Ultraconservative Muslims dominate Egypt protest

[_Simpson_ 250]

Can we now call the attacks in Norway an example of Christofascism?

Yes

[_Simpson_ 250]

I believe that honor goes to Danno.

hmm

[Sofiyya 1,687]

aj

Rob

[_Simpson_ 250]

aj

Rob

What!!! No love for me and my infinite wisdom!!!

[mawilson 2,133]

"Arab Spring"

[Sofiyya 1,687]

What!!! No love for me and my infinite wisdom!!!

There's hope for you yet

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Can we now call the attacks in Norway an example of Christofascism?

I wouldn't say so really. I understand people want a gotcha moment to give bigots a taste of their own medicine but drawing arbitrary lines on paper does not make these things particularly comparable.

As uncomfortable a reality as it is, part of the reason Islam is cited in relation to terrorism is the apparent involvement of religious leaders and institutions (both in developed and developing countries) either being directly involved in or otherwise being complicit with the actions of violent extremists.

As far as has been made clear so far, this breivik character isn't part of some organised underground movement but is a lone wolf along the lines of the unabomber.

If anything is comparable to the likes of al qaeda it would probably be people like the abortion clinic bombers, who I believe have used religious rhetoric to justify their actions as well as being part of pseudo religious institutions.

[_Simpson_ 250]

There's hope for you yet

[_Simpson_ 250]

Moving on

[Sofiyya 1,687]

I wouldn't say so really. I understand people want a gotcha moment to give bigots a taste of their own medicine but drawing arbitrary lines on paper does not make these things particularly comparable.

As uncomfortable a reality as it is, part of the reason Islam is cited in relation to terrorism is the apparent involvement of religious leaders and institutions (both in developed and developing countries) either being directly involved in or otherwise being complicit with the actions of violent extremists.

As far as has been made clear so far, this breivik character isn't part of some organised underground movement but is a lone wolf along the lines of the unabomber.

If anything is comparable to the likes of al qaeda it would probably be people like the abortion clinic bombers, who I believe have used religious rhetoric to justify their actions as well as being part of pseudo religious institutions.

Christianity has an extended history of leadership roles in violent acts from God to the Pope. Islam, being without a head or a central institution, is not responsible for what cults do. Al Queda is not a religious institution.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

Christianity has an extended history of leadership roles in violent acts from God to the Pope. Islam, being without a head or a central institution, is not responsible for what cults do. Al Queda is not a religious institution.

Al Qaeda isn't - but the Imam of a Mosque kind of is.

All major world religions have a history of violence attached to them, that's a statement of the obvious.

[Sofiyya 1,687]

Al Qaeda isn't - but the Imam of a Mosque kind of is.

You say "kind of" because you know that you don't know much about imams. In many places, one can be an imam without religious education. Just like that preacher in Florida who wanted to burn Qurans is not an educated Christian, an imam can be the same guy.

All major world religions have a history of violence attached to them, that's a statement of the obvious.

Then, you need to accept that someone other than you can state that, and stop jumping in every time Christianity is discussed as one of them. So far, your pro-Christian bias won't let you do that. You even had to justify why Islam is reviled in your defense of Christianity. Well, the playing field is getting equalized. Deal with it.

[웃 910]

You say "kind of" because you know that you don't know much about imams. In many places, one can be an imam without religious education. Just like that preacher in Florida who wanted to burn Qurans is not an educated Christian, an imam can be the same guy.

Most Christian pastors I have encountered are uneducated (minimal college education).

Is this the same with "imams"?

Edited August 2, 2011 by Lord Infamous

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

You say "kind of" because you know that you don't know much about imams. In many places, one can be an imam without religious education. Just like that preacher in Florida who wanted to burn Qurans is not an educated Christian, an imam can be the same guy.

I doubt that anyone who wants to burn books of any kind can lay claim to being an educated anybody.

Then, you need to accept that someone other than you can state that, and stop jumping in every time Christianity is discussed as one of them. So far, your pro-Christian bias won't let you do that. You even had to justify why Islam is reviled in your defense of Christianity. Well, the playing field is getting equalized. Deal with it.

No Sofiyya, this is where we were yesterday. You are pissed off about people harping on about "religions of peace" when Al Qaeda blows up a market or Hamas shoots off a few rockets. You think that gives you the right to behave in a bigoted way towards other religions to make a point, using the atrocity of the week to back it up. I'm afraid it does not. To me it makes you a bit of an extremist in your own right. As I said.

[Sofiyya 1,687]

Most Christian pastors I have encountered are uneducated (minimal college education).

Is this the same with "imams"?

Pretty much. An imam of a small, neighborhood masjid is usually the guy the members choose from among their membership. He's often unpaid and has a regular job in addition to his duties at the masjid. This is particularly true of most masjids that are not large and well-funded, and village mosques. In large cities where there is an Islamic school, there are religious students that may fill in as apprentices. Sadly, most well-off Muslim parents prefer that their sons become doctors and engineers, not religious leaders.

Edited August 2, 2011 by Sofiyya