It is a fact, from what I understand
I'm wondering, where do you get this fact from, that "over there" they do 24 virgins, 15 chickens and 12 goats? The virgins, yes; that is the reward for martyrs. But I have never heard of Muslims "doing" chickens and goats. Do you have some source for that??
Religion itself has always been an obstacle between peoples of the world,
Not always. Sometimes, certainly. But there have been religious leaders who have been unifiers. Ghandi and King spring instantly to mind. But there are many people of many faiths working very hard to bring people together. Much of the international aid provided to non-Christian nations is provided by Christian aid organizations. The Quakers have a full-time center in Geneva which exists to try to bring leaders of different factions of the world together in peace, and there are many other such institutions. The Fellowship of Reconciliation is a religiously based organization dedicated to peace between nations.
I would say, rather, that it is the ABUSE of religion which has been an obstacle between peoples of the world.
In the present situation, I think the dehumanization and demonization of millions of people because of their religious faith is a major obstacle between the West and the middle East. I didn't mean to single you out and pick on you alone; it's widespread, but your post was the one that, as it were, hit my hot button. I am aware, sadly, that at least some of our military are very demeaning of Arabs -- "ragheads" is a mild insult; there are much greater ones. IMO, FWIW, this sort of demonization of an entire faith is a much greater danger to world peace and stability than the actions of a small minority of Muslims who are infused with hatred. Do you really think Christianity should be judged on the basis of, say, Richard Butler and his small band of followers? |
