Should your country boycott the Olympics?

[snoopy369]

We'd only do that if Isabella were the American leader.

[Lancer]

I'm for freedom of religion in a big way. This also covers athiests btw. If my gov were to decree that non believers were to be beheaded I'd be a soldier in the revolution.

[Imran Siddiqui]

Really, boycotting China because they don't allow the athletes to proselytize is akin to boycotting an Olympics in Germany because they don't allow athletes to brandish swastikas, which American athletes have free speech rights to do.

Proposing to boycott China for various human rights abuses is one thing, but to be all for a boycott because they won't let athletes stand on a corner and preach? Please.

[Zkribbler]

Originally posted by Kidicious
Christianity seems to be the only religion where it's followers need to go converting everyone. I think that's a little much to ask.

Muslims as well. And Scientologists. And Hari Krishnas.

[Riesstiu IV]

Originally posted by Imran Siddiqui
Really, boycotting China because they don't allow the athletes to proselytize is akin to boycotting an Olympics in Germany because they don't allow athletes to brandish swastikas, which American athletes have free speech rights to do.

I would support this too.

[Lancer]

Originally posted by Imran Siddiqui
Really, boycotting China because they don't allow the athletes to proselytize is akin to boycotting an Olympics in Germany because they don't allow athletes to brandish swastikas, which American athletes have free speech rights to do.

Proposing to boycott China for various human rights abuses is one thing, but to be all for a boycott because they won't let athletes stand on a corner and preach? Please.

They can't even bring a bible if I read it correctly. I have bibles for personal use and I don't preach unless someone wants to know something or unless I'm crying up thrift. If the athlete can't bring a bible for their own use, or can't talk to someone who asks, that's just wrong.

[Aeson]

They are "advised" not to bring more than one bible.

[snoopy369]

Originally posted by Zkribbler


Muslims as well. And Scientologists. And Hari Krishnas.

Hari Krishnas

[Lancer]

Originally posted by Aeson
They are "advised" not to bring more than one bible.

Well that's not so bad as being without one...and you can always go into a Chinese kinkos and make copies to hand out on the street corner.

[Imran Siddiqui]

The Chinese are so evil, they don't even allow Kinkos .

[Zkribbler]

China dismisses Olympics Bible ban as rumors

www.chinaview.cn 2007-11-08 19:36:25 Print
Special report: 2008 Olympic Games

BEIJING, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- China Thursday rebuked reports that the it would ban foreign athletes from bringing Bibles to the Olympic village during the Beijing Olympic Games next year, dismissing them as "sheer rumors".

"We have taken note of the reports and checked with the relevant authorities. The facts prove that the reports are sheer rumors," Foreign Ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao told a routine press conference.

The Catholic News Agency published a report in November citing the Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport and Spanish daily La Razon as saying that Bibles were on a list of "prohibited objects" in the Olympic village.

"The Chinese government has never ever issued such a rule, nor any such statement," Liu said. "China's religious affairs authorities and the Beijing Olympic organizing committee have not - and could not - issue a rule banning the Bible in the Olympic village."

China has always respected and protected the religious freedom of foreigners living in China in line with laws and regulations, he said.

According to the Provisions on the Administration of Religious Activities of Aliens Within the Territory of the People's Republic of China, foreigners are allowed to bring in religious publications, audio-video materials or other objects for personal use, Liu said.

"We are suspicious of the ultimate motivations of those who spread such rumors. They should be responsible, and not do things that are not beneficial for themselves and undermine mutual understanding between China and the world," he added.

Editor: Wang Hongjiang

[Aeson]

I would assume they don't want people bringing in a bunch of Korans either... or Levis... or pornographic videos... probably nothing for distribution/sale.

I don't really see what the fuss is about. When you go to a foreign nation you don't have a right to bring anything you want into the country, certainly not for distribution.

Otherwise the Dutch would have a field-day coming to US (or any) games.

[Ben Kenobi]

They believe religion (Western religion, mostly) is a bad social force. Thus, they don't want westerners coming in and converting their residents...

Then what is wrong with the same westerners choosing to boycott china because they believe our religion is corrosive to their society?

I don't see the issue here. It makes sense to me that if they are unwilling to grant freedom of religion, why those who are believers in that religion should go there for the Olympics.

[Ben Kenobi]

Perhaps they could hand out free condoms to all the parishoners?

Try spraypaint. I've seen it and it's been done to my parish before.

They are welcome to hand out free condoms off church property to passerbys. I have no problem with them saying that they think my religion is false. That's why we live in a free country.

I would appreciate the same respect from them, that they will not attempt to vandalise our buildings. Sadly, some atheists don't seem to understand this principle.

[Zkribbler]

Originally posted by Ben Kenobi
... Sadly, some atheists don't seem to understand this principle.

How do you know it was atheists? Sounds more like bored teenagers to me. Tell them to go post on Poly.