One thing that often gets missed in these discussions is the fundamental
difference between Islam and Christianity, and that is in the fundamental
concept of who/what God is.
Christians accept a trinitarian God, the father, son and holy ghost. The
significance of that for purposes if this discussion is that cooperation is
built into the godhead. These three entities (or parts of one entity,
depending on your denomination) all work together to accomplish godly purpose.
From them, the ultimate command is to love--love them and love your neighbor.
Muslims, on the other hand, have one God and one only, to whom/which, the
ultimate command is to submit...do what you are told, and be happy you are not
struck down for infidelity.
In consequence the Muslims have not had, and may never have, anything
resembling a Renaissance and Reformation, as the Christian church experienced
400 or so years ago. There the Catholics and the Protestants fought for nearly
100 years before they finally recognized that they had more in common than they
had in dispute.
I simply can not see the Muslims doing anything like that. The Sunis hate
the Shiites, and vice-versa. And they both had the Kurds. Setting the
American imposed incentives aside, where is the theological basis for
reconciliation and cooperation in the Muslim community?
I don't presume to be a theologian. But it seems to me that there can be no
compromise with a belief system that does not practice it internally.
Now, having said that, I still believe we have no business in the Middle East
except the capture and prosecution of Osama Bin Laden and his followers. The
Muslims have to work out their own problems. Sooner or later they must work
out a system of cooperation or else destroy themselves and each other in
perpetual war. Western attempts to impose democracy in the Middle East only
provide the Muslims with a common enemy and delay the inevitable.
Richard Shepard
Stephanie Murphy <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
triumph over tyranny
Eric,
I don't feel in any way like Muslims are trying to impose Sharia on Americans.
For one thing, there are relatively few of them in this country. I can't think
of any Muslims in government positions, or even in highly prominent social
positions. The Muslims in this country are, unfortunately, generally looked
down upon by ignorant Americans who believe they are all "terris," as our
president likes to say. Most of them are just minding their own business and
trying to live their lives here.
Personally, I have never experienced any instances of Muslims trying to impose
strict cultural values on me. But even if that were the case, who cares? As
long as they aren't using the government to force their value system on me, it
doesn't make a whole lot of difference. They can try to persuade me all they
want, although I haven't even experienced that happening. I can, however, think
of numerous examples of government entities trying to legislate Christian or
Judeo-Christian values into acceptance; just look at the war on drugs, laws
against physician assisted suicide, abortion laws, and "sin" taxes on gambling,
cigarrettes, and alcohol. I'm not saying that I think any of these things are
ethically right or wrong, I'm only saying that I think the government has no
business legislating them. You referred to Muslim values as "prudish," but I
think the Republican party (of which I believe you are a part, though I
apologize if I'm mistaken) espouses some equally "prudish"
social values.
Your accusations regarding Muslims just don't make very much sense to me. In
fact, they honestly seem a bit paranoid and xenophobic.
Regards,
Stephanie
Re: Why are Libertarians so silent on Israel and opposing
Posted by: "Eric Dondero Rittberg" [EMAIL PROTECTED] ericdondero
Sat Jul 29, 2006 9:29 pm (PST)
I've chronicled it here and in other Forums numerous times. But
your best bet is the USA Today article from a couple months ago -
front page which went into detail on Muslim efforts nationwide to
impose their prudish values on Americans.
--- In [email protected], Stephanie Murphy
<[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>
> Hi Eric,
> I'm new to this list, and I just joined the conversation. How do
Islamic immigrants attempt to impose Sharia law upon Americans? I
don't understand. If you could clarify that I'd appreciate it.
> Thanks,
> Stephanie Murphy
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