...Fundamentalist Islam. Last year, a Kingstone colleague of mine stood before this debate to challenge the audience about the power of words and initially I’m going to do the same. However, my challenge is not about the power of words plural, but the power of only one word and the effect that it inevitably brings. When mentioned, the power of this word and the feelings that surround it, can change an upbeat atmosphere like ours tonight into one less gregarious and for this I apologise in advance. I can see you all bracing in anticipation, so here goes ……………………Fundamentalism. What image just sprang to mind? Was it women dressed in hijabs, young, teenage boys standing with guns or the appalling image of tortured soldiers? Whatever image it is, I expect the connotations to be associated with a religion that has become synonymous with death and revenge. There is little doubt that Fundamentalist Islam is seen by many as a threat to our society, but I stand here tonight to challenge you to consider something a little closer to home - that it is actually Fundamentalist Christianity that is more of a threat to our society rather than Fundamentalist Islam. To explore this radical concept with you, I’m going to focus on three objectives: first, I’m going to discuss the meaning of fundamentalism, second, what is fundamentalist Christianity and third, why I feel that fundamentalist Christianity is more of a threat to our society than fundamentalist islam. Let’s start...
Words: 1714 - Pages: 7
...In what ways, if any, has globalization transformed the phenomenon of terrorism? Introduction The idea of terrorism has not always been as it is today. The word “terror” originated after the French Revolution and the word “terrorism” was subsequently recorded by the Académie Française in 1798 (Roberts 2002). The regime of “la Terreur” was one of force and bloody repression against opponents to the newly born French Republic, but since the 19th century, terrorism has come to designate a method of opposition used by small groups (Tilly 2004, 8-9) “against the legitimacy of the prevailing sovereign power” (Scruton 2002, 126). As Barkawi (2006, 129) aptly puts across “‘terror’ is often used as a weapon by those who lack sufficient weapons to fight a military war, who believe their voices are not being heard and their desires bear no fruit”. Contrary to the French “terror”, “terrorism” is then no longer a practice of the State; it is that of radical groups opposing the State, and it is mainly the State that gives them this name (Townshend 2002, 3); the names these groups give themselves are in relation to a cause they see as legitimate. Such causes have arisen in numerous places, prompting some to take extreme but in their minds justified action, and Europe has faced terrorist threats long before the 9/11 attacks, incarnated by the Irish Republican Army (IRA), the Basque Fatherland and Liberty group (ETA) in Spain or the Red Brigades in Italy, to name only a few (Barkawi...
Words: 2778 - Pages: 12
...groups have very nearly the same goals, but they are also willing to die for their cause and will be almost impossible to defeat unless they are hunted and destroyed. A study of the Islamic terror groups must include historic examples; Islamic extremism is not a recent development, nor has the ideology of the extremist believers changed much since the Islamic Conquests began in the 7th Century. In F.M. Mickolus' work International Terrorism in the 1980's, Mickolus wrote that since 1968 alone two-thirds of the known incidents of terrorism in the world had occurred in the Middle East (F.M.Mickolus, 1989). It would seem that the main focus of Islamic terror groups must be their ideology, and a primary topic of debate amongst scholars is if Islam is fundamentally a religion of peace, violence, or some hybrid of both. The Quran, the book by which Muslims worldwide base their way of life, is overtly ambiguous on the topic of peaceful or violent behavior, and...
Words: 3391 - Pages: 14
...those countries. This is the only way to co-exist peacefully in today’s world. This is important because it is seen in the past that attempts to bring democracy and socialism in the Arab world have failed so badly that it has made the people of the Arab world to denounce these ideas altogether. This attack is important not only because of how widespread it was; but it is also important because of the way it changed the course of the West towards Islam. With that, the West needs to incentivize the Muslim world to adopt democracy and liberalism so that they see the benefits of these systems themselves. ISLAM AND THE WEST – AN INTRODUCTION Islam and the West are different entities in many ways, but because of the globalization in the world; we see that there is an increasing interaction between these two entities, which becomes a reason for conflict in many situations. Modernization, liberalism and globalization are appreciated. This does not mean acquiring Western culture, music, language; but it modernization requires learning modern ways of doing things, progressing in secular education, bringing new technology, supporting globalization, democracy and liberalism. Strategic Book Publishing, 2011.Since Israelis were living...
