From a really fantastic and interesting article about the Hindu Right in India, which seems to act a lot like our own Christian Right, by Martha Nussbaum.
The article:
http://chronicle.com/temp/reprint.php?id=t15b1l92nf46jb6sq8b82dpsct9f9003
The quote:
"The real "clash of civilizations" is not between "Islam" and "the West," but instead within virtually all modern nations -- between people who are prepared to live on terms of equal respect with others who are different, and those who seek the protection of homogeneity and the tion of a single "pure" religious and ethnic tradition. At a deeper level, as Gandhi claimed, it is a clash within the individual self, between the urge to te and defile the other and a willingness to live respectfully on terms of compassion and equality, with all the vulnerability that such a life entails."
2007-06-01 08:14:35 · 9 answers · asked by GreenEyedLilo 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It's just a variation on the "tolerance" argument, the old and very worn-out position that the most important thing is respecting other religions and traditions. It's naive, because nothing is automatically entitled to respect, including religion and culture. I agree that we can't fight over something just because it is different, but when it's human rights abuses, or genocide, or something like that, it's wrong, and we usually judge it according to how much pain it causes or how much human dignity it costs and do something about it.
2007-06-01 08:22:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
It's interesting that they quote Gandhi. Most natives of India that I have had the pleasure of speaking with were not all that impressed with him. They felt that his message is primarily responsible for the difficulties they experience with Pakistan today. So much for "equal respect".
The real point (and I don't expect you to understand it) is that people don't get to define the terms of how we live. Only God does that. We do get to choose whether or not we adhere to those terms (the Ten Commandments). Falling away from them is where all the ugliness springs from.
Everything else is just fluff. It sounds nice, looks nice but has no real substance. Unfortunately for a lot of people they will only realize this on judgment day.
~Neeva
p.s. Don't wish to find out too late that the drivel being spouted by unbelievers has been a big mistake? Take the test below:
http://wayofthemaster.com/goodperson.shtml
2007-06-01 15:23:40 · answer #2 · answered by Neeva C 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This is the reason adherence to the Constitution and the rule of law is so important.
Comparing the "Christian right" in America to the Hindus spoken of in the article is over the top.
Christians are admonished in scripture to follow the laws of the land as well as the laws of God; which are rarely at odds. Given the nature of the Bible (as being its own interpreter), individual interpretations are almost always in error.
The terrors and abuses upon Muslims by the Hindi were only possible because of the break-down of society by police and government officials allowing it to continue. That situation is very unlikely to develop in the United States. Unless the Muslims attempt a takeover by force. They, then, are likely to suffer greatly as we already know who and where they are.
I think you're putting more onus on Conservatives than they deserve.
2007-06-01 16:37:17 · answer #3 · answered by CJohn317 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
What makes Ghandi any different from any one else who is willing to lay aside our differences for the sake of unity? The fact that we are all individuals is the issue, and the total subjugation of the masses under a one world totalitarian state, at the beck and call of the intellectual, anitchrist elite. If you think that where the world is heading is a utopia then you have been completely brainwashed.
2007-06-01 15:24:03 · answer #4 · answered by hisgloryisgreat 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's an awesome statement and spiritually true. Deciphering the prose down to simple terms it simply states that men and its societies are in the middle of a continual ageless battle of good against evil. We are in the middle and forced to take sides, to make a decision ...... shall we enlist in the army of light or the army of darkness? The accumulated doings of a lifetime shall be our judge and witness. Excellent sharing of information on your part.....you're are asking people to thoughfully consider the greater meaning of life and spirit.
2007-06-01 15:22:20 · answer #5 · answered by Joline 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, I don't believe that is an accurate model. Like most "two kinds of people" arguments, it provides its own bias in its very phrasing.
There is simply to wide a variety of human characteristics in a group, of say our own Christian right, to make so sweeping a statement.
In many ways this statement is exactly what it condemns, devoid of respect and an attempt to defile an other way of thinking.
-An atheist and skeptic.
2007-06-01 15:36:09 · answer #6 · answered by Herodotus 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The clash of civilizations is between islam and everything that is different, even different sects of islam, not just the West.
God Bless.
2007-06-01 15:21:10 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
good luck with your humanism....watch a 2 or 3 year old and witness the escence of humanity....greed with some ability to care.
2007-06-01 15:17:39 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
to answer your question. Beautiful and profound.
2007-06-01 15:19:36 · answer #9 · answered by AliBaba 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