Christian Murdered for Drinking Tea from a Muslim Cup

[jundp 191]

Sinn Fein's break-off group didn't do things in the name of Catholicism. It was purely political. The roots were Protestant vs Catholic going back to 1172 and the "plantation" of Scottish Presbyterians by the British Crown, but religion was not the 'real' reason behind the terrorism of the IRA. Also, the Sinn Fein is a political party, though it has been linked to the IRA (or more specifically, the Provisional IRA), they aren't the same thing.

Sorry, back to topic!

[nowhereman 1]

Terrible tragedy & I hope the 14 individuals involved are sentenced to death for what they did (yes I support the death penalty). However as others have said you have to be careful to not paint all muslims with the same brush.... most are peaceful & wouldn't do such a thing.

[Scott & Lai 12]

Terrible tragedy & I hope the 14 individuals involved are sentenced to death for what they did

I don't for a moment see that happening...

[Sofiyya 1,687]

Sinn Fein's break-off group didn't do things in the name of Catholicism. It was purely political. The roots were Protestant vs Catholic going back to 1172 and the "plantation" of Scottish Presbyterians by the British Crown, but religion was not the 'real' reason behind the terrorism of the IRA. Also, the Sinn Fein is a political party, though it has been linked to the IRA (or more specifically, the Provisional IRA), they aren't the same thing.

Sorry, back to topic!

The situation is very similar with so called "Radical Islam", but that kind of analysis isn't offered because it's not a bunch of Christians fighting.

[Dr. Obvious 49]

Sinn Fein's break-off group didn't do things in the name of Catholicism. It was purely political. The roots were Protestant vs Catholic going back to 1172 and the "plantation" of Scottish Presbyterians by the British Crown, but religion was not the 'real' reason behind the terrorism of the IRA. Also, the Sinn Fein is a political party, though it has been linked to the IRA (or more specifically, the Provisional IRA), they aren't the same thing.

Sorry, back to topic!

Catholic vs. Protestant back to 1172?

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

People are in denial or more likely fearful of angering radical Islam.

"Radical Islam" isn't something that can be angered. It's not even Islam. If there were a bunch of people calling themselves Christians blowing up people and places in the name of their "religion", their cause wouldn't be called "Radical Christianity" anymore than Sein Fein's was. no one would consider them to be Christians nor entertain the idea that their holy book condoned violence. But a faith that is "foreign" and "exotic" to Americans can easily be made into what it's not. As far as I'm concerned, both the terrorists and the antagonists are on the same side, stirring up the same hatred and spreading the same ignorance. Two sides of the same coin, they are.

Then why all the misdirection and anger whenever radical Islam is criticized? People will immediately mention Sinn Fein, abortion clinic bombers and Tim McVeigh. But will never criticize the hundreds of terror attacks a year by radical Islam.

Intellectual dwarfism at it's best.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

I suspect, Mr Strike - that the angle you approach this subject from doesn't exactly inspire discussion.

You're all about making snide comments about the "religion of peace" and expect everyone to be outraged by each new piece of anti-muslim propaganda you post.

Sure, you go through the motions about how "not all muslims are terrorists", but its nothing more than a token gesture for bigotry at heart.

[Jenn! 918]

People are in denial or more likely fearful of angering radical Islam.

"Radical Islam" isn't something that can be angered. It's not even Islam. If there were a bunch of people calling themselves Christians blowing up people and places in the name of their "religion", their cause wouldn't be called "Radical Christianity" anymore than Sein Fein's was. no one would consider them to be Christians nor entertain the idea that their holy book condoned violence. But a faith that is "foreign" and "exotic" to Americans can easily be made into what it's not. As far as I'm concerned, both the terrorists and the antagonists are on the same side, stirring up the same hatred and spreading the same ignorance. Two sides of the same coin, they are.

Then why all the misdirection and anger whenever radical Islam is criticized? People will immediately mention Sinn Fein, abortion clinic bombers and Tim McVeigh. But will never criticize the hundreds of terror attacks a year by radical Islam.

Intellectual dwarfism at it's best.

I think the "people" you are referring to most definitely criticize radical Islam. They just don't confuse it with Islam.

The "anger" is a result of the continued blurring of the very distinct line between the two.

[nowhereman 1]

People are in denial or more likely fearful of angering radical Islam.

"Radical Islam" isn't something that can be angered. It's not even Islam. If there were a bunch of people calling themselves Christians blowing up people and places in the name of their "religion", their cause wouldn't be called "Radical Christianity" anymore than Sein Fein's was. no one would consider them to be Christians nor entertain the idea that their holy book condoned violence. But a faith that is "foreign" and "exotic" to Americans can easily be made into what it's not. As far as I'm concerned, both the terrorists and the antagonists are on the same side, stirring up the same hatred and spreading the same ignorance. Two sides of the same coin, they are.

Then why all the misdirection and anger whenever radical Islam is criticized? People will immediately mention Sinn Fein, abortion clinic bombers and Tim McVeigh. But will never criticize the hundreds of terror attacks a year by radical Islam.

