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Donald Hodgins's avatar

Ruth--It's sad but the have nots develop a strong dislike for the haves because of the things they own. Jealously breeds discontent which has the ability to fester into hatred. Religion teaches forgiveness, if there are so many religious people out there why isn't hatred waning?

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Ilene Winn-Lederer's avatar

That's an easy one, Donald. Hatred in our society and all through human history has such power because too many of those claiming to adhere to their religious precepts are merely using their religion as a shield for their nefarious actions.

Hatred of the 'other' by whatever epithet they conjure is the only religion to which they are faithful. Furthermore, the hatred they have experienced or been taught eventually seeps inward to become so painful that they must project it onto others for relief. Truth is certainly good medicine but like many drugs are not easily tolerated by those who need them.

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Donald Hodgins's avatar

Ilene--That's why it's so hard to swallow. To accept the truth may force some to understand they are less than they might have thought they were. To accept your own deficiencies can be a moral dilemma and extremely difficult for most to handle. Religion becomes their scapegoat, a blanket of forgiveness if you will. They are being told hate is OK as long as you are hating the correct people. Example in hand--Ham'as.

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