[Bill,
August 22, 2007]
The advantages of Islam
Recently there's a kerfuffle over Michael Hodges article here, which apparently is a satire. Or should be, if it's not.
Now, my argument against Islam is based on one simple fact: It's not true. The Koran is not a holy book, Mohammed was not a holy prophet, and his followers' faith in both is largely in vain. This doesn't mean I think all Muslims will be in hell -- far from it. I think that those Muslims who fear God and do good may be in good shape, but I don't really know.
But let's ignore the truth claims of Islam, which are nonsense. What are the advantages of Islam?
1. Islam is a fairly clear religion. Islam doesn't have the obscurity of the Trinity or the Atonement; it doesn't couch itself in excessively metaphorical or mystical language. It's pretty simple: God up there, you here, God in charge, believe. It doesn't take a lot to understand Islam. It ain't trying to understand concepts such as dharma, you know.
2. Islam does in fact give a rich sense of dignity to all who are Muslims, no matter how rich or poor. At least, this is true for Muslim males, who all tend to think of themselves as and act like kings. Sure, they exploit each other like mad, but that's a universal human trait. But as Muslims, they tend to respect other Muslims pretty well. You know, until they decide those bastards over there aren't real Muslims.
3. Islam has some built-in mechanisms against excessive complexity. One problem with both Judaeo-Christian civilization and our modern technological civilization is we create levels of organization that can be oppressive to an individual. How many requirements will the government put on you? A heck of a lot. The Byzantines did the same thing. Islam spread through the Byzantine Empire so quickly because it offered a far simpler system. You pay the tax, that's it. (The Muslims also lowered taxes.)
4. They have dictates against drinking and gambling. These are usually good thing, and many Muslims follow them.
5. They understand the concepts of square, level and plumb. This is more of an advantage in the Third World than you might think.
6. They're not pagans. Except for that Kabbah thing.
Now, my argument against Islam is based on one simple fact: It's not true. The Koran is not a holy book, Mohammed was not a holy prophet, and his followers' faith in both is largely in vain. This doesn't mean I think all Muslims will be in hell -- far from it. I think that those Muslims who fear God and do good may be in good shape, but I don't really know.
But let's ignore the truth claims of Islam, which are nonsense. What are the advantages of Islam?
1. Islam is a fairly clear religion. Islam doesn't have the obscurity of the Trinity or the Atonement; it doesn't couch itself in excessively metaphorical or mystical language. It's pretty simple: God up there, you here, God in charge, believe. It doesn't take a lot to understand Islam. It ain't trying to understand concepts such as dharma, you know.
2. Islam does in fact give a rich sense of dignity to all who are Muslims, no matter how rich or poor. At least, this is true for Muslim males, who all tend to think of themselves as and act like kings. Sure, they exploit each other like mad, but that's a universal human trait. But as Muslims, they tend to respect other Muslims pretty well. You know, until they decide those bastards over there aren't real Muslims.
3. Islam has some built-in mechanisms against excessive complexity. One problem with both Judaeo-Christian civilization and our modern technological civilization is we create levels of organization that can be oppressive to an individual. How many requirements will the government put on you? A heck of a lot. The Byzantines did the same thing. Islam spread through the Byzantine Empire so quickly because it offered a far simpler system. You pay the tax, that's it. (The Muslims also lowered taxes.)
4. They have dictates against drinking and gambling. These are usually good thing, and many Muslims follow them.
5. They understand the concepts of square, level and plumb. This is more of an advantage in the Third World than you might think.
6. They're not pagans. Except for that Kabbah thing.
I guess you are following in the ways of Sir Ahmed Salman Rushdie, who was faced with death threats and a fatwa (religious edict) issued by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, then Supreme Leader of Iran, which called for him to be killed. Good luck hiding underground. :-)