The Siren Call of Islam
By Marcus Traianus Comments (9) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
We have spent an enormous amount of time trying to define the impossible; the positive holistic virtues of Islam. As previously articulated, we should not bear unbounded prejudice for all who practice this religion. Furthermore, to comprehensively indict or promote genocidal action against Islam adherents is equally despicable. That action suggests an improbability; that no virtuous practitioners exist amongst the masses. However, in qualification, that condition is likely existential because those followers have not comprehensively explored all related doctrine and history. This cohabitation is either a conscious condition based on parochially jaded evaluation or caused by ignorance.
To intellectually explore Islam is to take a journey into monumental dichotomies. Textually, it waxes between peaceful, almost platitudinous sayings and moves to principals such as conversion by sword, killing of non believers and blatant misogynistic preaching. It offends the sensibilities of most Western religious faithful who adhere to principals based on love, faith, teaching, proliferation of life and acceptance. Furthermore, while many religions have periods of guiding doctrinal distortion Islam yields a continuous trail of varying extremism. The accompanying history is almost equally as ignominious, filled with grotesque periods of slaughter and subjugation. It is therefore with good cause that we keep a wary eye on the comprehensive population. This exercise roots out the most egregious threats to humanity and provides them with a choice; live amongst the human family in peace or perish.
In recent oratory our times have been compared to World War II. This is a justifiable comparison based on the level of danger and fallacious belief amongst some that appeasement will result in a safer world. In fact, it is a much more dangerous situation since today’s threat is not driven solely by a philosophy or forced hegemony. It is promulgated by radicalizing the faulty principals and tenets of a religion that is receptive to such distortions. The main culprit is its dichotomous genesis which permits capricious, extremist actions to be textually justified. However, in keeping with the World War II metaphor, we did not commit genocide against the fascists. We defeated them militarily, dismantled their institutions and dealt appropriately with people propagating offensive beliefs. This action made continuance unthinkable, since they did not have the means, opportunity or will to carry out action which would undoubtedly lead to their termination. Furthermore, the institutions were rebuilt to reflect democratic ideals which insured a self perpetuating governmental structure. This action has unquestionably kept the world safer since it was commenced.
The relatively recent reemergence of Islamic extremism justifies our alarm. We have seen the dastardly side of this religion associated with the most contemptible organizations and individuals. Our memories are seared by images of their brutality and contempt for humanity. Even the most intellectually addle can repeat their horrendous deeds starting with attacks on the World Trade Center, American Embassies, Marine Barracks, uncountable beheadings and slaughter of their own followers in the name of Jihad. It is a recitation of horror grounded in a common philosophy that is correctly identified as Islamic Fascism. We have therefore appropriately responded by pointing out the enemy, profiling his soldiers, listening to his communications, persevering to defeat him in his homeland and rebuilding democratic institutions. This has kept the battle away from our shores for now and provides a modicum of reassurance. Appropriately, even OBL and Al-Zawahiri have stated that a failure in Iraq would be disastrous for their efforts. Will it also be disastrous for Islamic Fascism and lead the way to resurgence of reformation? Only time and an unfaltering volition to succeed will tell.
I remain to be convinced that it isn't an evil cult hatched and mired in the Dark Ages. One thing I don't get is that most of the "Islamic World" was once under Rome; how did they lose even Rome's minimal notions of civility towards the "pagan" world?
In Vino Veritas
of civility. Indeed these are thoughts not spoken lest we be branded bigots.
However, when intellectually explored there are so many fallacious claims it is staggering. For example, their "prophet" claims to be a descendant of Abraham, yet to this day it has not been proven in any meaningful way.
Accordingly, if that basic claim is false how can any of the far more egregious actions be seen as anything but parochial attempts to gain credibility.
"Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori"
to a religion's story of itself; Christianity can't withstand a lot of historiography either. But, the story, myth if you will, but not in the derogatory sense of that word, must resonate with the Truth we find in ourselves. I just can't find it in Islam. I remain to be convinced that it can be differentiated from the dark mythological "history" that the Nazis invented to justify their lust for conquest.
In Vino Veritas
and you have to believe at some point holistic actions will identify the principal beliefs. That is also my issue, since if you follow the argumentation, todays situation is from Islam being corrupted. My question therefore becomes, why so consistently and so easily. Agreed, it is the mythological portrayal contrasted against actual action that is very disturbing and leaves one to ponder a proliferators intentions.
Overall, Islam falters in so many respects when compared against Christianity. For example, there is no question Jesus was from the "House of David". This fulfills prophecy and provides support to other pillars accepted purely on faith. However, there is no such evidentiary equal in Islam.
As a person used to exploring such matters intellectually, I can not conceive how one could say they are peaceful, yet their principals, actions and balance of relgious history makes that acclamation fallacious.
"Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori"
that Islam is "peaceful." I don't pretend to understand its etiology, as we discussed above regarding their exposure to Rome, but it is every bit as much a rationalization for conquest as was Nazism. Sure, there are "Good Moslems" as there were "Good Germans," but not many. And for that matter, the "Good German" is our myth not at all supported by the reality since we'd rather have had Germans plugging the Fulda Gap than Americans.
In Vino Veritas
It is almost insulting to call their history peaceful, when compared against actual events it is not. It has also indeed become more of a rationalization for despicable action each day.
"Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori"
In the 9th Century AD. Given the chaos and anarchy that people were forced into if they chose any alternative, Islam was a step forward. That was long ago and far away.
They have become more violent out of hatred and fear. They are being left in the past and can not autogenerate progress to maintain even parity with the societies around them.
They revert to the Luddite's recourse. Smash and burn what you cannot understand and will never equal.
Harry Reid is to ethics reform what HIV was to free love!
Proud to be: politically incorrect, straight, white, pro-life Christian, and of the opinion the spotted owl tastes just like chicken.