October 13, 2013

Much recent political and media capital has been spent on radical Islamists. (i.e.‘terrorists’.)

From the West’s perspective, Islamic views concerning the value of life, women’s role in society, individual freedom, etc. are difficult to comprehend, much less accept.

One thing we do know: A terrorist’s world view is shaped by his religion – not facts, not economics, not reasoned debate, just religious beliefs expressed as dogma by their clerical leaders – beliefs that subsume common sense and sound logic. Religious zealots have toppled societies for centuries. And they are still at it – Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq, Syria – using deadly force in the name of an exalted deity.

Now this unchecked force of religious belief is challenging Western societies. It’s become difficult to separate politics from religion. Just as Arabs won’t talk to Jews; Republicans won’t talk to Democrats – not based on valid philosophical differences – just unsupportable beliefs. (Hell, even Republicans no longer talk to each other.)

Religious freedom in America is a First Amendment guarantee; but by no interpretation is it a license to force one’s belief on another. Too many socio/political issues these days come cloaked in the unstated guise of religious doctrine: birth control, gay rights, race and/or ethnic prejudices. The timbre of immoderate, ‘politically correct’ speech is rising and threatens to drown the voices of reason and intellect.

Religious believers, not informed thinkers, have  been  the casus belli of most wars. Now they are increasingly being insinuated into our Congress. Have these nouveau radicals painted the picture of America’s future?

God bless America?