[aristeides]

I think most monotheistic religions, at least, have exclusivist tendencies. I'm a Catholic. I'm inclined to believe that salvation outside my church is difficult, at the least. In the absence of historical lessons, I might be inclined to use the power of the state to promote my religion, as Catholics in past centuries did. But I recognize that history teaches that such practices do a lot more harm than good, and I think members of most religions, including exclusivist ones, have learned this lesson from history and therefore avoid religious persecution. For whatever reason, the Islamists have refused to learn this lesson.

[George Frm Br00klyn Park]

"For whatever reason, the Islamists have refused to learn this lesson."

A, IMHO, the reason is power. When the Christ was here he called it hypocritical for the leaders to demand things of, by way of limitation, their "flock" {my word because of lack}, while enjoying those same things. Petty or grand tyrants. Peace and love, George.

[a history buff]

Reading Plato's theory of virtue, ie that it can't be coerced, but must be arrived at by understanding, during one's quest for excellence was a huge eye opener for me. Odd how he came up with that notion, but then wanted an at the very least quasi-fascist form of the Republic.