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Religion and spirituality remain a seminal feature of American society and culture – unlike in many parts of Western Europe – in large part because of the vibrant and fluid nature of Americans’ religious affiliations. The fact that Americans are switching their religions is indeed characteristic of an animated and healthy religion in this country.
The Question: Which "ism" is more entrenched in America, sexism or racism? Which should religion address?
The assertion of one group’s superiority over another is a human epidemic, a disease that has befallen every culture and society throughout our history. For Muslims, the Qur’an itself recognizes this condition in chapter 23, verse 53: “But they became divided into sects, each rejoicing in their own ideas. So leave them in their ignorance for a time.”
The Question: In his speech to U.S. bishops last week, Pope Benedict XVI said: "Any tendency to treat religion as a private matter must be resisted . . . To the extent that religion becomes a purely private affair, it loses its very soul." Do you agree or disagree? Why?
The Pope’s comments reflect the growing anxiety amongst religious Europeans that religion is being viewed with suspicion and even ire. This is nothing unprecedented, but the waves of Muslim immigrants have perhaps given the question a new dimension.
What Islam Really Says About Violence, Rights and Other Religions
Gomaa, Fadlallah, Mubarak, Khan, Siddiqi, Ellison, others | On Faith
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