its sexual and violent content, following an uproar over a sex column in a university student journal.

A spokesperson for Hong Kong's Television and Entertainment Licensing authority (TELA) said it had received 838 complaints about the Bible by noon Wednesday.

The complaints follow the launch of an anonymous Web site -- www.truthbible.net -- which said the holy book "made one tremble" given its sexual and violent content, including rape and incest.

The Web site said the Bible's sexual content "far exceeds" that of a recent sex column published in the Chinese University's "Student Press" magazine, which had asked readers whether they'd ever fantasized about incest or bestiality.
That column was later deemed "indecent" by the Obscene Articles Tribunal, sparking a storm of debate about social morality and freedom of speech. Student editors of the journal defended it, saying open sexual debate was a basic right.

If the Bible is similarly classified as "indecent" by authorities, only those over 18 could buy the holy book and it would need to be sealed in a wrapper with a statutory warning notice.

TELA said it was still undecided on whether the Bible had violated Hong Kong's obscene and indecent articles laws.

But a local protestant minister shrugged off this possibility.

"If there is rape mentioned in the Bible, it doesn't mean it encourages those activities," said Reverend Wu Chi-wai. "It's just common sense ... I don't think that criticism will have strong support from the public," he added.

[Jiddy78]

Where were you f*cks for anime porn?

[Iron Jaw]

Hong Kong has just under 7 million residents. Of those, approximately one million identify themselves as members of the Christian Religion (Catholic, Protestant, Latter Day Saint). There are also an estimated 5,000 of the Jewish faith. Judaism, of course, is the root of Christianity and the Christian Bible's Old Testament is based upon the history of Judaism. And Judaism has the roots as Islam - both decendents of Abraham. Islamics number approximately 20,000 in Hong Kong. The numbers of those who believe in the Judeo-Christian Faith, along with Islam share a belief system that has a common history. The numbers of those who believe in the Christian Bible, or elements thereof (the Old Testament) far exceed a gang of 800 activists who obviously have an anti-Christian message in mind.

The Bible does feature subjects like rape, incest and adultry. But it certainly does not condone these acts, but rather displays them as acts of sin and attribute the acts of sin to the evil one - and of course, fully explains the proper lifestyle, better than the evil ones who defied God.

Just a bunch of anti-Christian activists. We have them here too - in considerably larger numbers.

[IBC]

Hong Kong has just under 7 million residents. Of those, approximately one million identify themselves as members of the Christian Religion (Catholic, Protestant, Latter Day Saint). There are also an estimated 5,000 of the Jewish faith. Judaism, of course, is the root of Christianity and the Christian Bible's Old Testament is based upon the history of Judaism. And Judaism has the roots as Islam - both decendents of Abraham. Islamics number approximately 20,000 in Hong Kong. The numbers of those who believe in the Judeo-Christian Faith, along with Islam share a belief system that has a common history. The numbers of those who believe in the Christian Bible, or elements thereof (the Old Testament) far exceed a gang of 800 activists who obviously have an anti-Christian message in mind.

The Bible does feature subjects like rape, incest and adultry. But it certainly does not condone these acts, but rather displays them as acts of sin and attribute the acts of sin to the evil one - and of course, fully explains the proper lifestyle, better than the evil ones who defied God.

Just a bunch of anti-Christian activists. We have them here too - in considerably larger numbers.
We have anti-Christian activists? We might have people that have issues with Christian activists like Falwell and Robertson. Guys that say Gays caused 911. Guys that don't believe in the Separation of Church and State. Guys that spew hatred. Those guys.

[Iron Jaw]

We have anti-Christian activists? We might have people that have issues with Christian activists like Falwell and Robertson. Guys that say Gays caused 911. Guys that don't believe in the Separation of Church and State. Guys that spew hatred. Those guys.

Robertson and Falwell believed the U.S. was punished on 9/11 for it's open acceptance of sin - which includes homosexuality and other forms of sin. In Christianity, Judaism, Islam - and most bonifide religions around the world, homosexuality is classified as a sin. In some countries (particularly in the Muslim world), homosexuality is punishable by death. Robertson and Falwell's statements coincide with their beliefs that homosexuality is a sin and has become an accepted form of life in the U.S., at least on the legal scale. I don't agree with their assessment - based upon my biblical beliefs we're all incapable of leading a completely righteous life. Those with sin themselves, such as Robertson and Falwell, were casting the first stone.

