Aren't we hypocrites to judge countries that limit other religions?

Question

because at the same time only Christian organizations are receiving funds from Bush's Faith-Based Initiative programs?

Asking this again to list the source and explain the question.

- This is an actual question. Ppl last time, weren't sure. I am serious. How do we justify criticizing other nations while discriminating with religious funds? Is this not hypocrisy?

- Source is Frontline. I saw this while going through a few of their shows but honestly can not remember exactly which one it was stated it. Anyone is more than welcome to go through them because it is in there. If you find it, please email me. Otherwise, I'll find it later this week when I have time and edit add it to the details. I'm thinking it was in the one called The Architect.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/view/

Answer 1

It's not hypocritical, if their legal system and constitution (or equivalent founding document) doesn't guarantee the same protections.

If they guarantee the same protections, and fail to follow through under their own laws, then it's appropriate for us to call them on that. But if they don't have those laws, we can either suggest they they should, or honor their choice not to.

From our perspective, the question comes down to whether we practice what we preach. Are are ww a country that treats all religions equally, like the Constitution intended, or are we a country that favors the one religion that happens to be in the current majority.

You're right. Bush's Office of Faith Based Initiatives is a walking constitutional violation. Not that this should be a surprise, given how many other constitutional violations he commits every month. But that's beside the point

Hypocrisy is holding out one standard, and following a different one. If the standard we hold out is, thou shalt follow thine own laws, then it doesn't matter whether other countries limit religion or not. As long as they are following their own rules, and as long as we are as well, then it's not hypocrisy.

If the standard is, thou shalt respect all religions equally, then yes we are being hypocritical by not following that standard ourselves. And between the Christian Faith-Based Initiatives program, and the rabid Anti-Muslim hatred, our government would be hard-pressed to make any claim that it was following that standard, or even that we were following our own rules.

In the end, any form of judgment usually ends up being hypocritical, for people rarely hold themselves to the same standards they expect of others. And that's sad for a nation that claims to be the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Answer 2

If its not discrimination one would think that Bush would come up with a program to help the disadvantaged religions. Perhaps Jewish or Muslims.
In a strange kind of way that seems like the same thing we are doing over in Iraq. Aren't we over there discriminating against certain religions with Department of Defense funds and Homeland Security Funds?

Answer 3

The Faith Based Initiative Program is a department under homeland security. It is not religion specific. What it does is help Religious groups help the needy during a crisis such as we had with Katrina. This program only expands the reach of FEMA to get help to those that need it faster.

Answer 4

Of course we are. Our government, for the most part, is ran by active members of Christianity. I see no difference in our government being controlled by religious zealots than a Middle Easten country under the rule of an Islamic-based government.

Eventhough, I might add, our country was in NO way whatsoever founded on Christianity.

Answer 5

NO!! Since when does the USA curtail funds to any religious organization, because I haven't heard of it.
Frontline is leftist.

Answer 6

Because we don't kill those following other religions. Or persecute them to the point that they have to leave the country. Or have the death penalty for talking to another about belief... Jeez... use your head for something other than to keep your ears from slamming together.

Answer 7

Uhh NO!!!

Answer 8

ok.