[Displaced Flames fan]

Originally Posted by Cain

I'm not sure if you were referring to me, but you are correct. I personally don't see any religion as legitimate or superior to another. They are all the same to me. What I wanted to explore though is that clearly some religions are viewed by society as a whole as more acceptable, or more tolerable...but why? Age? Popularity?

From my agnostic/athiestic stance they all look alike to me, but it seems that there is definitely a hierarchy that has been established which defines which religions are "legitimate" or not. The point where you draw the line and why is an interesting discussion I think, especially when you are granting special rights or status.

That's why I think you have to reword the question. Despite my views on religion (which are probably similar to yours for the most part) I think there is a difference between them in terms of their actions and contributions to a society. That's where government comes in and what you are asking is what criteria should be used to determine which groups are worthy of some sort of recognized governmental status.

I think legitimacy is the wrong word.