VERSION|0.5.1|NAME|HarryR|DATE|1359292410|CONTENT|But if Christianity had not developed into forms that had been able to assert themselves would it have survived at all, even if in name only? 

The test is not purity of ideals but survival. 

That which has survived has evolved the means to do so. 
The truly pacifist forms of religion won&#039;t survive in a non-secular society.

New religions come and go. To last centuries, to influence the powerful, to direct or control society they must have the political tools of any other power centre. 

If that means declaring themselves arbiters of truth, beauty and goodness while laying waste their enemies that&#039;s what they&#039;ll do.|IP-ADDRESS|141.105.192.108|MODERATIONFLAG|