There comes a point when we begin to ask, despite the contrary pronouncements and assurances from so many, whether Islam has become an angry, violent, intolerant, and fanatical religion – not that it has always been so or must be, but right now it seems to be. Of course not all Muslims are burning down Danish embassies, or blowing themselves up to kill Jews (or any other ‘infidel’). I believe most Muslims prefer to simply live out their lives in peace and have their children realize a better future. But, what are we to think?
The published images of Mohammad, and I’ve seen them, are very mild and aside from one or two, not offensive according to what I consider to be offensive. (Of course, this is the rub. We all have different definitions of what is offensive.) We have seen pictures published of the Virgin Mary covered in dung and urine, but I know of no Christians who are burning down embassies or shooting their opponents. Many complain strenuously, yes, but no one engages in mass destruction.
As troubling as this will sound, the very complex issues contributing to what is going on in the Middle East and why might be summed up by the word “insecurity.” (Am I being condescending, in a very Western or American way?) Mary is defamed, but few Christians riot or even give much attention to it other than admitting that the “artist” may have some issues he needs to work through. Lord help him! It seems we simply are not very insecure about our religion – most of us, that is. (Perhaps we are just complacent? Like I say, doubt is not the enemy of faith, complacency is.)
How many of the problems faced and experienced by Muslims (and by association, us all) result not from Islam per se, but from a century of humiliation (percieved or actual) suffered by Arabs and Persians? Is Islam just the excuse or a means through which Arab and Persian humiliation and rage towards the colonizers and the multi-nationals and the hegemonists are expressed? Religion can obviously inflame the passions, as can cultural and political issues. Combine them, and we have a very, very volatile mix. During the World Wars and afterwards, Westerners have not done much to ingratiate themselves to Arabs and Persians or dispel the anger!
Are the problems cultural or religious? Yes, a mixture for sure, but is the primary factor religion or culture? If religion was removed from the equation concerning The Troubles in Northern Ireland, there would still be troubles! If Northern Ireland was re-incorporated into the rest of Ireland, I really doubt the religious animosities and problems would continue much longer. Who knows???