The Grotesquely Savage Face of Religion
Human beings are so readily adaptible to the most frightfully savage behaviours. Yes, we have the potential to be decent, caring, responsible and intelligent. So why does this potential evade so many? Opportunity, geography, social environment, cultural traditions, religious adherence. All play a part, obviously. It's troubling to realize that the manner in which Western countries govern, in a socially enlightened and civil manner is not reflected in counterpart societies elsewhere where religious adherence takes precedence to all else.In the Muslim world we tend to see the worst of what human beings, on a large scale, are capable of. They've no monopoly on inhumane and socially deleterious behaviour by any means. Western countries, with all their advanced theories on human relations and social enlightenment, their values and priorities have proven themselves to be more than capable of visiting misery and death upon their own and others. But it is in the Muslim world that we see a different, more acute, more general malaise of social injustice.
Set aside the differences noted of late between the West and the Muslim world. Just an internal look at internecine struggles, the deep levels of animosity one sect practises against the other, the suspicion, the accusations, the denials of brotherhood, the bloodletting. For the sects, all of which claim to worship the same Allah, hold in highest esteem the same Prophet, to practise physical harm one to the other, in direct contradiction of Koranic precepts is puzzling.
For all of these fractious sectarian groups to target and attempt to destroy those very structures dedicated by one or the other sects to that same Allah without understanding the grave damage they do to their own undying allegiance to Islam is unbelievable. To uphold social customs that require a family or a clan to enact a sentence of death upon a woman as an "honour" killing is savage beyond belief. How can murdering a human being be construed as restoring family honour?
While one sect, the Shia, are celebrating in memory of their belief they become the deathly targets of the Sunni, enraged at what they term the apostate beliefs of their co-religionists. That young Muslim men practise bloody self-flagellation as a sign of their deep loyalty and love for their god is shocking to behold, but these ancient practises are also seen done by Christians in somewhat reduced numbers.
Muslims attacking Islamic shrines, mosques, attaclomg pilgrims, murdering tribal Islamic worshippers of Allah. How to comprehend this?
Labels: Religion
posted by Pieface @ Wednesday, January 31, 2007
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