I agree that it should be death penalty offense to commune with the devil and practice witchcraft, provided that the "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard is met. And the Bible mandates additional evidentially standards for the death penalty. I have a problem with the Salem Witch Trials and similar rare events n history because they violated due process with their investigations and trials, and executed innocent people.
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"rare" events?
Look, they were fairly common when fear-mongers were in power.
Finally, in case you hadn't noticed, this is a free country, which includes believing in whatever the hell you want. If you want to believe that your mind can destroy all of society, or that a thought or will helps another, it doesn't matter.
I have a problem with the Salem Witch Trials and similar rare events n history because they violated due process with their investigations and trials, and executed innocent people.
Wait..so are you saying that the Salem Witch trials would have executed *less* people without trials? I suppose your idea of 'beyond a reasonable doubt' standard is a priest saying "She sure is a witch!".
Why, exactly, should someone who practices something that differs from you be put to death? What purpose will it serve? Who will benefit from it? How will affect society as a whole? Where do you draw the line? When do you start killing those of other god-centric religions?
Or because they were the result of fungus-infested rye grain that caused the "accusers" to think they were being tormented by witches. A thing that happens when reason falls to religious-induced ignorance.
And how, exactly, could one prove that someone practices witchcraft "beyond reasonable doubt"? How do you prove beyond a reasonable doubt that something that doesn't exist exists?
So what, exactly, is beyond a reasonable doubt? Your neighbors saying you're a witch? Possessing knowledge of plants? A well-rounded library? The Inquisition happened once already and that was enough.
Totalitarians for Jesus.
Why do you seek to interfere with the peaceful religious practices of others? What gives you (or the state) that right?
What you seek is the power to control society and brutally force your beliefs onto others. Disgusting.
I am persecuted because of my religion, I am persecuted because of my religion .... anybody else?
I guess you see the "water test" as sufficient proof, if I sink, I am not a witch (will sure die from drowining) if I swim, I am a witch and will burn on the stake!
(sings - the future is bright, I gotta wear shades)
Ever occur to you that your religion might be devil worship and witchcraft according to someone else's religious views? Does that mean that I can have you convicted and sentenced to the gallows if I can prove that you are communing with Jesus and practice communion, which are, according to my perspective, a method of calling upon the dark spirits of Olmugheron, who will consume us all for your foolishness, idol worship, and unintentional black magic rituals?
'Cause that would be awesome.
Yes, in their zeal they did execute innocent people. But what the hell, you can't make an omelet without breaking some eggs, right?
"She turned me into a newt, but I got better."
If we can convince the courts that to commune with god is to commune with a devil....
The problem is when you put "Beyond reasonable doubt" in the same concept as "Christian fundamentalists"
Judge: Why do you accuse this woman?
Except that, you know, witchcraft is a *religious* practice, and under the First Amendment, cannot be punished.
Oh, and it seems to me all the evidence you Christians need to prove "beyond a reasonable doubt" is "my pastor said..."
Confused?
So were we! You can find all of this, and more, on Fundies Say the Darndest Things!
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