Secularism: the more responsive, inclusive government
In light of the continuing political uprising throughout the Middle East, American leaders are reported to be recalculating their approach to the Muslim world.
Politico's Ben Smith wrote this week that the Obama administration "clearly sees an opportunity," signaling "that they're hoping the changes in Tunisia and Egypt spread, and that they're going to align themselves far more clearly with the young, relatively secular masses" in countries like Iran, Algeria and Lebanon.
Is this a new moment for American relations with Muslim countries? Is freedom a religious or secular idea?
This is a moment in history that calls for a recalibration of U.S. relationships with predominately Muslim countries. The president planted this seed with his speech in Cairo. The communications revolution enables a new generation of Muslims (and minority groups) to organize for change. Those involved are less likely to be stuck in traditional hard-line categories and fundamentalist views. Freedom is a human desire with a religious basis for believers (the value of each person). More secular-style governments composed of less combative believers can be more responsive to the needs of all people.
By
Joel Hunter
|
February 17, 2011; 2:26 PM ET
Save & Share:
Previous: Defund family planning? Is that pro-life? |
Next: Truth and freedom: a just peace paradigm shift
Posted by: savindievoice | February 22, 2011 7:03 AM
Report Offensive Comment
"Religion was the race’s first (and worst) attempt to make sense of reality. It was the best the species could do at a time when we had no concept of physics, chemistry, biology or medicine. We did not know that we lived on a round planet, let alone that the said planet was in orbit in a minor and obscure solar system, which was also on the edge of an unimaginably vast cosmos that was exploding away from its original source of energy . We did not know that micro-organisms were so powerful and lived in our digestive systems in order to enable us to live, as well as mounting lethal attacks on us as parasites. We did not know of our close kinship with other animals. We believed that sprites , imps, demons, and djinns were hovering in the air about us. We imagined that thunder and lightening were portentous. It has taken us a long time to shrug off this heavy coat of ignorance and fear, and every time we do there are self-interested forces who want to compel us to put it back again."
Christopher Hitchens. from The Portable Atheist.
Posted by: Rongoklunk | February 21, 2011 11:13 AM
Report Offensive Comment
People look around you. The Islamic religion is trying to push their believe by terrorism. They are a wicked religion why should anyone support them. Killing people mistreating women what kind of religion is that. Why support them so they can continue to rain terror on the world. Forest Gump said it well stupid is is as stupid does.
Posted by: ringostone78 | February 19, 2011 11:12 AM
Report Offensive Comment
Christianity is not a religion. Christianity is loving bonding intimate relationship with God. If you worship another god you are committing idolatry. When will people realize there is only one true living God. muhammad is dead he cant save anyone ,buddha is dead he cant even save himself. But Jesus Christ is alive amen. Salvation and eternal life comes from Him.
Posted by: ringostone78 | February 19, 2011 11:06 AM
Report Offensive Comment
Secularism. For Christians, a good thing when talking about someone else's religion!
Posted by: harveyh5 | February 18, 2011 9:09 PM
Report Offensive Comment
S-E-C-U-L-A-R-anity Is OUR Religion Now!
DOWN with THEOCRACY On S.S. Earth!
DOWN With MONARCHY On S.S. Earth!
VOTE:
APOCALYPTIC-GOVERNMENT (AG)
& GRIDARIAN_DEMOCRACY (G_D).
.
.
Something To Live For NOt To Die For!
.
.
===============================\
-| People powered; MADE IN AMERICA) +
===============================/
.
.
WE, THE-VOTERS (The-People) HAVE THE POWER!
.
Posted by: ITs-TIME | February 18, 2011 11:19 AM
Report Offensive Comment
Religions have been oppressing people for years. The only way to be free is to make certain that religions have no power.
Posted by: david6 | February 18, 2011 8:54 AM
Report Offensive Comment
-
TRUTH + FREEDOM = Our-Religion NO PELEG-Islami!
1 Space-Ship Earth, 1 LiFE, 1 G-D?, 1 i + Holyi-TiME
-
............................ _.-(_)._
........................... '______'
.......................... {______} . . . If iSLAM is A Peaceful
.......................... /./.♥.\/.♥.\.\ . . Ummah, Then WHY Art
.......................... |.\__/\__/.|.. . YE Acquiring A 'WMD'
.......................... \.....--....../ . . against 'KAFIR' Ummah?
......................... /'...."""....'\ .
....................... \/_.............._\
....................... (__/....'|....\__)
.......................... |___.|___|
........................... '---------'. . By GARY, STAN & Family
-
Posted by: IN_IT_WE_TRUST | February 17, 2011 7:12 PM
Report Offensive Comment
these people are animals and deserve none of our support
lara logan was beaten and gang raped in full view of thousands of men, most did nothing, hundreds cheered the attackers on
islam has for centuries advocated the rape of women and children as just punishment
how can we offer support for a "religion" (and that word is used loosely here) that taxes religions different than their own and subjugates half its population to virtual indentured servant status
as a liberal i can not support islam in any way, shape or form
criminalize islam
Posted by: underboss | February 17, 2011 6:56 PM
Report Offensive Comment
Instead of 'IN "IT" WE TRUST,' they [Good Neighbor's], on NEBULA-BUILT Space-Ship Earth, went for "IN GOD WE TRUST."
A Very "PRE-APOCALYPTIC" way/CHOICE.
Note: "IT" is NOT a "HE"? nor is "IT" a ">b>SHE'; a very A-P-O-C-A-L-Y-P-T-i-C Choice/Way.
Posted by: IN_IT_WE_TRUST | February 17, 2011 6:31 PM
Report Offensive Comment
'Freedom is a human desire with a religious basis for believers (the value of each person)."
There is nothing in the history of Catholicism and most Protestant sects that lends any credibility to this statement, unless it's in the very narrow dimension of being "free" in some Prot. sects to find your own way to "God."
The "value of each person," as Hunter has it, is the value of that person as believer in a family of fellow believers, as all are "children of 'God.'" That's a very limited freedom, rather like the freedom of a minor child in a parental family.
(The old-style meeting house Quakers are close to being the only organized Western religious grouping that has my respect. When they talk about "that of "God" within you," I hear (based on all their good works and sincere respect for each "Friend" as an individual) "that of good within you" and can buy into it.)
Posted by: brombonz | February 17, 2011 3:13 PM
Report Offensive Comment

Twitter










The US relation with muslim countries is more complicated in some ways. In my opinion, Religion mere only pretext for another goal, in high-politics consideration. So, the focus of this circumstances, especially in arabic countries, not only how to make a new form of relationship, but also how to create a greater chance for their life being become better. Secular on non-secular style of government is not a big deal for me, the problem is can they give a better life for the whole society...?