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Islam, Immigration and the Importance of Culture
Crisis Magazine ^ | September 9, 2014 | WILLIAM KILPATRICK

Posted on 09/09/2014 11:55:44 AM PDT by NYer

Emil_Shimoun_Nona_Mosul_Chaldean_Catholic_Archbishop

The Catholic Archbishop of Brisbane, Mark Coleridge, recently condemned the barbarism of the Islamic State, but for some reason felt compelled to add: “It has nothing to do with real Islam….”

Meanwhile, Amel Shimoun Nona, the exiled Chaldean Archbishop of Mosul, warned European and Western Christians that they “will also suffer in the near future” because:

you are welcoming in your countries an ever-growing number of Muslims…. You think all men are created equal, but that is not true: Islam does not say that all men are created equal. Your values are not their values. If you do not understand this soon enough, you will become the victims of the enemy you have welcomed in your home.

Archbishop Nona doesn’t bother to distinguish between real Islam and false Islam. He takes it for granted that when you invite mass immigration from Muslim countries, you are inviting trouble.

The difference between the two bishops, as one columnist put it, is the difference between “innocence” and “experience.” But it’s more than that. It’s not just innocence on the part of the Australian archbishop and other Western prelates who say much the same thing about Islam. It’s also a conscious defense of a certain narrative about Islam that has developed among many Church leaders. According to this narrative, Islam is one of many valid expressions of the religious impulse and is therefore a good thing. Islamic terrorism, on the other hand, is a betrayal of true Islam.

Why does the narrative need to be defended so assiduously? Well, for one thing, if Islam is intrinsically flawed, then the assumption that religion is basically a good thing would have to be revisited. That, in turn, might lead to a more aggressive questioning of Christianity. Accordingly, some Church leaders seem to have adopted a circle-the-wagons mentality—with Islam included as part of the wagon train. In other words, an attack on one religion is considered an attack on all: if they come for the imams, then, before you know it, they’ll be coming for the bishops. Unfortunately, the narrative doesn’t provide for the possibility that the imams will be the ones coming for the bishops.

In addition to fears about the secular world declaring open season on all religions, bishops have other reasons to paint a friendly face on Islam. It’s not just the religion-is-a-good-thing narrative that’s at stake. Other, interconnected narratives could also be called into question.

One of these narratives is that immigration is a good thing that ought to be welcomed by all good Christians. Typically, opposition to immigration is presented as nothing short of sinful. During a homily at the Italian island of Lampedusa—the “Ellis Island of Italy”—Pope Francis reprimanded Christians for their “indifference” to immigrants and for being “insensitive to the cries of others.” In a similar homily at the U.S.-Mexico border, Cardinal Sean O’Malley decried “the xenophobic ranting of a segment of the population” who refused to acknowledge the positive benefits of immigration. And Catholic leaders are not alone in criticizing opponents of immigration. In a 2010 poll, 75 percent of Protestant church leaders in the Netherlands said that a Christian could not vote for Geert Wilders’ anti-immigration party, because, as one of them put it, “Wilders’ …views contradict Christianity.”

But liberal immigration policies have had unforeseen consequences that now put (or ought to put) its proponents on the defensive. In Europe, the unintended consequences (some critics contend that they were fully intended) of mass immigration are quite sobering. It looks very much like Islam will become, in the not-so-distant future, the dominant force in many European states and in the UK as well. If this seems unlikely, keep in mind that, historically, Muslims have never needed the advantage of being a majority in order to impose their will on non-Muslim societies. And once Islamization becomes a fact, it is entirely possible that the barbarities being visited on Christians in Iraq could be visited on Christians in Europe. Or, as the archbishop of Mosul puts it, “If you do not understand this soon enough, you will become the victims of the enemy you have welcomed in your home.”

If that ever happens, the bishops (not all of them, of course) will bear some of the responsibility for having encouraged the immigration inflow that is making Islamization a growing threat. Thus, when a Western bishop feels compelled to tell us that Islamic violence has “nothing to do with real Islam,” it’s possible that he is hoping to reassure us that the massive immigration he has endorsed is nothing to worry about and will never result in the imposition of sharia law and/or a caliphate. He’s not just defending Islam, he’s defending a policy stance with possibly ruinous consequences for the West.

