Attacking Christianity to elevate Islam

Submitted by trans-parere (Canada), Sep 30, 2006 at 13:02

First, in defence of the Pope. The Pope isn't instigating anti-Islamic retoric. Muslims around the world who have chosen violence over reason and honest communication have created the situation. The Pope was simply stating that violence is not a reasonable path towards addressing any perceived grievance and is calling on the Muslim faithful to stand against those who have manipulated the teachings of Muhammad, the Prophet of Allah, to justify the infliction of terror on their own people, and those who come with in their sphere of influence. And in the same breath suggests equally that "The West" not adopt an armed only response in reaction to terrorism, increasing the harm suffered by the innocent. That in this day and age religion should not be weaponzed.

Secondly, free, open, democratic countries have no fear of Islam. In an open, democratic country Islam will likely meet with the same success as any other religion or cult when it comes to the practice of conversion. I often think ideology has a stronger emotional element than that of
reason. And a cruel mind can play to the weakness of a discontented mind. One only needs to be clever, not intellectually superior or have
any moral conviction. Many everyday, harmless people seek to belong, to become part of; who feel isolated not strengthened thinking for
themselves. People world wide understand that the weak need to be protected from predatorial exploitation. It is a universal ethic that
transends race, creed, colour, or national origin. It is one aspect of the human conscience. It is the moral and ethical obligation of the
leaders to protect the followers. Not to do what they think is right for them, but to do right by them.

The "west" does not fear terrorism. Terrorism is an obstruction, a weapon aimed inwards. Islamic fundamentalist are not causing harm to
democracy. There is no democratic wound. Islamic fundamentalist are corrupting religious Islam for a political Islam. If Islam had a
separation between religion and the state, groups like al-qaeda and the muslim brotherhood would'nt be able to exploit the social fractures that naturally develop with authoritarian governing practices.

There is the fear of the lack of action from with in the Islamic world against terrorism, and many people in the democratic countries see this
inaction as an unspoken compliance with the terrorist, a license to brutalize the weak and the poor nations they can infiltrate and manipulate.

Nation building is hard work. It isn't accomplished by imposing a government. Government is supposed to be an expression of the will of
the people. As an example; the Afghan government has asked for assistance. They want the advantages that come with democracy and peace and freedom of religion. NATO answered that call and are working towards a democratic, free and prosperous Afghanistan. NATO's efforts do not include eliminating Islam as a religious expression of faith. So why is al-qaeda obstructing NATO's work and multiplying the pain and suffering of the common Afghan family? To what end is al-qaeda in Afghanistan?

To what end has the violence between Shia and Sunni in Iraq developed? What measure of the teachings of Muhammad are being expressed that the common Iraqi family can take home and nurture and improve their existence. What in the name of religion has motivated the Iraqi people to discard the assistance of Great Britain and the United States in rebuilding after years of Saddam and trade restrictions. Muslims blame these two nations, the reason for their angst. Yet will not allow them to pay for their colonial/hegemony ways by rebuilding Iraq.

What Islamic concept of decency and basic human right is being expressed in the Darfur region of Sudan? What Islamic kindness is driving
Somalians from their homes into refugee camps? The whole world anticipates the moment when Muslims stand up and take responsibility for what is being done in the name of Islam and put an end to Islamic terrorism. Until then, the war will continue and Muslims will die, and groups like al-qaeda and the muslim brotherhood, and the various jihadist cadres will continue their murderous grasp for power
and influence, and Muslims will die.

Until Muslims around the world speak out as one with urgent admonition and censure their religious leaders who advocate the use of terror and formenting anti-western hatred - their complaints, real or imagined- have no moral standing. Saying "You did it". Is not reasonable
justification in the 21st century.

Let us all learn from the past and build our tomorrow more in keeping with what we have accomplished together, not a world fractured and in
torment due to the actions of those who choose to destroy rather than create.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If your guide is your ego,
don't rely on luck for help!
You sleep during the day,
and the nights are short.
By the time you wake up,
your life may be over.

May Peace and the blessings of your God be upon you.

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".