More Christians being targeted for violence

[Mr.Canada]

"It seems clear that the operations of targeting Christians have returned again," Archbishop Lois Sako told Xinhua by telephone.

"Before kidnapping the Christian man Imad Elia two days ago, there were several incidents occurred against other Christians in Kirkuk such as the killing of one of them, kidnapping a physician, and the storming of two houses of Christians by unknown gunmen in the city," Sako said.

"These horrible attacks against the Christian families here began to arouse horror among this unprotected minority, and the new attacks also raise fears of a new wave of violence against us," he said.

Source/Full Story

Muslim extremists have attacked Christians over the past few months, over allegations of desecration of the Quran. People were threatened and burned to death, while homes and churches have also been torched.

Source/Full Story

Only 24 people have been convicted a year after anti-Christian mayhem took place in India's Orissa state, while the number of acquittals has risen to 95, compounding the sense of helplessness and frustration among surviving Christians.

Source/Full Story

This is truly a sad state of affairs. Minorities being attacked, hunted and killed for their beliefs. No one group has the right to attack, kidnap or otherwise terrorize another. Perhaps Canada can take in some of these as refugee claimants where in Canada we're free to believe as we see fit without threats of violence for the most part.

Truly sad when one cannot go abut their lives and while embracing their faith are prosecuted for it.

Muslims attacking Christians. I pray many of them apply for refugee status in Canada.

[Thomas Kwon]

Muslims attacking Christians. I pray many of them apply for refugee status in Canada.

do you realize that statistics have confirmed that prayers have no effects what so ever?

Also, why would Canadians want religious people coming over here? To dodge taxes?

I'd much prefer atheists who actually do something to make a difference for what they believe.. not telepathically transfer message to a made up invisible man in the sky.

P.s., did you know what 23% of Canadians have no religion?

[Shakeyhands]

How many threads do you need to start on the exact same topic. Quality over quantity... it's always best.

[ToadBrother]

How many threads do you need to start on the exact same topic. Quality over quantity... it's always best.

What amuses me is that he has to head off to distant lands to justify his main point. Lots of people are abused in Pakistan and Somalia. I'll wager you'll find more Christians in those countries than you will Jews, for instance.

[Mr.Canada]

Also, why would Canadians want religious people coming over here? To dodge taxes?

I'm religious. Are you insinuating I don't pay my taxes?

[Michael Hardner]

ToadB

What amuses me is that he has to head off to distant lands to justify his main point. Lots of people are abused in Pakistan and Somalia. I'll wager you'll find more Christians in those countries than you will Jews, for instance.

Exactly. As we discussed elsewhere, this discussion usually begins with an argument against a certain religion, followed by examples from a backwater country far afield. If you ask how this is related to adherents of that religion in Canada, the answer seems to be that they're the same because they're the same religion.

[Mr.Canada]

ToadB

Exactly. As we discussed elsewhere, this discussion usually begins with an argument against a certain religion, followed by examples from a backwater country far afield. If you ask how this is related to adherents of that religion in Canada, the answer seems to be that they're the same because they're the same religion.

These backwater countries as you call them are main suppliers of new Canadians.

[ToadBrother]

These backwater countries as you call them are main suppliers of new Canadians.

And what, you regularly get bonked on the head by Muslim immigrants?

[kimmy]

Exactly. As we discussed elsewhere, this discussion usually begins with an argument against a certain religion, followed by examples from a backwater country far afield. If you ask how this is related to adherents of that religion in Canada, the answer seems to be that they're the same because they're the same religion.

It sounds like the argument is that the people from "backwater" countries are being brought directly here. Doesn't that seem like a legitimate concern?

If "backwater" beliefs are common in some countries, isn't it plausible that we might be bringing in people with "backwater" beliefs when we bring in immigrants from those countries?

-k

[ToadBrother]

It sounds like the argument is that the people from "backwater" countries are being brought directly here. Doesn't that seem like a legitimate concern?

If "backwater" beliefs are common in some countries, isn't it plausible that we might be bringing in people with "backwater" beliefs when we bring in immigrants from those countries?

-k

I'm not exactly seeing roaming bands of immigrants beating up Christians. And these countries hardly have the market on backwards ideas cornered. I see enough backwards ideas being bandied around here.

[Mr.Canada]

I'm not exactly seeing roaming bands of immigrants beating up Christians. And these countries hardly have the market on backwards ideas cornered. I see enough backwards ideas being bandied around here.

Self preservation isn't backward.

[ToadBrother]

Self preservation isn't backward.

