The author of the previous blog used a poem by Daw'ud Mannion to express the Afghans' point of view toward America and democracy. Out of curiosity, we looked up Daw'ud Mannion, the author of the poem. We thought that we would share our findings. Daw'ud Mannion grew up in the United Kingdom, and, under freedom, became a converted Muslim. He does not live in a country where his liberties are denied, in fact, he has been actively involved in politics.
After reading the poem, we realized that the author said nothing against freedom, but against Christianity. He seems to have the false impression that Americans will force Muslims to turn to Christ. This is absolutely not the case. Christianity and freedom go hand and hand, which is why Mosques can be built in the United States.
Life in Christ is about choice, not about force. God bless the missionaries and our soldiers.
I agree with what you are saying in part. But please know that in saying this I am not defending the poet, but just trying to provide info on how this relates to the situation in Afghanistan.
ReplyDeleteI think that the way this author views Americans spreading Christianity is very close to how many Afghanis see Americans when we try to bring them democracy, which is the simplified goal of the war. From their perspective, they see the violence that has come from this and not the possibly good intentions.
I would also like to respectively state that the opinion that Americans do not force Muslims to turn to Christ is not entirely true, because every case is different. There have been missionaries who have used violence and intimidation as a means of conversion all over the world for centuries. My point in posting the poem was not to support a biased man who has a chip on his shoulder concerning religion, but to explore how things might look from Afghanistan's perspective.
If you were a child in Afghanistan and you were used to your system of government, how would you react to seeing American troops set up camp outside your home? What would you think if someone told you that that they were pushing democracy on your people because it would retroactively create a safer environment for their country?
As Socrates stated, we need to evaluate what the cost is to others in order to do good by our fellow man. In pushing democracy without seeing what it has done to their country, we are doing the same thing that the "Crusaders" in the poem have done. We have seen this throughout history.
There is a great book about a Nigerian tribe who was infiltrated by British imperialists and their religion called "Things Fall Apart" by Chinua Achebe. If you have not read it already, I would strongly suggest having your parents check it out and assign it to you for school. It shows things from an Ibo tribesman's perspective and explores how he feels and reacts when his son converts to Christianity and he does not.
P.S. I said "Socrates" meaning Sherri, not the philosopher! :)
ReplyDeleteI agree completely! I'm glad someone is willing to take a stand.
ReplyDeleteI understand what you are trying to say, but I still respectfully disagree. When you compare Christian countries to Islamic or atheistic countries, for instance, there is a distinct difference in how they view religious freedom. The United States of America, a Christian country, offers religious tolerance to all religions. Thus proving the point that true Christianity is about choice. Countries like China, Saudi Arabia and North Korea, however, severely persecute those who have a different faith. They do not support choice.
ReplyDeleteIn the past, there has been religious persecution among "Christian" countries during the Middle Ages. Satan was fighting a fierce battle against Christ, and sinful man played a major part in twisting God's Word to satisfy their selfish desires. This is why America was born. It was a safe haven for those who wanted religious freedom. They believed in choice.
I thought that the goal of the War in Afghanistan was to protect America from further attacks by Al Queda. However, in reference to the question of forced democracy, I still have not heard testimony against this form of government. Afghanistan was under the Taliban, a repressive government. Frankly, I would be glad that, as a woman, I could now go to a doctor when I am sick. When the Taliban was overthrown, the people set up their own form of government. They had choice, and that is what freedom and democracy is all about.
Lady Liberty- What is your stance on this?
ReplyDeleteI totally agree that Christianity should mean freedom, and in its true form there is choice. But to call America a safe haven for those who wanted religious freedom is not historically accurate, although many of our textbooks teach us so. Early American Christians persecuted other Christians from different denominations... Protestants vs. Baptists, etc. "Religious freedom" should mean freedom for all religions, which we mostly have in America now. But in its early stages, there was only religious freedom for some. What about the so-called witches that were burned at the stake, or the Indians who were slaughtered? But that's totally off topic.
The last paragraph of your response is really great, and I agree within the context. But in reality I think that our media paints a much rosier picture than what is actually going on. The Taliban still rages on, and many can't even vote because of their stronghold. Just like Christianity in the poem I posted, democracy is not for everyone and shouldn't be forced. It would be great if you were an Afghani woman who could now go to the doctor and get an education and yadda yadda yadda, but you might feel differently if the same people who "gave" these freedoms to you bombed your village in order to achieve that goal.
Not to accuse either Abby or Song, but I think it is pointless to argue who is right and who is wrong in the case of religion. In truth I believe that the writer of the poem is also addressing the idea that Americans are superior to the Arab nations. This may sound radical but I think that we, to an extent, are crusaders in that part of the world. I know that we have every intention of leaving, but we will leave a lasting mark on Afghanistan and Iraq for the rest of their existence. Just like the Europeans left a permanent mark on Africa, we will leave our mark on the middle east.
ReplyDeletethis was kalo.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Kalo. I posted the poem because it seemed like it was applicable to the situation in the Middle East. We just got off-topic a little bit! :)
ReplyDeleteI think that Kalo is right in that we have gone a bit off topic. It was hard to interpret what the author of the poem was trying to say. As a Muslim, he seems to view church and state as one. Hence combining the spread of Christianity with our soldier's efforts in Afghanistan. The point of the War was to protect our country from further attacks. It was not to spread democracy or Christianity.
ReplyDeleteAnother confusing element was that the author was a man who has been active in politics in the free United Kingdom. It would be nice to hear the testimony of a freed Afghan or Iraqi who is not a member of a terrorist group.
The United States will definitely leave a mark on Afghanistan and Iraq. Let us pray that it will be a good one.
I think that what Abby said about some "Christians" forcing Muslims to convert to Christianity,my opinion is those people who did that were definitely not Christians.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteJohn-
ReplyDeleteSelf-proclaimed Christians have forced others to convert at many points in history (not necessarily Muslims), even persecuting other Christians. If it is your stance that these people did not truly know God or get saved then I agree, but if you truly think that it has never occurred then I would advise you to look it up. I recommended a book to Song above; you should read it.