Words: 5505 - Pages: 23
...major modern movements (Reform, Orthodox, and Conservative) are responses to the modern, secular culture of Europe and America. Jewish denominations differ from one another primarily with regard to practice. Orthodox Judaism is the most traditional expression of modern Judaism. Orthodox Jews believe the entire Torah - including "Written," the the Pentateuch, and "Oral," the Talmud) was given to Moses by God at Sinai and remains authoritative for modern life in its entirety. Reform Judaism is the most liberal expression of Judaism. In America, Reform Judaism is organized under the Union for Reform Judaism (known as the Union of American Hebrew Congregations until 2003), whose mission is "to create and sustain vibrant Jewish congregations wherever Reform Jews live." About 1.5 million Jews in 900 synagogues are members of the Union for Reform Judaism. Conservative Judaism may be said to be a moderate position between Orthodox and Reform Judaism. It seeks to conserve the traditional elements of Judaism, while allowing for modernization to a less radical extent than Reform Judaism. The teachings of Zacharias Frankel (1801-75) form the foundation of Conservative Judaism. Hasidic (or Chasidic) Judaism arose in 12th-century Germany as a mystical movement emphasizing asceticism and experience born out of love and humility before God. The austere religious life of these early Hasids ("pious ones") is documented in the Sefer Hasidim ("Book of the Pious"). The modern Hasidic...
Words: 2654 - Pages: 11
...American Literature Jennifer Barnes Ms. K Meeks March 10, 2011 Islam and Christianity Christianity and Islam are two of the most significant religions in the world today. Both religions are very similar with only some of the beliefs and teachings being different. Christianity started about 2000 years ago in Judea with Jesus Christ and his faithful group of disciples. It has grown into one of the major religions, impacting all other faiths and changing the course of human history. Its sacred scripture is the Bible, particularly the New Testament. Its principal beliefs are that Jesus is the Son of God (the second person of the Holy Trinity), that God’s love for the world is the essential component of his being, and that Jesus died to redeem humankind. Christianity means “one who is crystallized into one.” Islam means "entire submission to the Will of Allah" in Arabic, and a Muslim is one who submits to the will of Allah (God). Islam’s primary significance is the making of peace first within one‘s self, and then for humanity as a whole. The author of Islam is Allah (God). The book of Islam is the Holy Qur’an, and the scriptures that were taught to the prophets. Islam has five beautiful fundamental principles of belief. Belief in Allah and his Apostle, Belief in Zakat (spending in the cause of truth), Belief in Fasting, Belief in Pilgrimage, Belief in Prayer(5 times daily). These beliefs are strictly enforced by each and everyone that prescribes to the title of...
Words: 1165 - Pages: 5
...Abstract A basic knowledge of Islam is becoming essential for Americans today. Presently there are nearly five million Muslims living in America. These Muslims face persecution by Americans as a result of the country’s present state of affairs. In their own communities Muslims are forced to defend themselves against their enemies. To be a Muslim is not just an individual activity it is a community identity and responsibility. Islam is considered a total way of life for the religious community. For many in America who are raised with the idea of the separation of church and state and the sense that religion is a private affair, Islam can seem confusing, especially since Islam does not have a “church” to preserve and promote its beliefs. There is a great diversity among Muslims as there is among other religious communities in America. Because America is predominantly Judeo-Christian it is sometimes easier for Christians and Jews to practice their faith. American schools do not recognize Muslim holidays. Even such a simple task as attending Friday congregational prayer and taking a break to perform the salat during working hours are often difficult. Muslim culture has become prominent in coutries other than Islam. Countries that have a large Muslim following include Australia, Canada, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, United Kingdom and United States. Accepting Cultural Differences in Muslims Since the tragedy of 9-11 a...
