Napoleon-
Since most people are "born into" their faith-traditions, and they are culturally enforced by the social groups (the same reason good cops do not often speak out against the bad ones, even though there are more good ones than bad by far) to which the Muslims who might otherwise want to speak out belong, I think the race comparison is valid.
I am not a supporter of Islam, nor of theocracy in any form. However, I know American Muslims, and they are nothing like you describe, when you say "the only difference is that one will kill me and the other will not".
I am not a supporter of Christianity, either, and I attack both vociferously, as I have for the 22 years I have been a nonbeliever (17 as an outright and outspoken atheist, an "upgrade" from my previous "simply not a believer"/justdontgiveafuckist stance).
On the other hand, I'm not going to sit here and try to have a rational discussion with someone who's being an asshole. If you can't grasp that social pressure to conform to their family/social group is real, is overwhelmingly strong regardless of the overall liberty of the nation (say the US or UK), it's either because you don't understand sociology or won't empathize with people who are not of your (our!) belief structure. Therefore it is not worth my time to lower myself to your emotional "debate" level.
Since most people are "born into" their faith-traditions, and they are culturally enforced by the social groups (the same reason good cops do not often speak out against the bad ones, even though there are more good ones than bad by far) to which the Muslims who might otherwise want to speak out belong, I think the race comparison is valid.
I am not a supporter of Islam, nor of theocracy in any form. However, I know American Muslims, and they are nothing like you describe, when you say "the only difference is that one will kill me and the other will not".
I am not a supporter of Christianity, either, and I attack both vociferously, as I have for the 22 years I have been a nonbeliever (17 as an outright and outspoken atheist, an "upgrade" from my previous "simply not a believer"/justdontgiveafuckist stance).
On the other hand, I'm not going to sit here and try to have a rational discussion with someone who's being an asshole. If you can't grasp that social pressure to conform to their family/social group is real, is overwhelmingly strong regardless of the overall liberty of the nation (say the US or UK), it's either because you don't understand sociology or won't empathize with people who are not of your (our!) belief structure. Therefore it is not worth my time to lower myself to your emotional "debate" level.
A Christian told me: if you were saved you cant lose your salvation. you're sealed with the Holy Ghost
I replied: Can I refuse? Because I find the entire concept of vicarious blood sacrifice atonement to be morally abhorrent, the concept of holding flawed creatures permanently accountable for social misbehaviors and thought crimes to be morally abhorrent, and the concept of calling something "free" when it comes with the strings of subjugation and obedience perhaps the most morally abhorrent of all... and that's without even going into the history of justifying genocide, slavery, rape, misogyny, religious intolerance, and suppression of free speech which has been attributed by your own scriptures to your deity. I want a refund. I would burn happily rather than serve the monster you profess to love.
I replied: Can I refuse? Because I find the entire concept of vicarious blood sacrifice atonement to be morally abhorrent, the concept of holding flawed creatures permanently accountable for social misbehaviors and thought crimes to be morally abhorrent, and the concept of calling something "free" when it comes with the strings of subjugation and obedience perhaps the most morally abhorrent of all... and that's without even going into the history of justifying genocide, slavery, rape, misogyny, religious intolerance, and suppression of free speech which has been attributed by your own scriptures to your deity. I want a refund. I would burn happily rather than serve the monster you profess to love.