Which is why you make up stories about the War on Christmas, right? I mean, just in case someday it's true.

[Mr.Canada]

Which is why you make up stories about the War on Christmas, right? I mean, just in case someday it's true.

Lol, c'mon Toad gimme a break. You know as well as I do that every year the left goes on a rampage wanting ban Christmas trees everywhere within public view. Even though Christmas trees have nothing to do with Christianity. This isn't a war on Christmas?

I for one think Christmas trees look nice and pretty with all the lights and such.

Edited October 9, 2009 by Mr.Canada

[ToadBrother]

Lol, c'mon Toad gimme a break. You know as well as I do that every year the left goes on a rampage wanting ban Christmas trees everywhere within public view.

Really? I hadn't noticed. My town's stacked with Christmas trees every year.

Even though Christmas trees have nothing to do with Christianity. This isn't a war on Christmas?

No, because it doesn't happen. It's a fantasy that guys like you invent to feel persecuted.

I for one think Christmas trees look nice and pretty with all the lights and such.

So what? What does this have to do with the lie that there is a war on Christmas?

[Mr.Canada]

Really? I hadn't noticed. My town's stacked with Christmas trees every year.

No, because it doesn't happen. It's a fantasy that guys like you invent to feel persecuted.

So what? What does this have to do with the lie that there is a war on Christmas?

They removed the Cristmas tree from the courthouse due to left wing crying.

They call the Christmas tree outside City Hall a 'Holiday" tree now due to more left wing whining. The words Merry Christmas appear hardly anywhere now and are replaced with Happy Holidays and such nonsense again by left wing whiners.

[ToadBrother]

They removed the Cristmas tree from the courthouse due to left wing crying.

Which court house?

They call the Christmas tree outside City Hall a 'Holiday" tree now due to more left wing whining. The words Merry Christmas appear hardly anywhere now and are replaced with Happy Holidays and such nonsense again by left wing whiners.

Name names. Who is it exactly who did this? I'll wager it's more than likely that some dipshit in legal said "Ooh, we might get sued."

Here in BC, the Legislature puts up a big ass Christmas tree every year. I remember when Dosanjh was (briefly) Premier, he even sang carols, and he's a Sikh.

Maybe your town is hyperactive about this, but I've been plenty of places and have been wished Merry Christmas by both public servants and staff and private businesses. I don't have a problem with Christmas, and I'm an atheist.

[Mr.Canada]

Which court house?

Name names. Who is it exactly who did this? I'll wager it's more than likely that some dipshit in legal said "Ooh, we might get sued."

Here in BC, the Legislature puts up a big ass Christmas tree every year. I remember when Dosanjh was (briefly) Premier, he even sang carols, and he's a Sikh.

Maybe your town is hyperactive about this, but I've been plenty of places and have been wished Merry Christmas by both public servants and staff and private businesses. I don't have a problem with Christmas, and I'm an atheist.

Toronto downtown. I don't live there and wouldn't in a million years but it's in Ontario. Every year they start it up. When they do this year Ill be sure to post on it. Around the middle of November it usually begins.

[M.Dancer]

Toronto downtown. I don't live there and wouldn't in a million years but it's in Ontario. Every year they start it up. When they do this year Ill be sure to post on it. Around the middle of November it usually begins.

I smell baloney.

I live in Toronto and I don't recall ever a tree at the court.

You can find them at the Bay though

[noahbody]

Which court house?

http://toronto.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTV...hub=TorontoHome

[Michael Hardner]

That baloney smell went away...

[PocketRocket]

Minorities being attacked, hunted and killed for their beliefs.

No one group has the right to attack, kidnap or otherwise terrorize another.

Truly sad when one cannot go abut their lives and while embracing their faith are prosecuted for it.

Aren't you the same guy that said......

I loved the Canada pre 1964 when out true flag flew in Ottawa and not this Liberal rag we have now.

Pre-1964. About the time when residential schools were in their heyday.

I don't suppose you consider tearing a Native child away from his home, family and friends, against his will and the will of his family"kidnapping" or "terrorizing" in any sort of way, do you???

I don't suppose forcing our Christian beliefs down his throat whilst robbing him of the beliefs of his own people would qualify, under your lofty standards, as transgressing against his freedom of religion???

I don't suppose you consider the Native people of Canada to qualify as a minority who was persecuted in the ways you've mentioned???

I don't suppose the faith of our Native people was legitimate in your eyes, and so in our lovely, pre-1964 Canada, it was okay to prosecute them for their own faith???

Gotta love Canada pre-1964.

Personally, I recall 1967 quite fondly.

