weakness of the secular standpoint in context

Submitted by myth (Germany), Nov 23, 2012 at 05:00

Prashant,

the standpoint of secular principles such as individual freedom is valid for the US. That country was founded a nation of immigrants, many of them seeking freedom of religion. Europe is different. It is a weak standpoint for me to stand in the shadow of a 150meter high cathedral in Cologne and defend freedom against islamists with the word "secular".

My standpoint is this: In the context of European culture, Islam is a a religion of lesser value to society than Christianity is. I am convinced, my standpoint is the only one solid enough to confront the islamists. It stands on the ground of over a thousand yeas of history with many of our now secular institutions coming in part from the Catholic Church (such as libraries). European culture, Christianity and Judaism, the secular state, are all linked by history here in Europe. If one promotes that culture and religion one promotes individual freedom along with it.

In India a similar argument applies. It is an argument I cannot make in substance for I have no profound of knowledge of India.

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