Freeing the mind slaves

[Jacob(smooth)]

I was going to post this in the section about banning the burka, but thought it actually had broader application.

Paraphrased,

Religion is a system, Neo. That system is our enemy. But when you're inside, you look around, what do you see? Businessmen, teachers, lawyers, carpenters. The very minds of the people we are trying to save. But until we do, these people are still a part of that system and that makes them our enemy. You have to understand, most of these people are not ready to be unplugged. And many of them are so inured, so hopelessly dependent on the system, that they will fight to protect it.

Fits disturbingly well doesn't it...

[Faith No More]

I think you're too rational to call yourself a Christian.

[Jacob(smooth)]

Ah but if I am aware of the system but still work within it, I get to wear a cool black suit and tie.

Although I generally don't get on with other Christians so I guess I get to be a post matrix reloaded agent Smith.

[Ben Davis]

...I guess I get to be a post matrix reloaded agent Smith.

What? Replicating parasitically?

[Jacob(smooth)]

It's not worked yet but I keep trying. It's embarrassing so I pretend I went to shake hands then stumbled forward.

[Faith No More]

Ah but if I am aware of the system but still work within it, I get to wear a cool black suit and tie.

Although I generally don't get on with other Christians so I guess I get to be a post matrix reloaded agent Smith.

But why attach that label to yourself? Do you believe in the divinity of Jesus, or do you just think he was a great teacher?

And what would you call someone that recognizes slavery and decides that he/she would like to be a part of it?

[Whateverist]

And what would you call someone that recognizes slavery and decides that he/she would like to be a part of it?

I think the question then becomes is Christianity benign - or benign enough? Slavery is not a benign institution. So the person who identifies with and participates in it is repulsive.

In answering that question you'll have to separate out the ill they do because they're people from the ill which stems specifically from their religion. Even if you look at the historic evil the Catholic church has visited on people, are you looking at the ill affects of religion or of power? Perhaps the inquisition is just a symptom of absolute power?

[Jacob(smooth)]

Ah but if I am aware of the system but still work within it, I get to wear a cool black suit and tie.

Although I generally don't get on with other Christians so I guess I get to be a post matrix reloaded agent Smith.

But why attach that label to yourself? Do you believe in the divinity of Jesus, or do you just think he was a great teacher?

Yes .

And what would you call someone that recognizes slavery and decides that he/she would like to be a part of it?

That would depend entirely on the circumstances. Careful now, you'll make me hostile.

[Faith No More]

I think the question then becomes is Christianity benign - or benign enough? Slavery is not a benign institution. So the person who identifies with and participates in it is repulsive.

In answering that question you'll have to separate out the ill they do because they're people from the ill which stems specifically from their religion. Even if you look at the historic evil the Catholic church has visited on people, are you looking at the ill affects of religion or of power? Perhaps the inquisition is just a symptom of absolute power?

Shit, whateverist, you got my brain running, and I'm at work right now. I'm going to do some thinking about this and respond in depth later.

[Faith No More]

Yes .

That would depend entirely on the circumstances. Careful now, you'll make me hostile.

Well, we wouldn't want that, would we?

If you feel the need to justify your stance, I am more than willing to read an elaboration.