Another aside: "a lot of good done by many, many religious groups"
Good. Those things should be done anyway.
But when questioned about why they do those things... That's where respect is lost.
\edit - what Cockbrush said below, is the point I was trying to make.
(tweebianmonkey Should be known as Widget, Thu 26 Mar 2009, 15:33, 1 reply)

Not sure what you're saying there.
Are you saying that they're helping other people but also saying you must join the church etc?
And yes, those things should be done anyway, agreed.
(SpangoTheWonderBadger is brewing beer, Thu 26 Mar 2009, 15:36, closed)

Nah not really.
Consider:
"I helped a village in Africa get a clean water supply."
"Good! That's commendable."
"Yes, I believe in doing Jeebus' work."

Personally I find it far more commendable to do those things out of a feeling of solidarity for humanity, rather than because I was told to.
And also, in many cases, because otherwise I'd go to hell.

But Cockbrush said it better...
(tweebianmonkey Should be known as Widget, Thu 26 Mar 2009, 15:40, closed)

That's fine.
I'd help because I can, not because Jesus told me.
But some would argue that I'd be helping because of Jesus.
(SpangoTheWonderBadger is brewing beer, Thu 26 Mar 2009, 15:46, closed)