| i'll have to see if i still have this scholarly article in my stash (and i forgot who the author was).. he laid out a very compelling argument that religions/cultures DO cycle through ups and downs. it is true that all societies have their highs and lows, where they end up having a renaissance once they pick themselves up from their low. this isn't isolated to abrahamic religions - japan experienced the same cycle/pattern and they're largely shintoists.
and, this analysis of the muslims' prophet clearly appears to be more of a slanderous conjecture than anything else. you're solely looking at the present situation, rather than its context in history, in an attempt to demonize an entire religion/culture. islam is known, by people who've studied it and the history behind it, to instill a culture where even those in poverty seem to have dignity and respect (unlike christianity where they are constantly shat upon). and, during that time the muslim rulers treated people of all religions with respect - and through the efficacy of their rule, they won scores of uncoerced converts.
and this stuff about the christian fundies being isolated at the fringe and lacking political power.. what in the hell are you smoking down there? please explain this one for us, given that the bush administration from past-to-present is chock full of christian fundamentalists.. |