Words: 3458 - Pages: 14
...Composition Devry University Dr. Ralph Monday April 7, 2011 Islamic Extremists Nearly everyone has heard about Islam and the Arab world. In addition, many countries have already faced issues with the Muslim believers. Islam has caused problems, terrorist attacks, anti-democracy all over the world. They were also very successful in sending a message of who they truly are. People who are literally obedient to the Islamic faith are called Islamic Extremists. People, who are of the Islamic faith however desire to survive in peace without tribulations are not considered obedient or dutiful to the Islamic faith, these people are called moderate Muslims. Therefore, the Islamic religious extremists are the major group in Islam who follow the Qur’an word for word and create extreme violence that moderate Muslims do not. Islamic extremism started in Egypt in the late 1920s. During the inter-war years, the country was occupied by the British military. The Nationalist Wafd movement, led by Saad Zaghloul, opposed the presence of the British, as would anyone whose country is being occupied by a foreign military power. (A brief history of Islamic extremism) In 1928, Hassan al-Banna established the term “The Muslim Brotherhood” which was the first Islamist movement. The British government supported the nascent movement in an attempt to counterbalance the Nationalists. In modern Egyptian politics, the Muslim Brotherhood is the largest opposition party to Hosni Mubarak's National Democratic...
Words: 2713 - Pages: 11
...Composition Devry University Dr. Ralph Monday April 7, 2011 Islamic Extremists Nearly everyone has heard about Islam and the Arab world. In addition, many countries have already faced issues with the Muslim believers. Islam has caused problems, terrorist attacks, anti-democracy all over the world. They were also very successful in sending a message of who they truly are. People who are literally obedient to the Islamic faith are called Islamic Extremists. People, who are of the Islamic faith however desire to survive in peace without tribulations are not considered obedient or dutiful to the Islamic faith, these people are called moderate Muslims. Therefore, the Islamic religious extremists are the major group in Islam who follow the Qur’an word for word and create extreme violence that moderate Muslims do not. Islamic extremism started in Egypt in the late 1920s. During the inter-war years, the country was occupied by the British military. The Nationalist Wafd movement, led by Saad Zaghloul, opposed the presence of the British, as would anyone whose country is being occupied by a foreign military power. (A brief history of Islamic extremism) In 1928, Hassan al-Banna established the term “The Muslim Brotherhood” which was the first Islamist movement. The British government supported the nascent movement in an attempt to counterbalance the Nationalists. In modern Egyptian politics, the Muslim Brotherhood is the largest opposition party to Hosni Mubarak's National Democratic...
Words: 2684 - Pages: 11
...5 Influences of Christianity in America Christianity is the largest religion in the United States, with around 78% of those polled identifying themselves as Christian, as of 2009. This is down from 86% in 1990 and slightly lower than 78.6% in 2001. Christianity was introduced to the Americas as it was first colonized by Europeans beginning in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today most Christian churches are Mainline Protestant, Evangelical, or Roman Catholic. Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, claiming over a billion members. Its spiritual and administrative head is the Pope. The Church's leadership body in the United States is the U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, made up of the hierarchy of bishops and archbishops of the United States and the U.S. Virgin Islands, although each bishop is independent in his own diocese, answerable only to the Pope. Catholic beliefs and worship are detailed in the Catechism of the Catholic Church. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (or CCC) is the official text of the teachings of the Catholic Church. A provisional, "reference text" was issued by Pope John Paul II on October 11, 1992 "the thirtieth anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council" with his apostolic constitution, Fidei depositum. The new Catechism was first published in 1994 in French and was then translated into many other languages. Catholic tradition and doctrine holds that...
Words: 1782 - Pages: 8
...Contemporary Issues in Buddhism Team D REL/133 May 21, 2013 Prof. Joseph Pirelli Buddhism is considered one of the oldest forms of religion dating back over 2,500 years; which originated in Thailand and has spread throughout Asia and begun to spread in Northern America, with over 125 million practicing Buddhists today. Siddhartha Gautama the founder of Buddhism became Buddha, his teachings and philosophy of selflessness and love towards others, modest and meek lifestyle, karma and reincarnation, education, and total submission and control of the mind and body are the basics of this religion. Buddhism has similar characteristics with other major religions that include practices, rituals, scriptures, and believes such as the belief in a deity or higher greater power. It has a doctrine accepting teachings of salvation and a code of conduct. The Buddhism religion maintains an essential qualities or religious practices that are passed down from generation by sources such as authorities and or their followers are accept as sacred. The Buddhist teachings consist of the Noble Eight Fold Path: 1.) Right View- full understanding of life. 2) Right of Intention- selflessness and good will towards all. 3.) Right Speech- always watching words 4.) Right Actions- always in control of ones actions and the results or impact of them. 5.) Right Livelihood-live upstanding example nothing illegal or unethical. 6.) Right Effort- always displays effort...
