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I just found this clipping in my stack of papers. In a USA Today letter written by Dan Wolf (9/29/09) he responds to an article entitled “Will Americans accept Islam?” I think his comments are brilliant so I am reproducing his letter here:
The question should be, “Will Islam accept America?” Today the answer to that question appears to be no.
Our forefathers understood the need for separation of church and state. Religious tolerance was imperative in our country’s creation. They also realized that society much have a moral foundation to retains its liberties. Our forefathers realized that for a people to remain free, they needed to understand the languages of reason and faith.
This is not true of Islam, where religion and the government rule are professed to be one. This is a direct threat to our representative form of government and our religious freedom, regardless of whether your beliefs are Christian, Jewish , Hindu, Buddhist, pagan or atheistic.
The issue is not America’s bigotry toward Islam, but Islam’s hostility toward America’s core values.
One thing I would add. Many European countries opened their doors wide to immigrants. Some of the immigrants have assimilated into European culture. Almost all. Muslims are the exception, in general do not assimilate.
For a clear example just Google “Sweden-Muslim-Integration” and read some of the articles how their immigration policies, the most lenient and accepting in the world, have been rewarded with riots and refusal to integrate. If we think Islam is not bigoted toward our Western forms of government, then think again. Islam is hostile to any form of government but a theocracy – rule of God – imposed by Sharia Law and administrated by Imams.
Sure, you may have nice Muslim friends or may work with a few who seem like nice and decent folks – and many are. But Islam flows deep in the Muslims blood and psyche and watching Europe will inform us what will happen when Muslims gain ground in America. Water and oil do not mix. You can shake them up for a brief uncomfortable moment, but soon they inexorably separate again. One can love Muslims while detesting Islam.
You may want to read my article “Living with Muslims: Prepare for the Skyline of the Future.”
This Post Has 2 Comments
I am saddened to read Fulton J Sheen's comments on Islam. I know little about this priest except many American Catholics are campaigning for his sainthood. We all have a blindspot. Maybe, Sheen's lack of understanding and charity towards Islam is his. I may be very wrong. Often quotes are taken out of context. Hopefully, this one needs to be contextual. His comment is so contrary to the outreach and dialogue that Pope Francis and other Catholics exhibit towards Islam and Muslim people. This kind of rhetoric gives permission for people who would in normal circumstances keep quiet to voice hatred and maybe even violence towards innocent people.
STEVE RAY HERE: I Have to say that Sheen is spot on about what he says about Islam. He echoes what other saints and doctors of the church of said in the past, including Saint Thomas Aquinas. I gave a talk at Franciscan University Of Steubenville a year and a half ago entitled “Islam, What Every Infidel Should Know.” You can listen or watch it here: Islam Talk https://youtu.be/9Pj-QPlN2CU
I’m sorry to say but Pope Francis and the current emphasis on ecumenism at the Vatican are doing us no favors in regard to Islam and in fact are misleading us. It’s amazing that we can turn a blind eye to 1400 years of Islamic history and call it a religion of peace.
I have seen your video. I have to say again it runs contrary to Pope Francis's outreach. The kind of "honest" rhetoric as espoused in your talk does, unfortunately, give some unbalanced people permission to exhibit hatred against Muslim people, especially women who wear visible signs that they are Muslim. We all need to learn to live in peace. St Thomas Aquinas had his blind spots as much as any human. Just because a religious belief wishes to evangelize does not mean it should be regarded as a threat. How about tolerance? If Islam is found wanting surely dialogue is the best way to go. Thank goodness we have Pope Francis. In my humble opinion he is the future of the Church. Most Catholics would concur with that.
STEVE RAY HERE: I Couldn’t disagree with you more for multiple reasons, but you are a good man and gentle in your tone so I am happy to have you post comments.
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