Islam, Catholisism, religion, and conflict
I start this thread as an open forum. There is a contingent amongst the regular posters that feel that "political correctness" has killed out ability to see the religious aspects of conflict. This seems to be particularly true in the case of attacks on Islam as a religion that fosters insurgency and terrorism. In the interest of an open exchange I would like to explore this topic.
I will start by saying that religion "of the book" - particularly Islam and Catholicism - offer an interesting problem in the world of conflict. This is true because both religions offer life after death. Not just life, but a reward of heavenly bliss for those that follow the edicts of the religion. This creates a body of Soldiers ready to die for their cause because their ultimate reward is not in this life but in the next.
Each of the religions (and sub sects) have their own prerequisites for this "ultimate reward". For example Jesus died on the cross passively for the sins of man. In the ninth century Christian Martyrs did much of the same in Spain. Each religion has its particular historical anomalies.
So I open the question up ... what relevance does religion have to modern day issues in Syria and Iraq? Where should we draw the line between religion and simple hate?
Yes!!!! And a Few Other Thoughts
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jcustis
I believe it is exactly this fight that poses the greatest residual global security challenge, and we should probably spend some time thinking about what:
1) The non-Islamic world is going to do to address it.
2) Whether there is a particular side the non-Islamic world wants to be on.
3) If there is anything that can or should be done to minimize the fractures in Islam, or at least support proxies working to resolve the problem.
I have not seen any Catholic,Jewish,Baptist,Buddhist suicide bombers. So I don't see what any other religion has to do with todays situation.
Our Wilsonian "Political Correctness" and this idea that we will go forth and make the world safe for democracy will destroy us. Better to remember and follow the example of the Barbary Wars and why our God created the US Navy and Marine Corps!
Early Muslim Extremist In America
Glenn Beck interview of David Barton on Jefferson and Islam, Barbary Wars.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlT1IXSv830