I doubt that too many Christian fundamentalists are big fans of author Salman Rushdie. In his speech Friday at the University of Kansas, he warned that religious extremism and the dangers it poses are not just Islamic problems.
“I believe we have some problems right here,” he said.
On Kansas’ ongoing evolution/creation debate, he said:
“I never had any doubts about evolution theory. I gather there are parts of Kansas where the big bang did not take place.”
But members of the religious right might be surprised to find they agree with Rushdie on one subject.
“Do not start me on ‘The Da Vinci Code,’ ” he said. “A novel so bad that it gives bad novels a bad name.”
Posted by Melissa Cooley
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38 Comments
I am a Christian and would find his remarks about the religious right highly offensive! Comparing them to moslem extremists is a outrage! As the religious right will point out, they want to tear the world apart in the name of God. Moslem extremists want to tear the world apart in the name of Allah!
If it was not so true!
BTW I am being sarcastic, when the end goal is to tear the world apart. In whom’s name is pointless.
We have our own religious terrorists called the religious right/christian coalition and more. Their speech is filled with hate and extreme views that they believe everyone should follow.
Here in Wichita we have many different church factions vying to force their views here in Wichita.There are the Fred Phelps wannabes, such as Spirit One church that protested at West High school over abortion, homosexual and Islam for one.
I get so tired of the different churches who think the american public should follow their narrow minded views.Never thinking that here is another church down the block that has different views, but feels like the american public should follow their narrow minded views.Wake up American and kick the terrorists to the curb.
When somebody says “you will burn in Hell for eternity” and they look down on you because they think you are inferior and stupid because you are not ‘Born Again’ Christian, I find that very exterme and dangerous. And Yes is is close to the same thinking as Islamic terrorist.
The difference is that muslims have allowed murderously radical elements to control entire nations, keeping millions of people in medieval squalor while the radical, millionnaire mullahs blackmail their government kleptocrats for more money.
Meanwhile, their women are abused in ways we can barely comprehend. Sold as property, beaten regularly, and worked to exhaustion, their murder and suicide rates are extreme.
It takes a really skewed idea of equivalence to even hint at the notion of similarities between western Christian culture and that of most of the Muslim world. We are a millennium away from being anything like the terrorist-hatching despair of the Muslim world.
Our Constitution provides that Congress can’t establish a state religion and that religion cannot be a basis for public office. This has been too-scrupulously interpreted in recent years to eliminate all religion from anything involving government funding, unless the religion is one that is tacitly protected by Political Cowardice — Muslims, native paganism, etc. Christians are right to complain that their culture is being supppressed by secular bigotry.
On the other hand, many of us tire of those Christians who substitute negative proselyting for positive love and good works, and who want to implement laws to overcome their failure to spread their faith to the point where the “believers” actually live the faith they profess.
If we need laws to stop abortion, for example, the honest Christian ought to recognize that his battle has been lost. Unless Christians can teach exactly why abortion is wrong, show young people how to internalize the transcendent value of human life, and provide full and ready support for pregnant women, then their battle is lost.
This needs to be reinterated:
“It takes a really skewed idea of equivalence to even hint at the notion of similarities between western Christian culture and that of most of the Muslim world. We are a millennium away from being anything like the terrorist-hatching despair of the Muslim world.”
Thank God we’re not anything like them . . .
Uhm, how do you explain Timothy McVey?
Former military, he considered himself a patriot and a Christian.
Well said, Joe W!
Agreed.
Andy,Murderous, radical christians controlled whole countries for centuries, until their abuses triggered the rise of secular governments in the 1600’s on. The temper of some of the more radical christians today suggests they would try again to dominate countries and persecute all who don’t subscribe to their agenda and culture, if given half a chance. The problem isn’t which religion, it’s that any religion, given theocratic power, will end up doing the same thing.
Andy, Have you forgotten about the KKK? They consider themselves to be Christian and they preach hatred toward Catholics,Jews,and anyone else who’s different from them. Have you forgotten that they have persecuted and killed blacks in the name of God since the late 1800’s. I’m sure they have their share of wife beaters, also. If you think that Christians aren’t capable of being as extremist and violent as Muslims, think again.
