Broonzesnake,
I'm just curious as to why you feel that we need to appologize fo recent policies of multiculturalism? I personnaly feel that the presence of other cultures and ideas enriches my life in many positive ways. For example, while I do not follow the teachings of buddist monks, Jewish rabi's or Hindu spiritual leaders, I've always found theological discussion with these sorts of people fascinating. Besides, the openess and religious tolerance upon which Canada and the U.S. was predicated is the very characteristc that seperates us from many other global regions. If we were to allow religious doctrine to become the basis for policy, particularily in the realm of human rights, we would quickly become quite similar to the fundamentalist islamic states that we so abhor. I'm all for the adhearance to staunch religious morals if that is your cup of tea, but I'm also for the fundamental separation of church and state. I don't want to wake up in the morning to find myself in any sort of theocracy, Christian, Islamic, Hindu or otherwise.
Very crafty my friend - That's the same kind of sly trickery that satan used to convince Adam and Eve that they would surely not die if they disobeyed God Almighty.
Study those other "religions" Thomas then show me any prophecies which have come to pass - show me any personage who claims to be God - direct me to any archaeological corroboration - point me to the historical corroboration - have any of the major "religious" figure-Heads made any claims close to "I am the way, the Truth, and the light. No one comes to the Father but by me".
You claim to be a Christian and yet you you chose to supplant God's will and authority for man's - you won't be standing before any men when this thing winds to it's conclusion my friend, you will kneel before the Great and Terrifying God Almighty. When He begins to judge you, I wonder, will you demand that He refrains from using nasty words such as "evil" and Jesus Christ?
You don't take the Bible literally, and I tell you this - God will not take you literally either.
Jesus literally was born of a virgin
Jesus literally was born in Bethlehem
Jesus literally cured the blind
Jesus literally cured the deaf
Jesus literally made the lame walk
Jesus literally turned water into wine
Jesus literally raised the dead.
Jesus literally was innocent and falsely accused
Jesus literally was humiliated and beaten
Jesus literally was crucified
Jesus literally rose from the dead.
Jesus literally was seen after the crucifixion by many people including over 500 at one time
Jesus literally ascended into Heaven on a cloud and literally sits at the right hand of the Father.
Jesus will literally rapture His church before the Tribulation
Jesus will literally return with His church to put an end to EVIL
and to judge the living and the dead - all those people who belong to the religions you mentioned with the exception of the Jews will literally die in their sins unless they accept Jesus, literally! His Kingdom will last for ever and ever, literally!
Christianity is not a democracy Thomas, it's a Monarchy, and Jesus literally is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.
Is Jesus the Lord of your life Thomas? or is that too restrictive for your lifestyle choices?
Bronzesnake.