Of course, presidents and prime ministers say the same sorts of things about Islam. President Obama recently assured the world that “ISIL speaks for no religion,” Prime Minister David Cameron said that the extremists “pervert the Islamic faith,” and UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond asserted that the Islamic State “goes against the most basic beliefs of Islam.” They say these things for reasons of strategy and because they also have a narrative or two to protect. In fact, the narratives are essentially the same as those held by the bishops—religion is good, diversity is our strength, and immigration is enriching.

Since they are actually involved in setting policy, the presidents, prime ministers, and party leaders bear a greater responsibility than do the bishops for the consequences when their naïve narratives are enacted into law. Still, one has to wonder why, in so many cases, the bishop’s narratives are little more than an echo of the secular-political ones. It’s more than slightly worrisome when the policy prescriptions of the bishops so often align with the policies of Obama, Cameron, and company.

Many theologians believe that the Church should have a “preferential option for the poor,” but it’s not a good sign when the bishops seem to have a preferential option for whatever narrative stance the elites are currently taking on contested issues (issues of sexual ethics excepted). It’s particularly unnerving when the narratives about Islam and immigration subscribed to by so many bishops match up with those of secular leaders whose main allegiance is to the church of political expediency.

When the formulas you fall back on are indistinguishable from those of leaders who are presiding over the decline and fall of Western civilization, it’s time for a reality check.



TOPICS: Catholic; Ecumenism; Islam; Moral Issues
KEYWORDS: aliens
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Editor’s note: Pictured above is Iraqi Chaldean archbishop Emil Shimoun Nona.
1 posted on 09/09/2014 11:55:44 AM PDT by NYer
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To: Tax-chick; GregB; Berlin_Freeper; SumProVita; narses; bboop; SevenofNine; Ronaldus Magnus; tiki; ...

Ping!


2 posted on 09/09/2014 11:56:03 AM PDT by NYer ("You are a puff of smoke that appears briefly and then disappears." James 4:14)
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To: NYer
Many theologians believe that the Church should have a “preferential option for the poor,” but it’s not a good sign when the bishops seem to have a preferential option for whatever narrative stance the elites are currently taking on contested issues

This is a problem in general, but with Islam, it could be a lethal problem. I read that part of Obama's "response" to ISIS or whatever the elite are calling it these days is going to be sending out emissaries of some sort to make it clear that the "great peaceful religion of Islam" is not to blame.

That's actually the only thing that is to blame, and everybody from the Pope on down had better wake up and acknowledge it.

3 posted on 09/09/2014 12:07:25 PM PDT by livius
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To: livius
make it clear that the "great peaceful religion of Islam" is not to blame.

In fairness to Obama, Bush was not much better on that score.

The other part of that strategy is to make sure nothing is done for the defense of the Christians in the Middle East.

4 posted on 09/09/2014 12:24:13 PM PDT by annalex (fear them not)
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To: NYer
Islam is a misogynistic cult that will never live in peace with western civilization. At the very least, they make them wear certain clothing and don't include them in male activities. Plus, they have to pray to their cult god in a different room at the Mosques.

Just getting back from the store, I saw a woman doing an exercise walk while wearing a hijab (total head cover). I was dismayed that her cult requires them to at least cover their hair (not to mention full burkas). Islam is misogynistic at the very least.

I adore and revere women (except for the Madonnas, Spears, and Mileys). I always have. I believe them to be the soft equalizing better part of mankind, exceptions noted above. When not in self-promoting mode like "The Real Housewives of who gives a sh*t?), their natural tendencies towards love, empathy, and understanding help level the macho tendencies of men. Unfortunately, I'm finding the young women of today to be disappointing. Feminism has taught them to be as raunchy, course, and even violent as men. I miss the old days.

5 posted on 09/09/2014 12:24:17 PM PDT by A Navy Vet (An Oath is Forever)
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To: All

Wonder what’s gonna happen day after tomorrow???? (9-11-2014)


6 posted on 09/09/2014 12:55:16 PM PDT by Boonie ("Nuke 'em all...Let Allah sort 'em out...)
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To: NYer
"Real" Islam is false, it is intrinsically flawed.
7 posted on 09/09/2014 1:00:06 PM PDT by Ray76 (True change requires true change - A Second Party ...or else it's more of the same...)
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To: annalex

” In fairness to Obama, Bush was not much better on that score.”

You mean “Islam is the religion of Peace” Bush? The one whose legacy is the smoking ruins of Eastern Christian communities from the Adriatic to the Iran/Iraq border?

“The other part of that strategy is to make sure nothing is done for the defense of the Christians in the Middle East.”

