rule of law without question

Submitted by trans-parere (Canada), Feb 23, 2008 at 20:48

Dear Jennifer,

Whatever your "religion" preaches to treat with other "religions" needs to be critically analyzed for continuity in upholding the tenets of your faith. Whichever your "religion", in comparison to Islam, is the comparison of two "religions". "Religions" are systems built around mans need to control his environment. "Systems" to exert authority. "Systems" headed by men and women that claim that authority for themselves. That they should be obeyed.

Unfortunately they do not limit themselves to that of the mythical realm but, impose their systems or "authority" upon the various other social systems man had developed over the ages to encourage social conformity and cohesion. If there is to be freedom of religion, all religions must be free to express their faith in their God in their own fashion. Now we come to the crux of the argument. If your religion has a belief or practice that is contrary to the established laws of the land, then the argument should be taken from the realm of religious freedom and placed before the people as an argument of law, good order, and if a democracy, the principles of democratic society. Islam, by the number of practitioners, is a relatively new religion to democratic society and is trying to fit in.

Considering everyday Moslems, not those seeking social unrest to propel themselves to the forefront of social recognition. I have acquaintanceship with some Iranian, Lebanese, Turks and Malaysians who absolutely do not want fundamental Islam expressed in their new homeland and are distressed when they hear how it is spreading or upsetting the social expression in their native lands. They didn't immigrate to spread Islam, they came to escape the excess of religious authority. Unfortunately, "systems" and especially religious ones attract those to positions of leadership that have agendas that exceed the general desire of the common believer.

The political expression of all religions impose themselves on our societies, and those individuals who vie for such "political" religious positions want, crave that social power. They are motivated to impose. They cry out to impose themselves upon society. As I have said repeatedly, it is not a question of Islam. It is a question of democracy, and how and by how many it is defended. People should not be shouting down Islam and creating an atmosphere of hostility but, allowing for freedom of speech, freedom of religious practice, and seek fair and just punishment, whether imprisonment or fine, for those who choose to express themselves, their religion, or their politics as a negative, hostile towards their fellow citizens.

The practice of Islam needs to find it's way working congruently with the principles of democracy and the rule of law. And as responsible citizens of our democracies it is up to us to encourage Moslems to practice their faith, as all other faiths, in accordance with the principles of democracy and to respect the rights of their fellow citizens and the rule of law. This doesn't mean give them a pass when they transgress the law. It should mean inclusively that we are all held to the same laws with out exception to race, religion, creed, culture, political or sexual persuasion. The idea being that it is "OUR" society, inclusive.

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".