[KongoSan]

The quotes in your original message were hosed so bear with me here.

Joe Bonham: Your claim is not backed, actually contradicted, by your own link. With the exception of Orthodox (Conservative) Jews, they seem to be in general agreement that it is up to the individual rabbi to make the decision whether or not to wed a couple. END QUOTE

What part of my statement “Jewish groups are of mixed opinions, divided along the lines they most often are (conservative, orthodox, reform and Reconstructionist” is contradicted, by....?

“…While the Reform and Reconstructionist Jewish movements support gay and lesbian rights, including same-sex marriage, they allow individual rabbis to choose not to officiate at the weddings of gay and lesbian couples. The Conservative movement, which as a whole does not sanctify gay marriage, allows individual rabbis to choose to recognize same-sex unions. Orthodox Judaism does not accept same-sex marriage. After the Conservative movement gave rabbis permission to conduct same-sex unions in 2006, several Orthodox organizations issued a joint statement criticizing this decision, saying it violated Jewish law. “

Reform and Reconstructionist support same-sex marriage but don’t force their rabbanim to perform the ceremony. Conservative movement does not sanctify same-sex marriage but allows their rabbanim to perform the ceremony if they choose. Orthodox Jews don’t recognize it or allow it. That sounds EXACTLY what I said....” Jewish groups are of mixed opinions, divided along the lines they most often are (conservative, orthodox, reform and Reconstructionist”

BTW…Conservative and Orthodox are two separate sects of Judism.

Finally….The main point I was getting at and made was that your statement “…They're the only religion making complete asses of themselves... at least as far as America is concerned.” was false (hyperbole) because as usual you choose to paint large groups based on the actions and words of a minority.

Joe Bonham: With Islam, your link doesn't discuss American Muslims at all, but judging from the source cited here: http://www.irfi.org/articles/article...marriage_i.htm

The writer of this, a Muslim, seems to have a pretty neutral viewpoint, or at least presented the issue of gay marriage in a neutral fashion. To be honest, that's more than I've ever seen a Christian do. END QUOTE

Once again, if we are discussing the opinions of individuals this thread it going to get very busy because for every individual of a group who expresses an opinion of one sort I will find another of the group to assert the opposite opinion. Seems more honest if you are going to paint a group you should cite their official position. Here is an opinion by the head of the North American Fiqh Council (the Islamic religious authority in the US) regarding homosexuality. He seems pretty clear.

Joe Bonham: You're right that not all Jews living in Israel are Zionists (Hence the reason I said "Zionists", specifically) END QUOTE

You referenced Zionists as if they were a sect of Judaism. This is incorrect. If this was not your intent then never mind. I will ignore the reference to Zionists.

Joe Bonham: Your sentence contradicts itself, so clearly you are either mistaken, or are missing a factor. END QUOTE

You state that American Jews are liberal. I pointed out that on issues in America they tend to be but in Israel they are usually on the far right and there is a great deal of Americans in Israel. How does my sentence contradict itself? How am I mistaken? What factor am I missing? Perhaps it would be clearer if I said “In America Jews are usually liberal. Not true while they are in Israel.”

Joe Bonham: Tip of the iceberg. While you're correct the Christian Taliban RARELY go so far as to burn Harry Potter, many of them hate it for the reasons cited. Also bear in mind it is difficult to get permission from the city (Feminists trying to burn their bras had the same problem), generally not worth the hassle unless you're a truly hardcore believer. END QUOTE

I am confused. Should I take you seriously when you use the term Christian Taliban? Who are you referring to? Christians in general or the vocal minority that many of the rest of us have cited?
So your assertion is that there are millions(?) of frustrated Christians who would be burning books if they could get permission? (Hint: Say your answer out loud in front of a mirror before you post it)

Joe Bonham: Only the ones who live in the South or the Midwest.

Republicans fear homosexuals... yet many of them are closet gays. Using the same logic, Republicans fear beastiality...

Puts things in context next time you hear a Republican say "We let fags marry, next step is to let people and animals marry..." For Christ's sake the guy is probably screwing his sheep, but is ashamed of it. END QUOTE

This last part should be appear whenever someone googles “strawman”. Oh wait; you used a smiley face...so you were kidding. Right.