I got to take part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Centennial Library

Sorry, Mr C. You're just too much fun, and too easy a target.

[Oleg Bach]

A real Christian can not be targeted - people are afraid of them - they can punch your lights out. We have a world of submissive and stupified Paulists that pretend they are the real deal. Christ beat the crap out of the money lenders with a whip...He so dispised the state (Rome) that he knew the only way to take down the empire was by killing himself - or allowing himself to be executed - Pontius Pilate was fully aware of what this King of Judea was up too..I think they might have been friends. As for fundy Christians and evangelists...take a look at your TV screen - they look like frinking little demons - If it walks like a duck - talks like one then it is one.

[PocketRocket]

All quotes are from the link provided by noahbody......

A Toronto judge has ordered a Christmas tree out of a downtown provincial courthouse lobby, saying it's not an appropriate symbol to non-Christians.

The move by Justice Marion Cohen has upset staff, some of whom call the decision stupid and insulting.

A judge, and from the sound of the name, a Jewish judge. By occupation she is hardly someone I would deem an average citizen, and by religion certainly not a left-leaning Christian.

Provocative comment, perhaps, but IMO something that needed pointing out.

She goes on to say......

Cohen says she understands the small tree has stood in the lobby at 311 Jarvis St. for years during the Christmas season, but in a letter to employees says non-Christians are "confronted" with the artificial decoration, which makes them feel "they are not part of this institution.''

I can see her point, in a very teeny-tiny way, if she feels people are coming into the court are being given the impression that the court itself is a Christian institution.

But rather than ban the one icon, why doesn't she simply put up some Jewish paraphernalia at the appropriate time of the season??? Put up the respective religious paraphernalia for EVERY major religious celebration. Let's make EVERYONE feel included. I have no problem with that. It could actually foster a bit of understanding between members of various faiths.

The judge, who oversees administration at the courthouse, said it's inappropriate that a Christian symbol is the first thing visitors see when they enter the building.

I believe the Cross is a Christian symbol, but a tree??? A Pine or Spruce tree???

Don't recall any mention of either sort of conifer in the Bible. It is a tradition to decorate such a tree during the Christmas season, but the tree itself carries no significant RELIGIOUS symbolic weight.

Perhaps this particular judge is overly fond of her own faith to the detriment of others???

Not accusing, simply pointing out possibilities.

However, it seems for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.....

Another Christmas incident in 2002 sparked backlash from the public when city hall officials put out a news release calling its giant tree at Nathan Phillips Square a "holiday tree."

Then-mayor Mel Lastman, who is Jewish, ordered staff to call it a Christmas tree. He then introduced a bylaw that prohibits the tree from being given any other name.

Go, Mel!!!

And in between.......

"I think that's unfortunate,'' McGuinty said. "I think it represents a misunderstanding of what we are working so hard to build here in Ontario.'

"We enjoy the wonderful privilege of building a pluralistic and multicultural society.''

The premier said it's unfair to ask people to abandon their traditions, and noted it's important for everybody to learn about and share in each other's celebrations.

"At Queen's Park we celebrated Diwali a few weeks ago, as well at Queen's Park we celebrated Eid. Next week I believe I'm participating in a lighting of the menorah celebration,'' McGuinty said.

"What we're saying is, let's share in those opportunities, let's better understand those celebrations.''

And the moral of the story is that it seems in this particular incident, common sense prevailed, as it usually does.......eventually.

[Oleg Bach]

I will tell you exactly why that judge a couple of years ago removed the Christmas tree from the lobby of the court house...Christmas brings joy to all - confidence - courage - hope - You can not have these things in the body of the court - It makes for a very unruly and less submissive participant...

[PocketRocket]

Oleg Bach: :lol: Nicely put!!!

Mr Canada:

Lol, c'mon Toad gimme a break. You know as well as I do that every year the left goes on a rampage wanting ban Christmas trees everywhere within public view. Even though Christmas trees have nothing to do with Christianity. This isn't a war on Christmas?

Nah, it's just an very misguided attempt by a very noisy and deluded minority to avoid making anyone feel alienated during the, *ahem*, "holiday" season.

One problem with Canada and the USA is that a small of people can get what they want if they make enough noise. Sense does not come into play.

I for one think Christmas trees look nice and pretty with all the lights and such.

Mr C, we have finally found something on which we can agree.

This year, I'll hang an extra decoration on my tree just for you.

(Yes, I know it sounded sarcastic, but I'm serious. I will do that. And early though it may be, may the season find you and your family happy and healthy. I'm saying it now in case things heat up between us and I forget later)