i will have mom read it to me. thank you.  i want to learn more to change it, not argue about it.

hrick

Which makes it a perfect example. They maintained domination and oppression not through numbers but through exclusive access to the levers of power.

You can't learn about it or change it without reaching an understanding of what it really is and how it really works. That will always require argument because those who receive benefit and privilege from an oppressive system will always try to discredit, shout down, censor, and ignore the truth about that system.

"Let's not argue" benefits the oppressor class because without argument, everything quietly, politely reverts to the status quo, which is that those on top stay on top.

So in short what you are saying is that there are many Bibles.

There is only one true Bible, the first collection of books written by various people ie.the first unadulterated one.

All of the others have been translated & amended to suit the various Christian faiths.

Wow hrick - you are really wise!!
Take time to think - to explore - to understand new ways of looking at things - and then come to a conclusion - but always remain open and ready to take on new ideas.

When people fight - it is too easy to close off your mind to new ideas and  and become rigid in your thinking.

I will give your ideas some more thought Max - and I will review the websites you put up.

- it seems we have a difference of opinion -

I know we discussed oppression through political power in sociology/social stratification and all.
But I still say that even a powerless person can communicate a hateful glance at another person, maybe one who deserves it.
Nevertheless, offensiveness gets around, and maybe I am using oppression when "communicating or suggesting hatred" is appropriate instead.  

But it is useful to know that it goes far beyond oppression.  If nothing else, offensiveness feeds more offensiveness (and some oppression too).

I meant to use the term as a metaphor.

Which has nothing to do with oppression.

I agree - offensiveness can feed more offensiveness and this in turn can lead to oppression.
Offensiveness can suppress people from expressing their ideas - this in turn can lead to oppression of free thought.

OK, oppression is offensive activity backed with power.  Only a powerful entity can oppress an unpowerful entity.

That is important, because it means a would-be oppresser DOES NOT HAVE TO OFFEND OR OPPRESS.  Power means you can, whether or not you do.

A lot of so-called Christians delight in using this power to make other people's lives miserable.  Me, I hate that.

Nevertheless, offensive words and actions go in all directions and are not limited to the powerful, and begat more offensiveness.  

Oppression is a problem.
Offensiveness is the problem.

That really makes no sense at all.  Perhaps you can explain it. Do you perhaps just mean 'free expression" rather than "free thought"? That makes a little bit of sense.

oh - umm - give me a moment to think

okay - haven't taken much time - but limiting freedom of thought - goes beyond limiting freedom of expression. By limiting freedom of expression - you are limiting and repressing freedom of thought.
It's hard to explain - I know in my mind what I am thinking. Perhaps someone else may be better able to explain.

People need to able to express themselves freely and without constraint - this advances and develops thinking.