Readers discuss faith-based disagreement, vitriol and violence.
To the Editor:
Recent events, though different in many ways, have highlighted the misunderstanding and intolerance often generated by expression of religious belief. When Dan Cathy, president of the Chick-fil-A restaurant chain, expressed mainstream conservative views on marriage, saying same-sex unions invite "God's judgment," he was labeled a bigot and a Neanderthal. Though I disagree with him, I was appalled by the viciousness of the response. Recent Muslim outrage at an offensive film has again led to violence in the Middle East.
The bloodshed predictably led to claims that Islam is a violent religion or not a religion at all. Yet for every demonstrator or terrorist who uses any offense to maim and kill, there are thousands of Muslims who are horrified by such behavior. If they are offended, the majority of Muslims seek only to express their outrage and receive an acknowledgment of the offense.
A major problem in our world is our inability to live side by side as people of different faiths or no faith at all. Though the problem is certainly not new, globalization, immigration and instant electronic communication have all aggravated the problem.
The Catholic theologian Hans Küng famously said there would never be peace in this world "without dialogue between religions." He added that there would be "no dialogue between the religions without investigation of the foundation of the religions."
If we are ever to have better understanding, we must start with the young people. In our present climate, it is often the most extreme and violent adherents whose beliefs are disseminated. It ought to be policy in this nation that every high school student take a course in comparative religions.
Let us equip our citizens with accurate information; otherwise we are allowing the violent fringe to control both the conversation and our international relationships.
(Rev.) ANNE-MARIE HISLOP
Chicago, Sept. 17, 2012
The writer is a minister in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Readers React
Although I cannot doubt the sincerity and good intentions of Ms. Hislop, I don't see her approach as suggesting a solution to faith-based controversy and violence. It is very possible to be spiritual and philosophical without adhering to the illusions and outmoded rituals of established religions. As long as these religions indoctrinate their constituents into so-called "faith," there will be new generations of zealots, creating problems for all of us.
If you look at the demonstrators around the world in this conflict, they are often those with a minimum of education and economic means who cling to religion as their sole safety net and express their frustrations at their living conditions through violence. As long as the world is mired in poverty and superstition, I don't see much hope for a solution through "dialogue between the religions."
BERNARD LANGS
New Providence, N.J., Sept. 19, 2012
How can there be peace when two major religions, Christianity and Islam, consider nonbelievers to be infidels, or worse? As long as Christianity and Islam teach that each is the only way to God, that all else is wrong, there will be no peace.
Unless or until someone, God help us all, is proven to be correct.
HARRY FREIBERG
Brookings, Ore., Sept. 19, 2012
Ms. Hislop seems to equate liberals' response to Dan Cathy's views on gay marriage and Muslims' response to an anti-Islam movie. Mr. Cathy received what is the norm when a conservative expresses an opinion — name-calling and vitriol. Yet these are just words — painful maybe, but there was no physical damage or loss of life.
On the other hand, Muslims murdered, destroyed property and denied the right of others to criticize their religion. Ms. Hislop claims that there are thousands of Muslims who are offended by such behavior. I am still waiting to hear the thousands of voices express their outrage. So far, the silence is deafening.
ELLEN MINAKER
Jamaica, Queens, Sept. 19, 2012
Source:
http://www.news.ezonearticle.com/2012/09/23/sunday-dialogue-conflicts-over-religion/
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