So true

I wish I could say that most people feel the same way you do, but I don't know if that's the case. So many Americans allow their views to be molded and influenced by the media. As a Christian I am appalled by what I see taking place in the name of that religion as well, but realize that many inside and outside this country define it by the words, if not acts of its extremists as well. It seems to be just another part of the larger problem of a lack of critical thinking on the part of Americans (I'm not sure if that is also true overseas). Unfortunately, a big part of me feels that is all intentional as it serves to further divide people to make them easier to manipulate to political (or religious) ends.
Whether it's religion or politics, I have no problem with anyone else's beliefs, as long as they are sincere and they can define and articulate their reasons for holding their beliefs, and they can do so without merely regurgitating the words of some partisan pundit.
Thank you for your article.

by Mark Petersen (9 articles, 73 quicklinks, 4 diaries, 50 comments) on Friday, January 12, 2007 at 8:15:55 AM
 

trinharder--so true

Trinharder,

As far as I am concerned you are very correct with your comments.

It is very hard to separate what is done for economical reasons in the name of religion, and what is done by the religion itself. I can only suggest that one study the foundations of each respective religion to see what it teaches, and then to test whether the followers are living up to the dictates of their foundations.

We do this in the United States everyday. We say our foundation is the Constitution and the Laws enacted by Congress.

The two basic foundations of the Roman Catholic Church are the Holy Scriptures (both Old Testament and New Testament) and the times when the Roman Catholic Church has spoken in "ex Cathedra" by the Holy See and the great Church Councils of fifteen hundred years.

Most Protestant Christians hold only to both the Old and the New Testament as their foundations of authority.

I only hold to the New Testament.

Islam whether Sunni or Shiite hold to the Koran, the Hadith (oral traditions and customs of Mohammed), and the Sunnah (the Muslim way of life or sometimes called "example"). The traditions of Sunnah are mandatory for all Muslims, and not to understand something about them is to be absolutely ignorant of Islam. The Koran, Hadith and Sunnah dictate all Muslim life.

Is what a group of Christins contradicing their basic foundation's teaching or is it what the foundation teachers? Is what a group of Muslim doing contradictory to what Koran, Hadith, and Sunnah teaches or are they doing what Koran, Hadith and Sunnah teches? I do not see how it could be more simple.

by pratliff94 (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 962 comments) on Sunday, January 14, 2007 at 11:34:10 AM
 

Bravo!

It is a pleasure to hear the voice of reason and dignity. Religions do not need to be defended. Smear of any religion is idiotic and malicious. We have to see the people, real ones, those behind the curtains, the 'good shepherds' of the evil. They do harm to all people and all religions at the same time. In short, they are cursed by all Gods.

Thanks, Mr. Abdelaziz. As a Jewish person by origin and an atheist by upbringing I sincerely applaud your dignified and realistic position.

by Mark Sashine (51 articles, 19 quicklinks, 244 diaries, 3463 comments) on Friday, January 12, 2007 at 8:29:10 AM
 

Thank you sir

I would remind you that not all Americans are as dense as those who defame a billion people for the actions of a few score thousand.

by ardee D. (6 articles, 4 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 2377 comments) on Friday, January 12, 2007 at 4:06:27 PM