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Archive: February 22, 2009 - February 28, 2009
Aasiya Zubair Hassan, Domestic Violence and Islam
To be sure, domestic violence is indeed against the teachings of Islam, and murder of family members is especially repugnant. It is fact, nonetheless, that the Qur'an and hadith have been used to foster a culture of patriarchy so absolute that many Muslim men perceive it as their right to expect abject obedience from their wives.
By Pamela K. Taylor | February 27, 2009; 10:27 AM ET | Comments (118)
Turning the Tragedy of Aasiya Zubair Hassan into Action
Certain passages of the Holy Qur'an have been misunderstood and manipulated to justify domestic violence. In response to the Aasiya Zubair murder specifically, Muslim leaders are offering the strongest condemnations of this abuse of Islam.
By Daisy Khan | February 27, 2009; 9:11 AM ET | Comments (25)
Patriarchal Religion, Domestic Violence And A Beheading In Buffalo
I'm curious about whether Ms. Pappas, from a feminist perspective, or various imams, from a Muslim religious perspective, think that beheading your wife is any more or less of a crime if a man is not religiously motivated.
By Susan Jacoby | February 27, 2009; 7:42 AM ET | Comments (183)
God's Batterers: When Religion Subordinates Women, Violence Follows
The primary connection between religion and domestic violence is religiously sanctioned subordination of women.Christian sanction for domestic violence is deeply rooted in our religious tradition.
By Susan Brooks Thistlethwaite | February 27, 2009; 6:01 AM ET | Comments (94)
On the Abuse of Good Institutions
We cannot create a powerful and beautiful institution without creating vulnerable spots that the wicked will exploit. Sadly, the very ideals of marriage have caused many to forget those necessary checks and balances to married love that exist in a healthy society.
By John Mark Reynolds | February 27, 2009; 5:53 AM ET | Comments (63)
Religion Can, Should Help Decrease Domestic Violence
Religious leaders and institutions have a special responsibility to to speak out clearly against all forms of domestic violence, take steps to educate the members of their faith communities, and work with civil authorities to protect the abused.
By Kenneth E. Bowers | February 27, 2009; 4:37 AM ET | Comments (18)
Wife-Beating, Wife-Beheading and the Qur'an
I've seen no poll indicating, in cases of domestic violence, the presence or absence of religion as factor.
By Willis E. Elliott | February 27, 2009; 12:04 AM ET | Comments (34)
Muslim Leaders Condemn Beheading of Woman
We Christians have much to repent of in the way women have been treated and unfortunately the abuse of women by various parts of the Christian Church still goes on today - to our great shame.
By John Shelby Spong | February 26, 2009; 3:05 PM ET | Comments (0)
Geert Wilders on Capitol Hill
Don't deport the anti-Islamic politician, or ban his film. Let's teach him the American value of religious liberty.
By Eboo Patel | February 26, 2009; 8:19 AM ET | Comments (142)
Religion, Violence and My Murdered Friend
If Aasiyah had been shot numerous times with a family-owned gun, it would be appropriate to discuss the problems associated with the prevalence of guns in American culture. Given that her death reflects a specific set of religious and cultural issues within Islam, it is appropriate to examine those.
By Brad Hirschfield | February 25, 2009; 6:36 AM ET | Comments (17)
Violence Against Innocents Never Justified
The despicable and depraved act of one Muslim is not worthy of serious comment in a religious context.
By Charles "Chuck" Colson | February 25, 2009; 4:50 AM ET | Comments (1)
A Universal and Shameful Connection
Religion and domestic violence have, unfortunately, not been strangers to each other.
By Arthur Waskow | February 25, 2009; 4:13 AM ET | Comments (0)
Using Religion to Justify Violence is Always Wrong
Violence is justified by priests in all religions by misinterpreting and/or misunderstanding a philosophy. Added to this is the tragedy that that we approach religion dogmatically
By Arun Gandhi | February 25, 2009; 12:03 AM ET | Comments (0)
Rescuing Pakistan from the Taliban
Salman Ahmad | Nothing is more frightening to the Taliban than to see Indian and Pakistani artists freely collaborating in films and music.
By Salman Ahmad | February 24, 2009; 8:49 AM ET | Comments (68)
American Foreign Policy and Iran's Jews
Palestinians in Israel have the right not only to critique the state in which they live, but to call for its end. Can Iran's Jews do the same?
By Brad Hirschfield | February 23, 2009; 12:12 PM ET | Comments (7)
Three Ways to Read Sacred Text in God's Presence
Torah speaks powerfully when its voice is heard in the quiet of midnight or early-morning study, alone, undisturbed by the noise of daily life. The text wants to linger with us over time, like the words of any conversation that we know will change us.
By Arnold M. Eisen | February 23, 2009; 10:19 AM ET | Comments (0)
Martin Luther King Jr.'s Dream in India
The dream of India is the dream of pluralism, the idea of different communities retaining their uniqueness while relating in a way that recognizes they share universal values.
By Eboo Patel | February 23, 2009; 10:09 AM ET | Comments (15)
Every Christian is a Priest to Each Other
For a Baptist Christian, scriptural interpretation should begin and end with the individual reading of the text through the lens of Jesus and with the Holy Spirit's guidance. However, this always should be done in the context and the nurture of the community.
By J. Brent Walker | February 23, 2009; 7:17 AM ET | Comments (13)
Consider the Vintage and the Source
Since the Bible is a collection of very old books, they are best understood when they are read in a community of active learners. It is good to read and study them alone, but with the caution that they were written to a people (Israel) or to a group (the Church) and not just to you.
By John Mark Reynolds | February 23, 2009; 6:55 AM ET | Comments (2)
Sacred Texts: We're Just Talking About Books
Since I don't consider any texts "sacred," I might as well be commenting on whether people would be better advised to read books alone or in clubs.
By Susan Jacoby | February 23, 2009; 5:35 AM ET | Comments (381)
A Duty and Privilege to Investigate Truth
We each have the duty and privilege of independent investigation of truth using the faculties of discernment and understanding that each soul has been endowed with by God.
By Kenneth E. Bowers | February 23, 2009; 3:03 AM ET | Comments (49)
