Compare the Message?

Submitted by K.H. Ahmed (United States), Apr 17, 2008 at 09:50

First, let me say a physical statement is a statement - whether they chant or leave messages one is saying the movement is more important then my own well being. Did Bhuddism drive the monks to suicide in Viet Nam or the monks in Tibet to violence - of course not , you and I would both agree that Bhuddism does not advocate such actions.

So something else drove them to this action and that something is an action of cultural self defense. Which has been my point all along Islam is merely a vehicle a structure within which to defend this particular culture. Just as we go to war to defend "democracy" or "christian values" both a nice way to describe something we are doing in our own national self interest. It is neither good nor bad to cover an action with an ideology I'm merely saying it is intellectually dishonest and to not recognize the other is doing the same leads to faulty logic and poor foreign policy choices, such as invading Iraq.

As to comparing what the Prophet said and what Bhudda said - I say go further and compare what the Prophet said and Jesus and Bhudda and Hindu saints and prophets. Jesus said it will be father against son do I take him literally, Christians go to war for the faith. Do I believe they are following the precepts of Christ's teaching, don't think so. Muslims and Christians take quotes out of context and go to war over Islam, appropriate don't think so. Fundamental in Islam if you are being oppressed leave the place where you reside, if you as a Muslim people are invaded repell the invaders. Sweet and if I am a muslim seeking power it only takes a little to twist those two statements and make an argument for war. Is that the religion or the seeker of power. My problem is the argument over Islam is misplaced this is not a struggle between Islam and Christianity but a struggle between us and people who seek power in their own land and use relgion as a cover.

If you wish to find God study faith, seek that within yourself that speaks to God. If you wish to study foreign affairs or politics then study what moves men and what they desire. I do not believe that God has a dog in this fight.

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