That has been the MO of the West since the 4th Crusade. Nothing much changes Alex.


8 posted on 09/09/2014 1:41:42 PM PDT by Kolokotronis (Christ is Risen, and you, o death, are annihilated)
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To: livius
I know this is long, but there's a lot of "to-the-point" and "hard-hitting" truth here.

Read this thread.
9 posted on 09/09/2014 1:44:58 PM PDT by Yosemitest (It's Simple ! Fight, ... or Die !)
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To: annalex; livius; A Navy Vet; Ray76; Gerish; Salvation
The other part of that strategy is to make sure nothing is done for the defense of the Christians in the Middle East.

Thank you for making this point! Obama has sent 2 rescue missions to Iraq: one for the Yazidis, the other for the Turkmen. The christians are still on top of that mountain waiting for help.

Please pray for the success of the Washington Summit to Call Attention to Plight of Christians in the Middle East, which opened today. I doubt you will hear anything about this in the mainstream media.

Washington – The deteriorating situation facing millions of Christians and other religious minorities in the Middle East will be the focus of a bipartisan and ecumenical conference in the nation's capital.

The three-day event sponsored by In Defense of Christians (IDC) will feature speakers from all over the globe.

The IDC Summit for Middle East Christians, whose theme is “Protecting and Preserving Christianity, Where It All Began”, will be the first occasion in history where six Christian Patriarchs from the Middle East will gather together in the United States.

IDC President Toufic Baaklini said, “For too long, Westerners have stood by, silent or unaware, while Christians and other groups in the Middle East have endured discrimination, persecution, and religious cleansing. Today, as the Islamic State continues its genocidal campaign against Christians in Iraq and Syria, the globe is finally awakening to their plight. IDC exists to give voice to these voiceless people. In this hour of their greatest peril, they are in desperate need of support. We must act now.”

Baaklini stated: “To this end, IDC is hosting a historic global Summit for Middle East Christians, September 9-11, in Washington, D.C.

This summit will empower the Middle Eastern Christian Diaspora and energize the American people to stand in solidarity the ancient Christian communities of the Middle East. Their survival is vital to stability in the region, and their ability to flourish in their countries of origin has national security implications for the United States.”

Summit attendees will have the opportunity to meet with Members of Congress and their staff, policy makers, diplomats, human rights activists, and religious leaders. Speakers include:

* Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Rai;
* Syriac Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II;
* Archbishop of Washington Donald Cardinal Wuerl;
* Leonardo Cardinal Sandri of the Vatican’s Prefect of the Congregation for Oriental Churches;
* Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX);
* Senator Debbie Stabenow (R-MI);
* Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (D-CA);
* Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL);
* Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL);
* Dr. James Zogby; and
* Nina Shea, Director of the Hudson Institute’s Center for Religious Freedom.

10 posted on 09/09/2014 1:55:33 PM PDT by NYer ("You are a puff of smoke that appears briefly and then disappears." James 4:14)
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To: livius

What we need is real Catholicism:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/3192145/posts


11 posted on 09/09/2014 1:55:48 PM PDT by piusv
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To: annalex

Bush started off well, but as usual he was intimated by the left and then picked up the “religion of peace” chant. However, he knew how to chant the PC mantra while still keeping up the pressure, and he was not on the side of Islam.

The big difference is that Obama is on their side.


12 posted on 09/09/2014 2:23:21 PM PDT by livius
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To: Yosemitest

I’m sure there are some Muslims who just want to live their lives, but the thing they don’t acknowledge is that Islam is actually most correctly represented by the most violent among it. What they are terrified of and don’t want to admit is that the greatest threat to them is their co-religionists, who have been perfectly happy to kill what they considered “lukewarm” Muslims like these.

Very sad, what they’ve got to do is convert from Islam to just about anything else, preferably Christianity, which is true and would set them truly free. But even Hinduism or Buddhism or secularism would do to get them out of the clutches of the insane death cult that is Islam. Anything, anything is better than Islam.


13 posted on 09/09/2014 2:32:32 PM PDT by livius
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To: All
Bush didn't pull any punches.

"Either you are with us or you are for the terrorists."

~~George W. Bush

14 posted on 09/09/2014 2:55:19 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: Salvation
I guess Obama is with the terrorists.
15 posted on 09/09/2014 2:55:41 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: livius
You must understand that you CAN NOT TRUST ANY Muslim ~ NOT ONE!

