Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 exptools 1/6/84; site ihuxn.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!burl!mgnetp!ihnp4!ihuxn!jho From: jho@ihuxn.UUCP (Yosi Hoshen) Newsgroups: net.religion Subject: Re: A M.P. Courier's Dramatic Story of Soviet Arrest Message-ID: <682@ihuxn.UUCP> Date: Fri, 18-May-84 13:55:13 EDT Article-I.D.: ihuxn.682 Posted: Fri May 18 13:55:13 1984 Date-Received: Sat, 19-May-84 07:00:42 EDT References: <9050@mgweed.UUCP> <9119@mgweed.UUCP> <1890@hplabsc.UUCP> Organization: AT&T Bell Labs, Naperville, IL Lines: 27 > The USSR doesn't need JESUS anymore than we do. Jesus! What they need > is a freer form of government which would promote better productivity. > > "Jesus" still doesn't put the bread on the table. The farmer does!! > > GEORGE I find the above of talk very offensive. Those of us who oppose religious coercion, should demonstrate consistency by rejecting vehemently anti- religious coercion. George, neither you nor I need JESUS, but there are people who claim that they do. No government or a majority should have the right to restrict the practice of religion (unless a religion infringes on the rights of other individuals). It would be desirable to have a democratic government in the USSR. Unfortunately, it may take many years before the citizens of the USSR and other oppressed nations of Eastern Europe will be free. At present, practicing a religion in the USSR is an expression of defiance to the Soviet system, not just a religious act. -- Yosi Hoshen Bell Laboratories Naperville, Illinois (312)-979-7321 Mail: ihnp4!ihuxn!jho