christ-on-a-stick

While there are certainly historical figures that have been religious that I respect for their achievements/convictions, etc., their religiosity is not the basis for my respect.

Celsus

I've always had a soft spot for Tolstoy.

Joel

Mageth

While there are certainly historical figures that have been religious that I respect for their achievements/convictions, etc., their religiosity is not the basis for my respect.

Very good point, CoaS. I feel the same. It's not the religiosity of any of the members of my list that I respect.

Godless Dave

I'm pretty sure Campbell was an atheist, or at least an agnostic. He wrote extensively about religion, but I wouldn't call him a religious figure.

Yellum Notnef

I understand you said you'd be "pushing the envelope",but I don't understand how Campbell could be considered a religious figure.


Would this also make Metacrock a religious figure?

Mageth

I'll concede the obvious point that Joseph Campbell is not a "religious figure" or religious icon as in the intention of this thread. He'd probably roll over in his grave if I called him either one of those. In the same sense, neither is Thomas Merton, though a theist.

Like I said, some of my choices might be "pushing the envelope." My thoughts about religion have been influenced by both of those men, among others, particularly lately Campbell. So when I think of figures that have influenced my thoughts on religion, figures that I respect, both of those came to mind.

But perhaps they would be better listed in a thread on "figures that have influenced your thoughts on religion". I think I might start one.

Hedwig

I have a great deal of respect for Sister Helen Prejean, the woman who wrote the book Dead Man Walking. She works both with death row inmates trying to counsil them and with the victims of violent crimes. She's also worked in poor inner city communities in the past. She's a semi-progressive Catholic. I know she's against abortion but I'm not sure of her stance on birth control.

I respect the firehouse priest who died at ground zero. I can't remember his last name but he was referred to as Father Mychal. He spent his last moments giving last rites to the rescue officers and he was one of the first people in the clergy to speak out in an attempt to get better healthcare for people with HIV or AIDS and he pushed for more research into the disease. This was back during the early to mid eighties when almost no one in the clergy was out there attempting to help people with HIV/AIDS.

Edit: His full name was Father Mychal Judge.

Toto

I respect the late Alan Watts, an Episcopal Priest and expositor of Eastern Religions. If he and Bishop Spong and Robert Price ran the Episcopal Church, I could even see joining.

Opera Nut

Martin Luther said that Jews should be killed -- no problem. Also, that Jews are inherently evil and that is why they should be killed.

AJ113

Oolon Colluphid!
"Who is this God Person Anyway?"