Girt Wilders is to go on trial in Holland for speaking out against Islam. Under Obama, this could happen in the US as well.
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A forum for discussing matters of moment, from a curmudgeonly perspective. (The ideas posted here do not necessarily represent those of any organization with which I am a part). Rude and insulting remarks will not be published, but civil disagreement is welcome.
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About Me
- Douglas Groothuis, Ph.D.
- I am a Christian, philosopher, teacher. My most recent of my twenty books is Beyond the Wager. My magnum opus is Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith (InterVarsity Press, 2011). I have published ten others, including Truth Decay and On Jesus.
7 comments:
This is appalling about Wilders. Through "Leaving Islam: Apostates Speak Out," edited by Ibn Warraq, I have most enjoyed learning from first-hand accounts the truth behind Islam. Moreover, Spencer's book, "The Truth About Muhammad" is on my "must read this January" list.
I am optimistic that Islamic extremists will not overturn the U.S. Constitution. Certainly, Islamic extremists will continue to challenge these rights. However, I do not think success will prevail in the acquisition of power necessary to overturn Constitutional principles. Even if Obama was a terrorist in disguise, which he is not (debate for a different day), the government/Supreme Court most likely would not pass legislature that would negate freedom of speech.
In order to subvert Islamic terrorism, we need to use their ideas against them. Fundamentally, this is a war of ideas, not merely a war of might. Perhaps I am too idealistic with what I am about to say, but I think core beliefs and philosophy are the root problems. Thus, improved efforts to change their understanding of the world should be made. While I am not advocating mere pacifism, I think time could be utilized to devise tactics that may cause them to reconsider their beliefs. I often wonder what each person who cares about this issue could do. Certainly, serious believers will pray and fast. Perhaps, if Christ’s power is real, He will prevent Islamic extremism from conquering the world.
Personally, I am working towards understanding their philosophy and culture better in order to arrive at ways to challenge their thinking through hopefully, effective means. To accomplish this first step, I plan to take at least one class, if not more, in Islamic philosophy. Then, somehow reach people who are brainwashed by Islamic thinking.
Sarah
Sarah:
Thanks for the thoughtful post. It not impossible that Obama will work to criminalize speech against Islam. Call Islam a culture, embrace multiculturalism, then label anti-Islam speech as "hate speech."
for another, less alarming, view on this, see http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/30/opinion/30buruma.html
Your point is well taken. Yet I don't now what to say. Geert Wilders isn't exactly my favorite torch bearer for freedom of speech. He is often rather obnoxious if not rude (esp. when he speaks Dutch).
that was: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/30/opinion/30buruma.html
If Obama is able to pull off "hate speech" restrictions for Islam, then this restriction must apply to all religions. Why not include political parties as "cultures" too? I'm pessimistic that the government could ever accomplish this task given the controversial nature of religion, let alone free speech. Besides, they are too busy trying to pass statist healthcare. While anything can happen in our world today, I hope free speech is never compromised.
Sarah
SS:
All I can say is that I hope you are correct.
DRG
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