I consider the strict left-wing of the U.S. as anti-Christian/anti-Religious (to some extent) activists - those who utilize our court system via activist judges to take religion out of all walks of life. Yes, we have a separation of church and state. But Christianity is part of our culture - considerably moreso than any other religion. Part of our history, part of our life, and part of the way in which a majority of people desire to live their lives. When the activists attack every single venue that potentially touches anything that has to do with anything local, state or federally, they gang up in droves and spend a fortune to attack it - utilizing the ACLU and resources to finance the venture. Issues such as the attempt to take God out of the pledge of allegiance. Ridiculous - and impossible to enforce. So some kid claims he/she is "offended" by it (or Dad, an athiest is the one really offended - not the kid) and sues the school because it terrified the poor youngster. Then, all of a sudden, some court says the kids can't say the pledge because use of the word God is unconstitutional. Though it was ruled as constitutional by earlier courts, some current court has a different opinion. Courts have become extremely political. Perhaps our justices should face voters every few years just like the rest of the "politicians."

It's pretty much been that way ever since the reknowned athiest, Madalyn Murray O’Hair began utilizing the courts in her vendetta against Christianity and all other religions. She won her 1963 lawsuit to get prayer out of the school - her son William was her whipping boy (Ironically, William eventually became a Christian and a preacher - which of course, created a permanent split between he and his mother). O'Hair, a self-professed communist who once applied for citizenship in the Soviet Union (but the Soviets refused her entry), continued her battle against God. Over the years O'Hair filed lawsuit after lawsuit as the head of the American Athiests. The woman spewed more hatred than Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell could ever dream of. When her own son became a preacher in 1980, she was quoted as saying, "One could call this a postnatal abortion on the part of a mother, I guess; I repudiate him entirely and completely for now and all times...He is beyond human forgiveness." She was one mean, beotch. But, an icon for those who accept her way of life. She died in 1995.

[IBC]

Robertson and Falwell believed the U.S. was punished on 9/11 for it's open acceptance of sin - which includes homosexuality and other forms of sin. In Christianity, Judaism, Islam - and most bonifide religions around the world, homosexuality is classified as a sin. In some countries (particularly in the Muslim world), homosexuality is punishable by death. Robertson and Falwell's statements coincide with their beliefs that homosexuality is a sin and has become an accepted form of life in the U.S., at least on the legal scale. I don't agree with their assessment - based upon my biblical beliefs we're all incapable of leading a completely righteous life. Those with sin themselves, such as Robertson and Falwell, were casting the first stone.

I consider the strict left-wing of the U.S. as anti-Christian/anti-Religious (to some extent) activists - those who utilize our court system via activist judges to take religion out of all walks of life. Yes, we have a separation of church and state. But Christianity is part of our culture - considerably moreso than any other religion. Part of our history, part of our life, and part of the way in which a majority of people desire to live their lives. When the activists attack every single venue that potentially touches anything that has to do with anything local, state or federally, they gang up in droves and spend a fortune to attack it - utilizing the ACLU and resources to finance the venture. Issues such as the attempt to take God out of the pledge of allegiance. Ridiculous - and impossible to enforce. So some kid claims he/she is "offended" by it (or Dad, an athiest is the one really offended - not the kid) and sues the school because it terrified the poor youngster. Then, all of a sudden, some court says the kids can't say the pledge because use of the word God is unconstitutional. Though it was ruled as constitutional by earlier courts, some current court has a different opinion. Courts have become extremely political. Perhaps our justices should face voters every few years just like the rest of the "politicians."

It's pretty much been that way ever since the reknowned athiest, Madalyn Murray O’Hair began utilizing the courts in her vendetta against Christianity and all other religions. She won her 1963 lawsuit to get prayer out of the school - her son William was her whipping boy (Ironically, William eventually became a Christian and a preacher - which of course, created a permanent split between he and his mother). O'Hair, a self-professed communist who once applied for citizenship in the Soviet Union (but the Soviets refused her entry), continued her battle against God. Over the years O'Hair filed lawsuit after lawsuit as the head of the American Athiests. The woman spewed more hatred than Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell could ever dream of. When her own son became a preacher in 1980, she was quoted as saying, "One could call this a postnatal abortion on the part of a mother, I guess; I repudiate him entirely and completely for now and all times...He is beyond human forgiveness." She was one mean, beotch. But, an icon for those who accept her way of life. She died in 1995.

