Islamic Alarm
When in the course of Human Events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands that have connected them with another, and to assume the powers of the Earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinons of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separtation.
Well it seems to me that quite a disparate, though not unrelated, mass of "mankind" has done just this. Only I don't think they've any desire to associate themselves with "Nature's God". Rather, the particular mass of which I write, prefer, nay - Demand! - that all adherence be paid to Mohammed's God. This might broadly be interpreted as Abraham's God but that moniker would obviate the "need" for Jihad as seen by so many adherents of Islam and it might possibly unify three of the Earth's major religions. Can you say "Gawd forbid!"?
As a less the expert follower of this cultural phenomenon that is Islam, I can't begin to say which is the majority view; jihadists or moderates. Education is in order!
Jihad Watch is an informative blog** about Islam that today takes on the relevant issue of Moderate Islam as defined by those who espouse it. Reading today's post put me in mind of my own nation's Declaration of Independence, the fundamental sentiments of which I find mirrored in today's martyr brigades. I hope the inclusion of its opening paragraph can be seen for what it is to these jihadists: a statement of their right to kill any and all who disagree with them.
Not exactly what our Founders intended it to be but, then again, Secularism, a Primary Tenet of the US Constitution, is considered anathema to even the most moderate of muslims.
For a fuller understanding of the broad range of Islamic thought on the subject of Terrorism specifically and, more generally, what it means to muslims to be muslim, be sure to augment this site with a weekly (at least) dose of NPR's Eric Westervelt. He has been aknowledged and praised for his coverage of Middle Eastern news for National Public Radio since at least September 11, 2001. His worked is comprehensive and inclusive of points of view from liberal to extreme fundamentalist muslims and I am always impressed by the Reality-based nature of his reporting and especially by the variety of subjects whom he interviews.
There are plenty of other ways to get news about happenings Islamic and they should neither be ignored or dismissed. Together, these two sources provide solid coverage and analysis of the phenomenon that is Islam as well as links to many of the others.
** as is always the case, the blog owner's views are not the only one's expressed. Be assured that you can find vitriolic and apologetic comments in abundant accompaniment to the rational, relevant and oft efficacious dialogue therein.
Well it seems to me that quite a disparate, though not unrelated, mass of "mankind" has done just this. Only I don't think they've any desire to associate themselves with "Nature's God". Rather, the particular mass of which I write, prefer, nay - Demand! - that all adherence be paid to Mohammed's God. This might broadly be interpreted as Abraham's God but that moniker would obviate the "need" for Jihad as seen by so many adherents of Islam and it might possibly unify three of the Earth's major religions. Can you say "Gawd forbid!"?
As a less the expert follower of this cultural phenomenon that is Islam, I can't begin to say which is the majority view; jihadists or moderates. Education is in order!
Jihad Watch is an informative blog** about Islam that today takes on the relevant issue of Moderate Islam as defined by those who espouse it. Reading today's post put me in mind of my own nation's Declaration of Independence, the fundamental sentiments of which I find mirrored in today's martyr brigades. I hope the inclusion of its opening paragraph can be seen for what it is to these jihadists: a statement of their right to kill any and all who disagree with them.
Not exactly what our Founders intended it to be but, then again, Secularism, a Primary Tenet of the US Constitution, is considered anathema to even the most moderate of muslims.
For a fuller understanding of the broad range of Islamic thought on the subject of Terrorism specifically and, more generally, what it means to muslims to be muslim, be sure to augment this site with a weekly (at least) dose of NPR's Eric Westervelt. He has been aknowledged and praised for his coverage of Middle Eastern news for National Public Radio since at least September 11, 2001. His worked is comprehensive and inclusive of points of view from liberal to extreme fundamentalist muslims and I am always impressed by the Reality-based nature of his reporting and especially by the variety of subjects whom he interviews.
There are plenty of other ways to get news about happenings Islamic and they should neither be ignored or dismissed. Together, these two sources provide solid coverage and analysis of the phenomenon that is Islam as well as links to many of the others.
** as is always the case, the blog owner's views are not the only one's expressed. Be assured that you can find vitriolic and apologetic comments in abundant accompaniment to the rational, relevant and oft efficacious dialogue therein.
I have the overwhelming impression that the vast majority of Muslims are moderates, for two reasons:
ReplyDeleteI read the Koran. Long time ago, but as soon as I read it, my reaction was: what the hell are these terrorists doing? It's against their own religion. This was back in the early 80s, when the average American's only connection to Islam was terrorist images in the media.
The second reason is that the last school district I worked in, right outside DC, was highly international, including many Muslims. So many that during Ramada, not sure if I spelled it right, a teacher had to be assigned special duty because there were enough Muslim kids to fill a classroom who couldn't go to lunch for those one or two weeks because they fast during the day.
Anyway, I met a lot of Muslim parents and kids. Most of the parents came direct from the Mideast, often wearing the scarf and robe - I'm sure there's a correct term there that I'm missing.
All just normal people. Actually, unlike many Christians, I can't recall any of them ever even bringing up their religion in conversation.
I'd say, simply from my own experience, that you are spot-on Paul.
ReplyDeleteEvery muslim dude or dudette with whom I've ever had extended, friendly contact has been a wonderful person whom I would be quite thankful to call my friend today. I can honestly say the same about most of my christian or New Agey friends. And the reverse is true for some atheistic folk I know as well: they clutch so tightly to some dogma that Reality flows right on in 1 ear and out the other. It ain't the norm but still'tis sometimes the case...
This is partly explained, IMO, by the fact that people really are too Good and Intelligent to believe everything some book tries to tell 'em.
It is also strong evidence, again IMO of course, that religion is nearing the end of its practicality. Its usefulness having ended centuries ago in not longer...