Rhetoric Race and Religion
“Is Islam a religion of peace?” Why is such a nonsensical question still being asked?
One of my favorite people in the world is a someone I know only through Facebook. This person is religiously and politically conservative, incredibly civil, and willing to countenance long and passionate debates on her posts. The other day, my friend mentioned that a non-profit organization is hosting a conference sometime soon that will include that question about Islam as a theme.
I blame President George W. Bush. Really. After the 9/11 attacks, in a laudable attempt to tamp down anti-Muslim sentiment, he repeatedly referred to Islam as a religion of peace. Which unfortunately is as meaningless as calling it a religion of violence. But Bush’s statements set the bar for responses that continue through today.
Why do I say the question is nonsensical?
Imagine you have been sent to Earth from Alpha Centauri, assigned to get an answer to this question: “Is Christianity a religion consistent with reason?” When you get here, you read the King James from cover to cover. Intrigued yet confused, you realize you need to consult with the authentic followers of the faith. Who to choose?
Simply picking the largest group doesn’t feel right. After all, true insight can rest with a few. So you look around. Do you talk to Westboro Baptist Church? The snake handlers of the Appalachians? Pentacostals? Southern Baptists? Texas Baptists? Primitive Baptists? Orthodox? Catholics? Roman or sedevacantists?
All include apparently sincere believers who have stories about how their faith has changed their lives. Every single one.
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