Have you heard of Salman Rushdie’s new book?It’s called “Budda, that fat motherf**ker!”
calling ones self a Christian does not necessarily make it so. noone who does things outside the will of Christ is really a Christian.
most of the things mentioned here were NOT done by Christians.
Kansassam,Yeah, yeah, yeah. That’s not me, that’s that other guy! He’s the one that’s not a real christian. I, on the other hand am the genuine article.That’s just too easy a cop-out!
The truth hurts doesn’t it Jed? You cannot look at the one and only true example of Christianity, Christ himself, and say that these people are following his example! True.. I do not do the things that you claim I do.. but don’t look at me if you eant a perfect example of a Christian.. there was only one! The rest of us are only human, we make mistakes, we are sinners, and that’s what makes Christ’s sacrifice so unbelievable, so important and so necessary.It really doesn’t really matter what you think of me personally Jed.. you don’t even have a clue who I am.. but don’t try to belittle Christ, it is a job way too big for you, and you are destined for failure. It is written.
see… I can’t even spell “want”!!
While the blogs presented here represent the spectrum of religious feelings here, I’ll keep my comments on that to myself.What I will comment on is the book, The Davinci Code: Humor at its finest. Notice it is still number 1? Notice how many sub-books on his fictional thesus are out there? Who’s the dummies reading this garbage?
I think we should call Richard Alpert and ask him to bring back Ram Dass to comment on this string.
Kansassam,Forgive me for pointing out that I didn’t say a word about Jesus; I have no beef with him, just the bastards who use his name, and yours, to further their own agendas, and you “good christians” who allow them to do it! Or is that your agenda too? It’s very difficult for most of us to tell the difference between the assholes who make the threats, and their apologists, and the people who say “It isn’t me.”
If you shouldn’t judge Christians by the actions of a few, then you shouldn’t do the same with Muslims. Since the beginning of time, evil people have used the facade of religion to justify their hatred, intolerance, and persecution of their fellow man.Osma Bin Laden is no more a true Muslim than Fred Phelps is a true Christian. They’re both wolves in sheep’s clothing, and so are many who claim to be Christian or Muslim today.
No Jed, it’s you who has the difficulty telling the differences. Most people with any common sense DO know the differences.
Admit it, you hate Christians, period. The light hurts your eyes because you live in a dark world.
NoJo,No, I have Christian friends, along with Muslim, Jewish, Ba’hai, Wiccan, Buddhist and atheist friends. They’re all, every one of them, good people, and friends of each other. And some of them have a major problem; extremists have hijacked their religion in the name of hate, and by themselves, they’re powerless to stop it. Isn’t it about time for the decent people to organize, and take back their beliefs, and put an end to all this? How ’bout it, is your religion up to that? Or have the bastards won?
Jed…We are fighting the battle, but the mega-churches have the manpower and the money. What Phelps and crew do digusts me, and in my opinion makes Jesus weep. I would invite any of you who want to help show the “unconditional” love of Jesus Christ to come and join us at Zao Christian Fellowship. Douglas and Emporia on Saturday night. No need to dress up. We minister to those who are down and out. Our staff gets no pay, and all of our offerings go for food and clothing, medical supplies, and whatever else is needed by the homeless, the prostitutes, the lost souls of Wichita.
I have a problem when someone lumps Christians into one basket and says that they’re all hatefull and trying to take over the government, etc.
As you can see from kansassam’s post, there are Christians who are doing positive and great things. When someone says that Christians include the KKK, Phelps, Timothy McV, Dennis Rader, etc, it just shows their ignorance and bias.
I think that many Christians do need to present the message better to people. A judgemental attitude can be detected immediately by people who don’t know Christ. There’s an old song that goes, “and they’ll know we are Christians by our love…”
kansassam,God bless you and the Zao Christian Fellowship.
NoJoCo..
It is always a blessing to serve..Anyone who has read the Bible should understand that the last thing Jesus came for was to institute new government. His kingdom is not of this world… Thank God!!
Kansassam, NoJo,It’s good to know there’re still some of you fighting the extremists, but as you say, they’ve got the money and manpower. But you also say “Anyone who has read the Bible should understand that the last thing Jesus came for was to institute new government.”Given that the bible is the most printed book in the world (as well as the most stolen, according to Borders) it follows then that it must also be one of the least read books too, for them to have such political muscle.So David, there’s Goliath; what’s the stratagy?