A nice mix of Communism and atheism thrown in there to really bring it up a notch. Was there no way to tie to terrorism or Islamofascists?

I consider the hardcore fundamentalists to be very much like the Taliban. Falwell was a bigot. He was a segregationist. He only changed his views when it became expedient.

This is not a Christian nation. We can pretend it is all we want, but it wasn't formed that way. How many times was God mentioned in our Constitution?
It is also important to note that kids are not kept from praying in schools. Where do you get that idea? Anyone can pray, that is protected by the same Constitution that allows freedom of religious expression and secularity of government. Anyone can pledge allegiance to God AND Country. I do not choose to and shouldn't have to, or have to hear it.

I was a teacher for a few years. I would never say the part of the Pledge you are referring to. I think it is wrong. We are not one nation under God. If we are I want no part in it, and I am a good citizen and person. It is as much my nation as it is yours or anyones else. i don't have any problem with you practicing your faith, keep it out of my life.

[pnkpanther]

my view on constitution is that, it doesnt say which God, so leave it in

Arabic speaking christians refer to "God" as "Allah" it's just the language, muslims, jews, christians, it's all the same "God" it's just a split. Muslim's believe in Jesus, they refer to him often. They just believe there was a prophet after Jesus, Mohammed. Mohammed isnt their God, just like Jesus isnt ours.

and one of the points you bring up Iron jaw is one of the ones that annoy's me the most. It's assumed that being a democrat is being Anti-God or Anti Religion. I chose not to believe that a 700 year old man rounded up two of every animal and put them on a boat, so no i'm not religous. But i'm not against it, i think church has done a lot of good, but politically, i think it should be uninvolved in our country. Nor is prayer "banned" from school, just organized prayer, which it should be. You want your kid to prayer, pony up the bucks and send them to private christian school.

[LSU]

my view on constitution is that, it doesnt say which God, so leave it in

Arabic speaking christians refer to "God" as "Allah" it's just the language, muslims, jews, christians, it's all the same "God" it's just a split. Muslim's believe in Jesus, they refer to him often. They just believe there was a prophet after Jesus, Mohammed. Mohammed isnt their God, just like Jesus isnt ours.

and one of the points you bring up Iron jaw is one of the ones that annoy's me the most. It's assumed that being a democrat is being Anti-God or Anti Religion. I chose not to believe that a 700 year old man rounded up two of every animal and put them on a boat, so no i'm not religous. But i'm not against it, i think church has done a lot of good, but politically, i think it should be uninvolved in our country. Nor is prayer "banned" from school, just organized prayer, which it should be. You want your kid to prayer, pony up the bucks and send them to private christian school.


Father, Son, Holy Spirit

[pnkpanther]

Father, Son, Holy Spirit

the holy Trinity, yes I'm aware.

but God isnt Jesus

[Iron Jaw]

and one of the points you bring up Iron jaw is one of the ones that annoy's me the most. It's assumed that being a democrat is being Anti-God or Anti Religion.

Don't misquote me. I never used the term, "democrat." I used "strict left-wing." There are people who belong to parties other than the democrats who I would consider as left-wingers, including a few from my own party. I've voted for conservative democrats in the past - against liberal Republicans - at the state and local level (for instance, I voted for Dick Lam as Governor of Colorado - Dick always ran against libs from the Rep party). I haven't seen a conservative dem making a run for the White House against a liberal Republican since I was of voting age. The last lib Republican that made a serious run for the WH was probably Nelson Rockefeller who lost to Goldwater in the primaries in '64 (ten years before I was elgible to vote). Nixon and Ford were moderates, but their opponents were considerably to the left of them.

[Iron Jaw]

A nice mix of Communism and atheism thrown in there to really bring it up a notch. Was there no way to tie to terrorism or Islamofascists?

I consider the hardcore fundamentalists to be very much like the Taliban. Falwell was a bigot. He was a segregationist. He only changed his views when it became expedient.

.