Intellectual dwarfism at it's best.

I think the "people" you are referring to most definitely criticize radical Islam. They just don't confuse it with Islam.

The "anger" is a result of the continued blurring of the very distinct line between the two.

Well said!

[Cuchita 1]

So its all about SURVIVAL.

[jundp 191]

Sinn Fein's break-off group didn't do things in the name of Catholicism. It was purely political. The roots were Protestant vs Catholic going back to 1172 and the "plantation" of Scottish Presbyterians by the British Crown, but religion was not the 'real' reason behind the terrorism of the IRA. Also, the Sinn Fein is a political party, though it has been linked to the IRA (or more specifically, the Provisional IRA), they aren't the same thing.

Sorry, back to topic!

Catholic vs. Protestant back to 1172?

Yes. The roots of it lie with the plantation of Scots in Northern Ireland. In 1172 the British Crown 'claimed' Ireland for England. After Henry VIII's split from Rome in the 1530s, the "plantations" of NI began. Suddenly the Catholic Irish, who were a majority of the population, suddenly became the minority of landowners. The seeds of the "Troubles" and the conflict between the Catholics and the Protestants began way back in 1172. But it's always been political really.

@VW: you brought up Sinn Fein. I was explaining that it's not the same. Sinn Fein/IRB/IRA are political. It has nothing to do with the group proclaiming themselves Christian. Don't try to make this about me skewing the discussion when you in fact brought it up. I 'analyzed' it because I happen to know quite a bit about it. My MA focus was the Irish Renaissance which means I did a lot of studying, both here and in Ireland, about the situation. I don't know as much about Radical Islam and therefore would not dare to make an analysis. I will, however, read and keep an open mind when Sara or someone else gives valuable information.

The end is the same. The Provisional Irish Republican Army is no more a "Christian" group than any extremist Muslim terrorist group can really be called a "Muslim" group. Both Christianity and Islam are based in peace and love of others and God. To confuse and paint a broad picture of either religion (or its members) based on the actions of radicals is wrong.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

In fairness though - the IRA never justified its activities as being sanctioned by God. There is a bit of a difference IMO.

We had our share of zealots in the middle ages - and terrorism arising from the Reformation (the most famous being the gunpowder plot against King James), but terrorism arising from the Irish Troubles in the 20th century was never about religion specifically as the UK was by then a largely secular State.

Edited June 16, 2009 by Private Pike

[Dr. Obvious 49]

Sinn Fein's break-off group didn't do things in the name of Catholicism. It was purely political. The roots were Protestant vs Catholic going back to 1172 and the "plantation" of Scottish Presbyterians by the British Crown, but religion was not the 'real' reason behind the terrorism of the IRA. Also, the Sinn Fein is a political party, though it has been linked to the IRA (or more specifically, the Provisional IRA), they aren't the same thing.

Sorry, back to topic!

Catholic vs. Protestant back to 1172?

Yes. The roots of it lie with the plantation of Scots in Northern Ireland. In 1172 the British Crown 'claimed' Ireland for England. After Henry VIII's split from Rome in the 1530s, the "plantations" of NI began. Suddenly the Catholic Irish, who were a majority of the population, suddenly became the minority of landowners. The seeds of the "Troubles" and the conflict between the Catholics and the Protestants began way back in 1172. But it's always been political really.

@VW: you brought up Sinn Fein. I was explaining that it's not the same. Sinn Fein/IRB/IRA are political. It has nothing to do with the group proclaiming themselves Christian. Don't try to make this about me skewing the discussion when you in fact brought it up. I 'analyzed' it because I happen to know quite a bit about it. My MA focus was the Irish Renaissance which means I did a lot of studying, both here and in Ireland, about the situation. I don't know as much about Radical Islam and therefore would not dare to make an analysis. I will, however, read and keep an open mind when Sara or someone else gives valuable information.

The end is the same. The Provisional Irish Republican Army is no more a "Christian" group than any extremist Muslim terrorist group can really be called a "Muslim" group. Both Christianity and Islam are based in peace and love of others and God. To confuse and paint a broad picture of either religion (or its members) based on the actions of radicals is wrong.

I was a bit confused because it sounded like you were saying Protestants existed in 1172. Thanks for clarifying.

[jundp 191]

In fairness though - the IRA never justified its activities as being sanctioned by God. There is a bit of a difference IMO.

We had our share of zealots in the middle ages - and terrorism arising from the Reformation (the most famous being the gunpowder plot against King James), but terrorism arising from the Irish Troubles in the 20th century was never about religion specifically as the UK was by then a largely secular State.

@Wacken. Yeah, I re-read what I wrote and it did look like that. Also, Pike just summed up what I tried to say in 3 different posts! Clearly, being succinct is not my strong point

[Dr. Obvious 49]

I figured that couldn't have been what you meant, I just really like Reformation era history, so couldn't let it go.