Ojuice5001

In some Christian societies, such as that of the Puritans, it was illegal to miss church; you could be fined for it. Are there any such societies today? Is it at all likely that we will see this particular limitation on freedom ever again? I certainly hope not.

The Admiral

OJ

I think that situation exists today in Muslim countries. I can't believe that all those people in those hoards down on their knees and praying to Allah 5 times a day are doing so voluntarily.

I also think the situation in a country like Poland whick is virtually coverned by the Catholic church is very close to that.

The Admiral

jjbettis

I'm not so sure it's forced by law. When I was in Saudi Arabia in 1990, courtesy of the U.S. Navy, I saw plenty of people who ignored the call to prayers. Some of the those we see at prayers in news footage are certain to be there out of routine, social obligation, etc. just like many of those attending Christian churches.

John

ruby-soho

Admiral,

I lived in Saudi Arabia for nearly six years growing up (my dad worked for an oil company). I also got to return to the area courtesy of the U.S. Navy during Desert Storm/Shield. Therefore, I can say from personal experience that your statement is an unfair generalization of Muslims and their faith. As a matter of fact, what this statement is implying is rather rude and incorrect, sir, IMHO. Just my two cents.

Respectfully,

D

The Admiral

jjebbitis and Ruby

Thank you both for your responses. Since you both have personal experinces of Muslim countries and I have not I happily concede that your statements are worth more than mine. I am also glad to hear that the situation is not as bad as I imagined it. My information naturally comes to me through the media and I am well aware of the un-reliability of that source.

On the other hand, Ruby, are you saying that freedom of Religion and freedom of expression are un-hindered in Saudi Arabia?

The Admiral

ruby-soho

Admiral,

I appreciate your candor, sir. No, I'm not saying that freedom of Religion and freedom of expression are unhindered in Saudi Arabia. They have a ways to go in that department, sadly. My point was that we shouldn't generalize all Muslims, or any other religious and/or ethnic groups for that matter, based solely upon limited perceptions. Having read some of your posts, I feel like I'm preaching to the choir here so please don't feel offended. My original comment was for the benefit of any lurkers out there. Having some knowledge and experience on the topic, I just wanted to "clear the air" so to speak. We have enough problems with stereo-typing (intentional and unintentional) in world today, wouldn't you agree?

Sincerely,

D

The Admiral

Ruby

<<We have enough problems with stereo-typing (intentional and unintentional) in world today, wouldn't you agree? >>

Yes I do agree, and thanks again for another good response.

Don't worry much about offending anyone here. We're a pretty thick skinned bunch.

The Admiral

Radorth

Yes I certainly would.

Rad

(member of "you xians" church)

Shake

Just within the last few years, when I was stationed in SC, a Jewish co-worker of mine wanted to attend classes at Charleston Southern U, but wasn't too crazy about the requirement to attend Mass at least 5x a semester. He eventually decided he'd just go the first 5 weeks and get it over with, but he still wasn't crazy about it. I recommended that he plead his case with a dean or someone, but I think they were inflexible on that rule.

So, yes, sort of, even in 1990's USA!

The Admiral

Attendence at religious services was mandatory at Annapolis and West Point until well after WW2.

The Admiral