Madlayn Murray O'Hair was the most well-known athiest of her time, and basically wrote the book on attacking religion via the court system. Others who tried before her failed miserably for the most part. Madalyn Murray O'Hair was a proclaimed communist - and as stated, once attempted to gain citizenship in the Soviet Union. That was around 1960, a time when the word communist was the ugliest of the ugly words in America and the western world in general. Communist states such as the Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China banned all religious practice, organized and unorganized, though it continued in the underground. Those who broke the laws faced severe punishment including long term imprisonment in places such as Siberia. Thus, at the time O'Hair was on her "crusade," communism and athiesm did have a tie of sorts. When I think of the athiest cause, Madalyn Murray O'Hair is the first person who comes to mind. And I loved it when her son dissed her, became a Christian and a preacher to boot. But the absolute hate she displayed for her own son after he became a preacher, to me, showed her true colors.

With regards to Robertson and Falwell, If you noticed I said I did not agree with their assertion the U.S. was being punished via terrorist acts for transgressions. I merely pointed out the reason I felt that they believed in the manner they did. I do not support Robertson and Falwell's statements and never have. But calling them the Taliban - as far as I know they never had trained armies and undercover agents at their disposal to wipe out buildings and kill people - or suicide bombers.

[Iron Jaw]

the holy Trinity, yes I'm aware.

but God isnt Jesus

That's a matter for personal belief depending upon which denomination you are a part of, or how you personally interpret the Bible. It's my belief that Jesus is God, who lived a man's life on earth for the most important mission ever.

[Iron Jaw]

I chose not to believe that a 700 year old man rounded up two of every animal and put them on a boat, so no i'm not religous. But i'm not against it, i think church has done a lot of good, but politically, i think it should be uninvolved in our country. Nor is prayer "banned" from school, just organized prayer, which it should be. You want your kid to prayer, pony up the bucks and send them to private christian school.

On the first point, the story of the great flood is part of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity - all have roots to the God of Abraham and the story of Noah and the Ark.

Several cultures around the world, including some of our own native American cultures include the story of a great flood.

Religion can never be uninvolved in our country. We have too many people who do believe in one religion or another - the majority of course are associated with Christianity in one form or another. It's a constant topic in politics - note the number of political candidates from both parties who cite their religious beliefs.

Unfortunately, some schools believe that no prayer in schools means no prayer in school for anyone. I mean, if a group of kids want to have a religious club they organize themselves, it shouldn't be a problem. And if a teacher wants to get involved, I have no problem with that either, so long as he's not teaching it during his lecture hours. Heck, we have schools right now that are under attack for teaching the Bible as literature. As an elective, not a mandated subject. If it's an elective, why should it bother anyone. And like it or not, the Bible is very much a part of the world's history and very relevant for study whether one is a believer or not.

And on the subject of my kids, my daughter attends a Catholic High School here in Yuma. My son will as well when he gets into high school. Though I am an New Anglican (Anglican/Episcopalan breakoff), the wife is a Roman Catholic (meaning, she won the battle on how we raise our kids:( - no big deal really - the ideology is almost identical, though I believe priests should be allowed to marry.....it would sure help the church avoid troubles they've had with the perverted priest scandals).

[IBC]

On the first point, the story of the great flood is part of Judaism, Islam, and Christianity - all have roots to the God of Abraham and the story of Noah and the Ark.

Several cultures around the world, including some of our own native American cultures include the story of a great flood.

Religion can never be uninvolved in our country. We have too many people who do believe in one religion or another - the majority of course are associated with Christianity in one form or another. It's a constant topic in politics - note the number of political candidates from both parties who cite their religious beliefs.

Unfortunately, some schools believe that no prayer in schools means no prayer in school for anyone. I mean, if a group of kids want to have a religious club they organize themselves, it shouldn't be a problem. And if a teacher wants to get involved, I have no problem with that either, so long as he's not teaching it during his lecture hours. Heck, we have schools right now that are under attack for teaching the Bible as literature. As an elective, not a mandated subject. If it's an elective, why should it bother anyone. And like it or not, the Bible is very much a part of the world's history and very relevant for study whether one is a believer or not.