Muslims are well know for lying about their faith. For a better understanding of the issue, read HISTORY of Mohammed ( spelled variously; Mahomet, Muhammed, Mehmet, etc. ).

If you want a detailed history of "Mohammed's History" (spelled variously; Mahomet, Muhammed, Mehmet, etc.) then watch William Federer explain it, from Jan. 25, 2012 at CC Chino Hills, CA. It's a MUST WATCH for everyone,Christians, Athiests and even Muslims!

This Video exposes the "Hidden Truths" and "Goals" behind Radical Islamic Muslims! - (EVEN WORSE);
It's one hour, thirty-two minuites and 26 seconds long, but it's worth your time.
Watch and learn Mohammed's History - Exposing Islam's "Hidden Truths" - Of Radical Muslims.

Also read ISLAM--Religion of Peace?

Click here to view Books by WILLIAM FEDERER from Amazon.com.

Didn't our Heavenly Father, through our Savior tell us...

How well we deserve this curse (~so shall the LORD bring upon you all evil things~) God has given us,
through the ILLEGAL ALIEN IN CHIEF, the FASCIST Obama.

Barack Hussein Obama II IS a Muslim.
His actions prove it.
To believe Barack Hussein Obama II, when he claims to be a Christian, is to trust Satan.

16 posted on 09/09/2014 2:56:27 PM PDT by Yosemitest (It's Simple ! Fight, ... or Die !)
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To: livius

No, not “anything”. There is no salvation outside of the Catholic Church. To promote conversion to any other religion is not Catholic.


17 posted on 09/09/2014 3:31:23 PM PDT by piusv
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To: A Navy Vet
Our good Lord really threw the world a curve when He gave the middle east Arabs (Saudi Arabia) ALL the petroleum and natural gas in the world. JUST what the West needs.

The Saudis have another 200 years of petroleum and natural gas reserves, both on- and off-shore.

ARAMCO (Arabian American Oil Company) was formed in the 1920's by three big American oil companies (not a WHIT of U.S. government involved) and Shell (Dutch). They were the original companies that took on the risky and extremely dangerous business of drilling for the petroleum and natural gas.

It wasn't until the late 1970's to early 1980's that ARAMCO decided to STOP burning off the natural gas that always came up WITH the petroleum. They LIQUIFIED it, bottled it and shipped it out from LNG plants (Liquified Natural Gas).

It wasn't until the early 1980's (1982 I think) that the King of Saudi Arabia, King Fahad, bought out ARAMCO, bought ALL the petroleum and natural gas reserves!
From then on, HE made the money. He personally owned all the resources, which saved the wealthy and important families from quarreling over the wealth.
By 1984 King Fahad was making ONE BILLION dollars every two and a half days. I simply cannot fathom that kind of wealth.

And, like I said, the Saudis have an estimated 200 MORE years of the "black gold" and natural gas.
We were there working for ARAMCO and my husband, a mechanical engineer, worked in the natural gas part.

I went to DAILY Mass because my Saudi boss said that I could since "God was number one and there was always time for God."

Yes, we had a priest on camp. There was also a minister (for all the Protestant denominations) and a vicar for the six Anglicans. Since priests and such weren't ALLOWED in the KSA, the company and the King called them "special teachers." The Protestants and Anglicans only met once a week for their "Sunday service," always held on a Friday morning but we Catholics had a daily 9:00 A.M. Mass.

Where there's will, there's a way. I still go to daily Mass here at home, THANKS to my Saudi boss! God sure works in mysterious ways, doesn't He?

18 posted on 09/09/2014 4:27:31 PM PDT by cloudmountain
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To: Salvation
Bush didn't pull any punches.
"Either you are with us or you are for the terrorists."
~~George W. Bush

19 posted on 09/09/2014 4:29:22 PM PDT by cloudmountain
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To: Kolokotronis

Compared to Obama, Bush at least was ready to use force and that created fear in the militant islamists. The election of Obama emboldened them.

The West did fight the Turks after the 4th crusade, resulting in liberation of the Balkans from the Ottoman rule. Of course that was when Russia was still a part of the Western civilization. Even deeper in the Middle East, remember that the Levant was French and British colony, which guaranteed the Christian and other minorities a measure of protection. The colonial rule in Levant and Africa was the system that needs to be restored on some new level.


20 posted on 09/10/2014 6:47:37 AM PDT by annalex (fear them not)
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