Posted by deirdrehbrt on March 15, 2006, at 13:03:57
Trying to say this in a civil maner.... here goes.
An influential member of a prominent religious group said (edited for civility)on Monday, that Islam is not a religion of peace, and said that radical muslims were under negative spiritual influence.
How are we to gain respect and cooperation among religious groups when such vilifying statemens are made by respected religious leaders?
Peace has to work in two directions. If you insult a people, how can you expect them to respond with kindness and love?
If a nation or a religion boldly insulted Christ, would Christian leaders not react? Would they welcome such comments as merely a freedom of speech? Look at the reaction the movie "The Life of Brian" got.
Fostering hatred is no way to achieve peace in the world. Leaders insulting entire religions will not reduce threats of terrorism. If leaders do not offer respect, how can they expect it to be shown or returned? As one reporter said about the situation, this leader was merely throwing more gasoline on the fire.
Is it possible that religious leaders feel that they are accountable only to God? Is there a way to ask them for some accountablility to the people they are supposed to be serving?
I just get worried when people in power feel they can act with impunity; when they can with a wide brush label entire groups.... millions of people as evil. I think that those of us with both brain and voice should let our leaders know that we expect more and better from them.
--Dee
poster:deirdrehbrt
thread:620619
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/poli/20060304/msgs/620619.html