Ishwa helper Reged: 03/03/02 Posts: 553

Re: HINDUISM: A religion OR way of life ? [Re: willie] #19831 - 09/09/02 03:42 AM Edit Reply Quote

In reply to: But on the other hand what is written in holy books and how the followers of the religion practice it are not exactly one and the same. And that seems to be the real problem. So perhaps it is time for the peaceful followers to stand up and say that these radicals are not part the their religion. At some point in time the radicals have to be flushed out from behind religions, of whatever kind, and shown to be people with their own selfish interests and it should be sooner rather than later. This is a very good summary of root of the problems, Willie. This is what I have been repeating time after time: The great majority of moderates should once and for all say NO to extremism and militancy within their own faith. The power is not due to the militant wings, but due to the people tolerating such attitude. Too many Muslims, by not protesting forcefully (or actually not at all!), in a way passively support the miltancy. So it's a fact that no protests are being heard against the militancy within the Islamic movement. What is the reason for this? Fear may be a reason. Hidden pride (quietly supporting?) another. Solidarity another. (Though some may doubt the motives applied for the actions) This last point is enforced by emphasizing the idea of the general 'enemy' of the movement. What bothers many people is that the moderates are not being selfcriticizing. You can hear very seldom to not protests about motives and actions. When protests are being heard, it's mostly more out of fear of the reactions of the host society than really out of shame or being horrified. ( for instance, many common people were celebrating the 9-11 attacks, some quietly some openly in European and Middle-East countries) Edited by Ishwa (09/09/02 03:50 AM)