Would Polytheism Be Better For Us ?

[karlhenning]

Still today more than 50% of male infants are circumcised in the U.S.

Nor will Eric be able to rest until that percentage is dropped into single digits!

(So to speak.)

[karlhenning]

Ah, I forgot about that although I wanted to reply the moment I read it.

I misquoted Eric, of course.  He did not use the adjective stupid. His word was (and in all caps) UTTERLY RETARDED.

[Fëanor]

I would argue that they [the Jews] are a nation [rather than a race]. 

Unlike the definition of biological race -- which is a valid concept perhaps, but much abused and not a very helpful in today's world -- the definition of "nation" is important.  Let us say something like, "A nation is a substantial group of people who see themselves as sharing unique interests and goals by vitual of a common culture of birth and upbringing."  The Jews satisfy this definition.  Of course, individual Jews can see themselves more or less as sharing these unique interests.

[karlhenning]

Gotta love those 'smart ads', though . . . .

[Florestan]

Let us say something like, "A nation is a substantial group of people who see themselves as sharing unique interests and goals by vitual of a common culture of birth and upbringing."  The Jews satisfy this definition.

So do the Muslims, yet they are not a nation. IMO, the definition should include "a common ancestry, religion, language, culture, customs, traditions and civilization"

[Florestan]

Gotta love those 'smart ads', though . . . .

Big Brother's watching us. 

[Bulldog]

I misquoted Eric, of course.  He did not use the adjective stupid. His word was (and in all caps) UTTERLY RETARDED.

We may be retarded, but our women are lovely.

[Florestan]

We may be retarded, but our women are lovely.

Yeah, but she's not circumcised... 

[Fëanor]

So do the Muslims, yet they are not a nation. IMO, the definition should include "a common ancestry, religion, language, culture, customs, traditions and civilization"

Muslims are not a nation because they don't require a common origin of birth and upbringing.  I think my terms, "birth and upbringing", subsume ancestry, religion, language, culture, customs, traditions and civilization in various combinations.

You will note that it is possible to convert to Judaism.  However Jew do not seek converts, and the requirements of conversion are much more rigorous that for typical religious conversion.  That is, a deep study not only of theology but also of the history and traditions of the Jews is required;  (possibly Reform Judaism's requirements are less strenous, but we need not put too fine a point on it).

[DavidRoss]

We may be retarded, but our women are lovely.

Dig those Jewish viking babes!  (Is that a bottle of aquavit in her right hand?)

[Josquin des Prez]

Yes.  More usual is statement of opinions and falsehoods presented as if they were factual.

The point is that you have to prove whether a statement is factual or not. Calling somebody a racist is not proof, it's an ad hominem attack.

[Bulldog]

You will note that it is possible to convert to Judaism.  However Jew do not seek converts,

You haven't heard of our door-to-door recruiting campaign?

[Fëanor]

Yeah, but she's not circumcised... 

Presumably not, female circumcision has never been part of the Jewish rite.  Their not that stupid, eh?

[Fëanor]

You haven't heard of our door-to-door recruiting campaign?

No, except for the Jews For Jesus.

[Florestan]

I think my terms, "birth and upbringing", subsume ancestry, religion, language, culture, customs, traditions and civilization in various combinations.

OK.

You will note that it is possible to convert to Judaism. 

Yes, just as it is possible to convert to any other religion. But by converting to Judaism does a non-Jew become a Jew?

[karlhenning]

Calling somebody a racist is not proof, it's an ad hominem attack.

Identifying a remark as racist, is not an ad hominem attack.

Just as identifying your behavior as trollish, is not an ad hominem attack.

[Bulldog]

Dig those Jewish viking babes!  (Is that a bottle of aquavit in her right hand?)

Yes, and the young woman in question assists in the circumcision of adult males.

[Florestan]

Yes, and the young woman in question assists in the circumcision of adult males.

If the penis must not be erect, this is not assistance but obstruction. 

[Bulldog]

OK.

Yes, just as it is possible to convert to any other religion. But by converting to Judaism does a non-Jew become a Jew?

Yes.

[Josquin des Prez]

Identifying a remark as racist, is not an ad hominem attack.

Yeah, but who's to say what is racist and what is not? Ho yes, liberals do. How convenient.