US Amish should be model for fundies throughout the world

[many a good man]

Including (especially) Muslim extremists and right wing Xn fundies here.

Civil society must move forward on the path to liberal secular democracy, but at the same time preserve a special place for religious freedom, even for extremists. If they are so mortified by the secular world I say they should be allowed to buy up property and set up their own communities, make their own rules, and leave everybody else alone in every nation in the world. The Amish/Mennonites have proven that its possible. Tolerance is the hallmark of a civil society.

Of course, membership should be voluntary and care taken to prevent child abuse and physical harm.

[Pirate Smile]

1. Did you see this thread?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=2314144&mesg_id=2314144

[many a good man]

2. Its not about beliefs

I'm not making a statement on what fundies should believe or how they should act. I'm looking at this from the political standpoint of how extremists can coexist in a secular society.

[LeighAnn]

3. Bush would start bombing dairies

and locking up milkmen all over the world. Right wing Fundies don't really read the Bible, except the part that condemns gay people and other parts that justify their hatred, in spite of their "religious" facade. They cry out for revenge constantly, in spite of God's edict that revenge belongs to Him, and Jesus's call to turn the other cheek. Yes, the whole world can learn so much from these gentle Amish.

[many a good man]

4. Learn from US, not from Amish

Our Constitution and body of laws permits freedom of religious expression to a very great degree. At the same time we allow broad civil rights and tolerance, we can preserve a space for people who want no part of it.

[kestrel91316]

5. There's a reason the Amish came to PA. They wanted religious freedom

for themselves, and as LOYAL AMERICANS they most certainly want it for others, too. they are REALLY not into imposing their religion on anyone else. They seek NO converts. Period.

They also, contrary to popular belief, acknowledge government and laws. They do NOT have or support theocracy, having been subjected to it and murdered by it in Europe.

[many a good man]

6. And they got it

IMHO its a great example of how fundamentalists can express their radical beliefs without having a corrosive effect on the rest of society. I wish it would become more widespread.

[erik-the-red]

7. There's hope

The IRA ended its armed campaign in favor of peaceful political action through Sinn Fein.

The Amish practice their beliefs in isolation and peace.

I see no reason why radical Muslims can not practice their beliefs peacefully in isolation.

[kestrel91316]

8. Yep. Not to worry - they are growing steadily. They have an average of

8 kids per family, and 90% stay Amish. That other 10% usually winds up Mennonite.

[leesa]

9. Oh please. The "new Christianity" teaches them that the pursuit of money

and intolerance is the highest good. They ain't giving up the Escalade.