They see it wrong, then. The survival mechanism was in place in the middle east long before the advent of Islam. It's the religious fanatics with misguided ideas about a religious state that cause problems. It's not unique to Islam, though. Please recall the inquisition, early Americans leaving Europe for religious freedom and then persecuting "witches", etc. The world's three largest religions (Islam, Bhuddism, and Christianity) are, unsurprisingly, the only three with histories of practicing 'conversion by the sword'.
Religion and those who are faithful to it can exist in a secular state. To quote Graywolf, "I believe in something" => "Death to unbelievers". This is an unacceptable policy for those who have alternate beliefs. The state must be able to maintain a recognition of religion while being free from it's direction. The actions of terrorists are fanatacism, not survivalism. They can survive without it. On 7/8/05, William Robb <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Graywolf" > Subject: Re: Fanatics > > > > > Fanaticism can be short term (mobs), or long term. It probably was a > > survival mechanism in hunter/gatherer societies. > > You might find if you talk to a few Middle Eastern "fanatics", they still > see it as a survival mechanism. > > William Robb > > > -- Scott Loveless http://www.twosixteen.com -- "You have to hold the button down" -Arnold Newman
