I think that all of this kind of discourse is in a way not very helpful to the advancement of a very troubled world.
having said that, I comepletely agree with amp23.
We can't forget that:
1-Christianity does indeed have a tradition of holy war. This is totally unrefutable. Anytime a group raises the banner of Christianity in the context of war, you have holy war, whatever the circumstances.
2-Most western countries no longer kill in the name of the Church. They are now secular, they use secular reasoning, therefore. Muslims commit acts of murder also, but in religious terms. these are the terms for most everything in their societies.
3-George Bush is very clear that God inspires his decisions. Holy War.
4-The Prophet and his followers did engange in holy warfare and Islam does have a legacy of violence. It is permitted but tempered by clear laws. Terrorsts don't follow them. Christians don't follow Christ when they support the war in Iraq, I believe, either.
5-The Prophet was non-violent for the first 13 years of his role, while under siege, becuase he had not received Divine Permission to retaliate against his attackers.
So, these things are not so black and white. Let us all pray for all of this to end. That would be, by far, the most helpful thing we could do. There is a Sufi syaing that if you want the dogs to be called off, you talk to their Owner.
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branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2006-01-06 02:20 pm (UTC)having said that, I comepletely agree with amp23.
We can't forget that:
1-Christianity does indeed have a tradition of holy war. This is totally unrefutable. Anytime a group raises the banner of Christianity in the context of war, you have holy war, whatever the circumstances.
2-Most western countries no longer kill in the name of the Church. They are now secular, they use secular reasoning, therefore. Muslims commit acts of murder also, but in religious terms. these are the terms for most everything in their societies.
3-George Bush is very clear that God inspires his decisions. Holy War.
4-The Prophet and his followers did engange in holy warfare and Islam does have a legacy of violence. It is permitted but tempered by clear laws. Terrorsts don't follow them. Christians don't follow Christ when they support the war in Iraq, I believe, either.
5-The Prophet was non-violent for the first 13 years of his role, while under siege, becuase he had not received Divine Permission to retaliate against his attackers.
So, these things are not so black and white. Let us all pray for all of this to end. That would be, by far, the most helpful thing we could do. There is a Sufi syaing that if you want the dogs to be called off, you talk to their Owner.
Love,
R