Words: 2302 - Pages: 10
...Whiteness A primary tool used by white people in America to discriminate against and disenfranchise Black people is the creation of the other category to describe African-Americans. They created this category using two main tactics. These tactics include: using religion to justify the dehumanization of black people and using white pride to ensure black people always remain the most disenfranchised group in America (always below poor white Americans). During the slave era, white people used the bible to justify the dehumanization of the black race. They claimed that it was god's will for black people to be slaves. Ta-nehisi Coates includes (in his article) a quote from Jefferson Davis on the eve of secession who argues that the “degradation...
Words: 1226 - Pages: 5
...33m Asses the view that religion is a major source of instability and conflict in society today | IntroductionExplain religion, conflict and instability Show differing view of society today, modern, postmodern, late modern | Study | Arguments FOR | Reference | Huntington Casanova | Religion is a major source of conflict Huntington * Clash of civilisations * 7 civilisation he identifies clash due to traditionalist values * All civilisations linked to core religions * Religion can create social cohesion within civilisations but not across * Religious identity linked to civilisation, attack on identity cause conflict * Religion creates us and them relationshipsCasanova * Religion conflict can occur within civilisations | Middle East * Conflict occurring on boundaries, war in 1990s between western, Slavic-orthodox, * Religious differences harder than political ones to resolve because they are deeply rooted in culture and historyNorthern Nigeria * Increase in conflict * Christianity against Islam * Us and them relationship * Religious conflict occurred due to Islamic law in the state * Christians felt at threat and marginalised * Stayed true to their identity, causing them to be under threat * Bombing of Christian churches, metal detectors installed | Maduro and Gramsci | Religion is a major source of conflict * Working class have a dual consciousness, mixture of ruling class ideology and their own experience of exploitation *...
Words: 1068 - Pages: 5
...media, and the reasons behind those can be peculiarly blamed to an extent on the religious diversity in the United States. Religion is one of the strongest acts that affect people, it can develop bonds as well as conflicts, and because different religions are practiced throughout the world such as Islam, Christianity, Judaism and many more its not surprising that their followers will have disagreements. And even though it might seem like those feelings are diminishing people still feel a sense of insecurity when it comes to this issue even if they tend to hide it or refuse to admit it. Religious segregation is pretty much still alive in many parts of the world, even in countries that claim the right of freedom of religion. It has led many people to be treated unfairly and wrongfully judged just because they are the minority who practice a religion which is different from the public orthodoxy. In modern day, Arabs and Muslims in exact suffer from being labeled as extremists or terrorists especially in Western cultures. five out of ten Americans believe Islam is more likely than other religions to encourage violence, despite the fact that seven out ten admit they know very little about Islam. And yet Americans rank Muslims second only to atheists as group that does not share their vision of American society (Ghazal, 2008). Intolerance and discrimination against Muslims, or if you like Islamophobia, is not a new phenomenon. There are historical, cultural/religious and psychological reasons...
Words: 2418 - Pages: 10
...Source: McCormick Foundation Sheikh Yusuf Talal DeLorenzo Sheikh Yusuf Talal DeLorenzo is considered the leading authority on Shariah finance in the United States and one of the half-dozen best-known Shariah advisors internationally. Although he has carefully avoided making public statements in support of Jihad, his religious background, professional affiliations, his high praise of fellow Shariah authorities such as Usmani, and his experience prove beyond much doubt that he subscribes fully to the Islamist agenda. Background DeLorenzo was born in 1948 in Northfield, Massachusetts. Sheikh Talal DeLorenzo is the grandson of Italian immigrants from Sicily. He currently resides in Ashburn, Northern Virginia with his Pakistani wife and three children. Education DeLorenzo attended the secular Northfield-Mount Hernon Preparatory School in Northfield, Massachusetts. He then enrolled in the undergraduate program at Cornell University but dropped out. He studied Islamic sciences under prominent Deobandi scholars at madrassa Jamia Uloom Islamia, Binori Town, Karachi, Pakistan (see details below). DeLorenzo completed three years of doctoral studies on the Legal Rulingsof the Quran at Bahawalpur University, Pakistan, and allegedly studied in Egypt. DeLorenzo‟s professional experience and affiliations include teaching courses on “The Principles of Islamic Investment,” Dow Jones University. He is also the Director for the Master‟s Program for Imams, Graduate School of Islamic...
Words: 1865 - Pages: 8
