Promote respect & civility

In a globalized generation ideas travel across borders and ideologies. Like it or not, there is a growing international market of competing ideas.

This can terrify those who are afraid their beliefs cannot adequately compete so they resort to threats, intimidation and oppression. Their tactics may work for the short term but are ultimately doomed. It is a fearful approach that shows up in many religions, philosophies and politics.

While it is inappropriate to insult or offend their Prophet Muhammad a sentence of death to a journalist student is also inappropriate and offensive. My hope is that Sayed Perwiz Kambakhsh (the journalism student) will appeal and that higher Afghan courts will reverse the severe sentence.

Let’s consider a better way. Promote respect and civility. When there is disrespect and incivility, do not reward such dysfunction but confront it with words. Believe that your faith can compete and convince others in a world of diverse doctrines.

As a Christian I believe that the truths of the Bible and the teachings of Jesus can and do compete with other worldviews without use of restrictions or coercion.

By Leith Anderson  |  February 4, 2008; 4:36 PM ET  | Category:  Religious Conflict
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