The superficial difference between Saudi Arabia and Iran is that the former is Sunni Muslim, and the latter Shi'a Muslim. This makes them theological enemies. But there appears to be not a dime's worth of difference between them when it comes to embracing Islamic theocratic law. Both are anti-Western. It's just that Iran is more obvious about it. I mentioned they are already conducting proxies wars against us, in Iraq and Afghanistan. Also they are waging proxy war against our ally, Israel, through Hamas and Hezbollah.
Probably it is the latter that is really concerning to the House of Saud. They like "stability" — the status quo greatly enriches the ruling house, what with all that oil wealth, the price of which they manipulate to their own advantage; and they don't want anybody to "rock the boat." As long as their customers are from the West, they can't let their anti-Western sentiment show too much....
I'd like to believe that there is such a thing as a "moderate" Muslim; but the jury's still out. Your point about assimilation into the American system as promoting such a possibility is well-taken. But then the question becomes, are they actually assimilating? I notice that honor killings are taking place here, and it isn't the Amish who are perpetrating them....
The Amish aren't big on assimilation either. But they respect the American legal system and generally conduct themselves as full, responsible citizens, following the law, paying their taxes, exercising the franchise, etc. Plus I am not aware of any Amish plotting against Americans....
Thank you so much, Overwatcher, for your excellent observations!
Saudi Arabia exists to promote Wahabbism, for sure. But, I think they are extremely fearful of Iran and of what events the actions of that rogue state can precipitate. The superficial difference between Saudi Arabia and Iran is that the former is Sunni Muslim, and the latter Shi'a Muslim. This makes them theological enemies. But there appears to be not a dime's worth of difference between them when it comes to embracing Islamic theocratic law. Both are anti-Western. It's just that Iran is more obvious about it. I mentioned they are already conducting proxies wars against us, in Iraq and Afghanistan. Also they are waging proxy war against our ally, Israel, through Hamas and Hezbollah.
Probably it is the latter that is really concerning to the House of Saud. They like "stability" — the status quo greatly enriches the ruling house, what with all that oil wealth, the price of which they manipulate to their own advantage; and they don't want anybody to "rock the boat." As long as their customers are from the West, they can't let their anti-Western sentiment show too much....
I'd like to believe that there is such a thing as a "moderate" Muslim; but the jury's still out. Your point about assimilation into the American system as promoting such a possibility is well-taken. But then the question becomes, are they actually assimilating? I notice that honor killings are taking place here, and it isn't the Amish who are perpetrating them....
The Amish aren't big on assimilation either. But they respect the American legal system and generally conduct themselves as full, responsible citizens, following the law, paying their taxes, exercising the franchise, etc. Plus I am not aware of any Amish plotting against Americans....
Thank you so much, Overwatcher, for your excellent observations!
The true test of “moderates” of any religion would be in a culture that is predominantly of their faith. It is in such a culture that one would find how outsiders truly are viewed.
Therefore, the best place to view “moderate” Islam would not be in the USA. It would be in Saudia Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, etc. How are non-Islamics treated in those cultures?
The best place to view “moderate” Christianity would be in the US, Germany, Brazil. How are non-Christians treated in such cultures?
What does that authority of predominance do to the expression of their religion in terms of treatment of those not part of their faith group?
In short, I must conclude that there is no such thing as moderate Islam, and I must conclude that there is such a thing as moderate Christianity.
When in the majority, moderate Islam seriously discriminates against all others. For all practical purposes it disappears.