Jed..You nailed it Jed.. most people think the story of David and Goliath is about a young man overcoming a giant problem… such as the one Christians face today. Actually, the story is about the humble servant of God (Jesus) overcoming the greatest enemy of God (Satan). Anyway, we will overcome in the same way… trust Jesus… abide in him… and God promised the church will remain forever. Yes.. we must fight, and stand up for the truth, but you know that makes us unpopular with the powers to be that want to make the church an exclusive club.Before anyone goes there, I am not condoning sin.. but Jesus himself only corrected sinners.. he did not condemn them. Neither should we.
Yeah, but you’ll notice that along with his faith, he took along a slingshot and a few rocks! Might do well to do the same. Abiding is what the extremists are counting on you doing; maybe they need a surprise!
Well Jed.. I never have been too good at turning the other cheek. But you know, going to battle without an anointing is very risky business, so I doubt that I am one called to lead… I do believe there may be another “reformation” in the works, and don’t be surprised if you see its beginnings right here in River City. The Spirit is definately moving people in that way.
Kansassam,I hope to, and not just here! I’m seeing glimmers of a movement from a lot of other places too, growing from seeds sown by-would you believe it- extremist abuse! I would love to see Christianity finally become what it should be; a religion that everybody can live with!
Jed…Yes.. Christianity can do better by returning to the example Christ. But it will never become a religion that EVERYBODY can live with. As long as we carry a message that there is one way and ONLY one way to heaven and life eternal, we will be called hateful and intolerant. Jesus said we would be hated because of him.. but if I have to be hated to give someone hope, then so be it! It is an honor to serve my Lord and Master.
By the way.. check out the editorial today by David Everett. It was signed by probably 20 or so homeless people in Heritage Park.. and yes.. I signed it too!!
Kansassam,All I’m asking is that Christians give my beliefs the same respect they want for their own. My friends are secure enough in their beliefs to be able to do that. Are you?
Sure Jed… it’s just my job to spread the Word… the rest is up to God. Just remember though, that I MUST share my faith, and it is not only because God commands it, but because in my beliefs, it is the kindest, most loving thing I can do for another human being! I do agree with you that the strong arm tactics are simply wrong!
PS. Kansassam,Found the letter on Heritage Park. I couldn’t agree more, except to say we need to have more and better places for homeless people to go when the weather gets bad! More public restrooms are a good thing, and for more than just the homeless!
Kansassam,Sharing is fine! I share mine too. When we can all share, in an environment without coercion or bullying, maybe we’ll all start to get someplace spiritually!
Maybe more public restrooms down there would also solve some of the problems they are having in Old Town as well!!
Take care… I am leaving for Joplin for a soccer tournament this weekend so I won’t be around to chat!
Gitcher kicks in!
There are extremist factions in every religion. The Christian Fundamentalists try to convert people who they believe will be an asset to their organization. What’s sad is they do it through the grapevine. They smile at you pretending to be connected to God while passing gossip through their relisious connections. I liken some of these organizations to giant multi-level marketing campaigns. They have a network of people and person a passes to person b and so on. Then they just smile at you and pretend their doing God’s work. They’re just corrupt people being led by corrupt leadership. You’ll never see God interact with these people. God doesn’t talk to them. All their actions are directed by a human leader. Spirituality doesn’t exist in these people. What is also sad is the older religious groups do nothing. They wonder why they lose membership to these people but just sit by and watch. Thew bottom line is to increase their membership to create a power grip to pass their ideals and valuesto others. Control. You notice the government doesn’t get involved either. Where there is money is power and influence. Just think if everyone could tap into that hidden potential that God gave each and every one of us. Who would be around to work those factories and serve those value meals. We all have the potential to all be Einsteins. I wonder if Capitalism could survive with a billion Alexander Graham Bells on the loose. You see my point. What would society look like then. Who could control a group like that.y religions teach us to be meek. Not to ask for too much. How many people who get enlightened by churches thrive. They’re taught to just make do. To settle. That’s not my way. It will never be my way.