THE WAR ON TERROR

THE WAR ON TERROR

The War on Terror has boiled down to a war on Muslim extremists. Sadly, it seems we are finding that almost all Muslims are falling into the category of extremists. Not every extremist is a terrorist, of course, though every terrorist is certainly an extremist. Only method separates extremists from terrorists. Its now clear that a basic tenet of Islam which calls for its adherents to spread their religion throughout the world can be interpreted as calling for world domination; this being the best way to ensure the spread of Islam. On the surface, this scenario could only be rectified by war. Maybe not!

When I grew up as a Catholic in the 1940's and 50's, we were taught that only Catholics could get to heaven. It was our duty to convert the rest of the world. Sound familiar to present-day extremism? Catholicism has changed in the last fifty years. Teaching on this subject, based on papal encyclicals, has softened.

Remember, also, that there is a Christian song from the mid 19th century that is still sung in many Protestant churches called Onward Christian Soldiers. Some Christian extremists might have a similar mindset to the Muslims but I doubt it. At one time, I think they did.

One of the big differences between Christian religions as we know them and Islam, is central authority. Catholics have the pope and other Christian religions have their archbishop or synod of bishops to be the final word on doctrine. Islam has no equivalent. Each Imam is free to do his own thing.

A worthwhile thing to pray for is the moderation in thinking of all teachers of Islam. I see no other way out of the mess in which this world has fallen.