And on the subject of my kids, my daughter attends a Catholic High School here in Yuma. My son will as well when he gets into high school. Though I am an New Anglican (Anglican/Episcopalan breakoff), the wife is a Roman Catholic (meaning, she won the battle on how we raise our kids:( - no big deal really - the ideology is almost identical, though I believe priests should be allowed to marry.....it would sure help the church avoid troubles they've had with the perverted priest scandals).
Can we teach the Koran too?
Have we had problems not allowing kids to pray at school? I think they should be able to have prayer groups too, just not school-sponsored.
I also believe that teaching the Bible as literature is the only way to teach it outside of religious schools. That is ok, but offer all viewpoints, and include the things that are just factually untrue. We should never teach it as the word of God in public schools.
As far as Falwell and Robertson go, you should take the online quiz. Falwell, Robertson or Osama.

http://www.funnystrange.com/quiz/

[Iron Jaw]

Can we teach the Koran too?

http://www.funnystrange.com/quiz/

That would be an elective such as the Bible as Literature. Likewise the Torah (though elements of the Torah would be part of the Old Testament of the Bible). Teaching any religion as literature is acceptable. When I was in college I took the Bible as Literature. Interestingly enough, there was an Iranian girl taking the same class - she was an exchange student. This was in the Spring of 1978 - before the revolution when the Shah was still in power. I don't know what her religion was - perhaps she was an Iranian Christian. She didn't wear the veil or anything, but then, under the Shah that wasn't required garb for women. She was a looker though.

That same year I took an English writing course with the center topic being ancient religions that are rarely practiced today. Such as Zoroastrianism, the dominant religion of Persia until the Islamic conquests of the 7th Century. There are about 50,000 Zoroastrians left in Iran, and fewer in Iraq. We also studied Sumerian mythology, along with Egyptian, Greek and Roman. The latter three actually featured the same gods with updated names per language translation.

[pnkpanther]

Madlayn Murray O'Hair was the most well-known athiest of her time, and basically wrote the book on attacking religion via the court system. Others who tried before her failed miserably for the most part. Madalyn Murray O'Hair was a proclaimed communist - and as stated, once attempted to gain citizenship in the Soviet Union. That was around 1960, a time when the word communist was the ugliest of the ugly words in America and the western world in general. Communist states such as the Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China banned all religious practice, organized and unorganized, though it continued in the underground. Those who broke the laws faced severe punishment including long term imprisonment in places such as Siberia. Thus, at the time O'Hair was on her "crusade," communism and athiesm did have a tie of sorts. When I think of the athiest cause, Madalyn Murray O'Hair is the first person who comes to mind. And I loved it when her son dissed her, became a Christian and a preacher to boot. But the absolute hate she displayed for her own son after he became a preacher, to me, showed her true colors.

With regards to Robertson and Falwell, If you noticed I said I did not agree with their assertion the U.S. was being punished via terrorist acts for transgressions. I merely pointed out the reason I felt that they believed in the manner they did. I do not support Robertson and Falwell's statements and never have. But calling them the Taliban - as far as I know they never had trained armies and undercover agents at their disposal to wipe out buildings and kill people - or suicide bombers.
no but ronnie did

[pnkpanther]

Do schools really prevent kids from praying on their own? That would be wrong.

Too my knowledge it's mainly propganda by the christian right saying that.

I'm not an aethist, i'm agnostic, i believe there is a very good chance of a higher power, i believe the bible has many errors, factual and otherwise, i believe much of is mans way of explaining things and influenced by mans bias and ignorance. I think bible is a message of compasion and love, and i dont think many get that.

Have you ever heard the hatefull things protestors say to women going into a women's clinic? it's nasty.

[ryr8828]

no but ronnie did

Back that up.

[Reagan Smash]

See, I agree with Hong Kong here. Whenever I need that extra boost, I don't take a Viagra or look at Maxim, I pick up my nearest Bible. Nothing get's you in the mood like Psalm 119 :rolleyes:

[pnkpanther]

Back that up.

Iran Contra ring a bell

who do you think put the taliban in power?

[Ed Who?]

We have anti-Christian activists? We might have people that have issues with Christian activists like Falwell and Robertson. Guys that say Gays caused 911. Guys that don't believe in the Separation of Church and State. Guys that spew hatred. Those guys.

Oh God, here come the, "We're Not [insert derogatory label here], We Just Hate The [insert polar opposite derogatory label here] People."

[hannitykillspuppies]

i love how radical christians feel themselves and they're religion are under attack in this country. these radicals have no problem passing judgement on others for the lives they lead, but apparently are so righteous they do no wrong and are a shining beacon of morality and kindness. it's absolutely laughable. i mean they can't even follow one of the basic tenemants of their religion yet think they should be able to force it upon anyone because it is the only way to truly live ones life. give me a break. you go to your church, i'll go to mine.