Interesting Article

[Danfrey]

I read an interesting article on the BBC that tells of a Dutch ban on the Muslim Burqa. The ban covers public places including schools, buses, etc. Also in the article is a brief list of other European countries that ban veils of various types in various places. In France, no religious symbols are allowed to be worn to school. It is amazing when so called civilized countries impose limitations on expressing ones spiritual life outwardly.

I have to wonder if these types of laws are not precursors to banning outward expressions of religion all together. For many years there has been increasing pressure to view religious people as narrow minded and intolerant. I guess it is just another sign that times are getting short.

 

[MrJim]

I've thought the same thing-it's easy to pick on the muslims, create laws that seem to be pointed toward them, but how long before the framework laid for terrorists become used against someone else, like perhaps Christians?

I recall reading somewhere (might have been the "Fantastic Four") that "terrorists" is what the big army calls the small army.

And so, then what? I don't expect to see it anytime soon, though some (I listen to a lot of talk radio & NPR on the road) think the US will become like the Europeans and have a serious rise in Islam.

Some people are really scared about this...but where does fear come from?

 

[Daiyon]

Hmm..As far as the Veil portion, correct me if can be proven wrong, but I don't believe that has to do with being a Muslim, a part of there culture yes, but there is no direct tie to wearing a veil and the Religion itself. If true then I have no issue whatsoever with this being implemented for security reasons. Thanks!

Adding a bit here.. The Quran does talk about a woman "covering her bosom", etc, but I think that most of the rest of the covering is a cultural decision, at least in my limited knowledge about the Muslim Religion, I've never seen anything directly saying such a thing, interpretation sure, like anything else. I'd still argue culture over Religion in this case, and I *think, many Muslims would agree? Would be good if a Muslim could answer here for sure!

--Daiyon

 

[MrJim]

Welcome Daiyon, don't think we've met.

 

[Daiyon]

Well thank you Menno! I would definately be new around here, quite the impressive place all you have here! Nice to meet you Menno

--Daiyon

 

[MrJim]

So what brings ya around these parts?

 

[Daiyon]

I'm here simply to be around people of like mind. I'm also lurking in the IRC channel for this forum, was hoping for some conversation if you'd like to drop by! Otherwise I'll be setting up my signature, profile, etc. Thanks!

http://www.christianforums.com/f38-christian-irc-com.html <== Chat Channel

--Daiyon

 

[MrJim]

I don't even know what an IRC is...

 

[Danfrey]

Me likey IRC. I was IRCing it back in the early nineties when the web still stood still. Menno, it is Internet Relay Chat; a real time chat protocol that uses a different client. It can be quite interesting.

On the cultural/religious discussion. I would argue that even if a practice is a tradition based on interpretation of ones religion than it is still a religious practice. Take my beard for instance. I would have a hard time proving that the Bible commands me to wear a beard, yet I still wear it out of religious conviction. I have refused to cut it when issues came up that were job related and would do the same if a law were passed outlawing it. Sounds silly, but so does a law forbidding hijab.

 

[Daiyon]

Me likey IRC. I was IRCing it back in the early nineties when the web still stood still. Menno, it is Internet Relay Chat; a real time chat protocol that uses a different client. It can be quite interesting.

On the cultural/religious discussion. I would argue that even if a practice is a tradition based on interpretation of ones religion than it is still a religious practice. Take my beard for instance. I would have a hard time proving that the Bible commands me to wear a beard, yet I still wear it out of religious conviction. I have refused to cut it when issues came up that were job related and would do the same if a law were passed outlawing it. Sounds silly, but so does a law forbidding hijab.

Actually, great point Danfrey, an individual has the right to there interpretation, in fact that carries a higher respect in my opinion than one who only does or practices based on what a group tells them they should practice. Reading, seeing and understanding for yourself is key, and also a great responsibility as it is you yourself who must know you are truly on the right path.

Not sure where all that came from, but hopefully my response falls in line with the topic! Thanks for bringing some understanding to this topic from a personal analogy, good stuff!

--Daiyon