labelle@hplabsc.UUCP (WB6YZZ Labelle) (05/22/84)
Fine, I didn't say I was uppossed to freedom of religious expression;
just JESUS as a substitute (or pain pill) for the communist system!
I'll say it again: they don't need JESUS.
You say "..practicing a religion in the USSR is an expression of de-
fiance to the soviet system..." I say BULL! Religion is practiced because
they believe in the stuff! In spite of the governmental system. I don't
participate in penny ante poker because I wish to defy the government.
I do so because I like to play poker!!
So lets not try to export Jesus to the USSR - lets try to export
a little freedom. Jesus will sneak in there, don't worry about that!
GEORGEjho@ihuxn.UUCP (Yosi Hoshen) (05/25/84)
GEORGE writes: > Fine, I didn't say I was opposed to freedom of religious expression; > just JESUS as a substitute (or pain pill) for the communist system! > > I'll say it again: they don't need JESUS. How do you know that a group of people does or does not need Jesus? If somebody sincerely states that he needs Jesus, Uzimbo, Etc.. we should accept it. If believers says that their religion makes them feel better, why should we make claims to what they need. (If a religion requires its followers to infringe on others' rights, only then we should oppose it) If you were talking about the needs of Americans or people in the free world, I would not continue this discussion. Those who believe in Jesus could make their case. You are talking about the needs of people in the USSR, they are not free to respond. I find it offensive to scoff at the plight of people deprived of their freedom, including religious freedom. > You say "..practicing a religion in the USSR is an expression of de- > fiance to the soviet system..." I say BULL! Religion is practiced because > they believe in the stuff! In spite of the governmental system. I don't > participate in penny ante poker because I wish to defy the government. > I do so because I like to play poker!! I don't know any Christians from the USSR, but I knew some Jews who were able to emigrate from the USSR. These could be considered as atheist Jews. Yet, while they lived in the USSR they practiced the Jewish religion. This was their only way to defy their oppressive government. By practicing religion, they sent a message that they were not under the total control of their government. > So lets not try to export Jesus to the USSR - lets try to export > a little freedom. Jesus will sneak in there, don't worry about that! We should support the fight for freedom in the USSR, a freedom which includes also religious freedom. If somebody wants to preach, let him do so, as long as he does not try to impose his religion. -- Yosi Hoshen Bell Laboratories Naperville, Illinois (312)-979-7321 Mail: ihnp4!ihuxn!jho