Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Islamic Threat?
Watch the You Tube video on Islamic population changes.... "what is the call to Action?" To have more babies? To stop immigration? To protect our culture by limiting religious liberty? To evangelize Muslims? Is this video just a scare tactic produced by someone clinging to their guns and religion?
I know that I don't want my grandchildren living under Islamic law. Please add your thoughts. The video is about 7 minutes long. I promise it will be at least thought-provoking.
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4 comments:
Dad, I appreciated your response questions. I would be interested to know exactly who (what organization) put this video together. {Does anyone know where this came from?} What IS the call to action?
I am deeply disturbed by the mentality that has been expressed in this video. Especially since it is proposed that "as Christians" we need to remain the dominant religion. I find that opposite to the spirit of Jesus' teachings and to the model of the early church represented in the New Testament. The Gospel is love and it spreads organically - from God through us to our neighbors, not through force or intent to remain dominant.
Also, exactly what is the point of "sustaining a culture"? To maintain freedom of religion? Freedom of lifestyle? Freedom, in general? As Christ-followers, where do we find examples or instructions on how to "sustain".... Where is that represented in His teachings?
Just some thoughts, off the top of my head.
Off the top of my head, I would note three things. First, the tone of video seems manipulative and sensational. I am reminded of the campaign commercials of our current president that showed BO coming to the climax of another riveting speech. The thematic orchestra piece plays in the background while BO ignites the crowd into cheering as his voice rises. These types of things play on our emotions. Its the same effect as the one you feel at a sporting event when your team scores and the home crowd bursts into acclamations. It sends a little tingle down your spine doesn't it? I am extremely skeptical of these tactics when tied to any sort of political message. It says one thing to me: propaganda. The ominous music in the background as the man with the deep warning voice incites us to "action." I would urge all to try and take the emotional (ie fear) element out of the equation, and look at the facts.
Second, I would point out that American Muslims are a completely different breed than Middle Eastern ones. I have experience with both, and I can tell you that American Muslims are some of the most pleasant people I know. I can relate to them on several levels. (I live with a Middle Eastern Muslim and he is also wonderful, but the cultural differences are quite apparent.) Living in America has a moderating effect on any community. Most Americans simply want to make a decent living, raise a family, practice their faith, and live in peace and security with their neighbors. American Muslims want nothing more than these things (generalization). They often create the strongest sorts of families, communities, with negligible crime and economic success. (most educated and wealthiest minority in the US--also, the highest percentage of registered voters)
Third, like Casey, I wonder what the call to action might be? I think we have to be so so careful in a pluralistic society to treat those that are different than us with the utmost respect...especially our minorities. If we fear them, we will inevitably take away their rights, and they will inevitably come to hate us. The vicious cycles of fear and hate are what frightens me. In other words, the video frightens me, not the content.
I do want to also say that demographic shifts do create enormous challenges. I have traveled through Western Europe and made friends with French, Italians, and Dutch who are seeing the realities on the ground of this mass influx of immigrants. The strange thing is though, that the same problems emerge when southern hemisphere christians (subsaharan african or south american) enter these countries. Perhaps religious affiliation is not the issue. Also, we DO need to be aware of extremists entering our beloved land. I am always interested when a middle eastern sheikh is brought in to preach at a mosque in America. I support listening to sermons, and expelling those promulgating hate. That goes for white Christians as well. I will never apologize for extremism.
Thoughtul Lawhons! So glad to be connected...
So, i know i am late in responding to this. My thoughts may not be as eloquent as by siblings but here they are...
This video clearly tries to instill a mentality of fear to try to motivate people to action and i distrust anyone who does this and it is disturbing to me. When people act out of fear it is not through rational thought which is never good.
A repeat of casey and toby, what is the call to action? What are they asking people to do?
Another question i had after watchiing that was who are these people and where are they getting their informaltion and can that information be trusted.
They also never clearly state what religion they a "rooting" for. What religion is supposed to be doninant if not muslim? and Why?
so there my thoughts are.
-Haley
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