To be fair, there's no "dogma" commanding me to do violence either. On the contrary, my dogma teaches me about forgiveness and turning the other cheek and respect for all human life, even criminals, considering our anti death penalty stance.
Other than to say that it was horribly wrong, I can't speak for the culture and the times of hundreds of years ago, or of the Christians of those times who committed violent acts... because they are long dead, and their children are long dead, as are their great great great grandchildren. Luckily, times change and we have evolved. I don't think it's fair to speak in today's times with today's people and portray Christianity as this thing who's "dogma" commands us to do violence. Mine certainly doesn't.
Other than to say that it was horribly wrong, I can't speak for the culture and the times of hundreds of years ago, or of the Christians of those times who committed violent acts... because they are long dead, and their children are long dead, as are their great great great grandchildren. Luckily, times change and we have evolved. I don't think it's fair to speak in today's times with today's people and portray Christianity as this thing who's "dogma" commands us to do violence. Mine certainly doesn't.
"Of course, everyone will claim they respect someone who tries to speak the truth, but in reality, this is a rare quality. Most respect those who speak truths they agree with, and their respect for the speaking only extends as far as their realm of personal agreement. It is less common, almost to the point of becoming a saintly virtue, that someone truly respects and loves the truth seeker, even when their conclusions differ wildly."
-walsh
-walsh
