Dialogic Magazine

By: News Analysis On: August 2, 2011

Dr. Charles Kimball, Director of Religious Studies at the University of Oklahoma, is a leading scholar in Christian-Muslim relations and has written numerous books, including “When Religion Becomes Evil: Five Warning Signs.” Earlier this week, he contributed an article to the Huffington Post entitled, “When Religion Becomes Lethal: Lessons from Norway,” in which he discusses religious extremism in light of the recent tragedies in that country. (You can read an excerpt from the piece and access the full article below). Kimball makes the crucial point that it is not only extremist acts, but also instances of extremist rhetoric that must be confronted. He states that it is through education, interaction, and interfaith initiatives that we can begin to “humanize the other” and counteract dangerous misperceptions that are born out of fear and ignorance. His article comes as Muslims around the world begin their observance of Ramadan- a time for reflection and deep faith. During this time of fasting and awareness of God, we can hope that people of all religious affiliation will take a moment to consider teachings and practices of peace and tolerance.

Charles Kimball @ Huffington Post: “Not surprisingly, many preachers and pundits who have spewed hateful rhetoric and fanned the flames of Islamophobia are now scrambling to disassociate themselves, their published statements about Islam and Muslims, and what some call “true” Christianity from the actions of Breivik. But words matter. Examine the path taken by violent extremists claiming inspiration from Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism or Buddhism and you can trace connections with the fiery rhetoric of influential, sometimes self-appointed leaders in madrasas, in books, at religious rallies, on websites and the like. There are consequences when cocksure Christians or Muslim militants proclaim God’s truth while stoking fear of the “other” in the minds of their would-be followers. While there are no easy answers or simple solutions, there are constructive ways to move forward in our increasingly interconnected and interdependent world community. It begins with education. Study programs in schools and colleges, churches, mosques and synagogues are essential. Interfaith dialogue and engagement with people of different religious and cultural backgrounds are invaluable ways to dispel generic fears and help humanize the “other.” All across the U.S., Christians, Muslims and Jews are working together to build Habitat for Humanity houses and work on common problems such as crime and drug abuse within their communities. These kinds of intentional efforts at education and cooperation are vital at the local, national and international level. We need more and more such endeavors in the U.S., not only for the well-being of our communities, but also as a way to model the kind of healthy religious pluralism our future requires…The mind-boggling terrorism manifest in Norway will continue to provide hard but important lessons about the dangers all around us and the need to find more constructive ways to move forward in the 21st century. It is a stark reminder that we share a fragile planet where ignorance, hate and fear can link easily with religious worldviews and produce horrific consequences.”

Philip Lomneth @ Project Interfaith: “When we engage in peace work that acts as a counter to violence, to conflict, what is our vision? Do we see a life beyond what we currently conceive? Is it simply an end to the petrol bombs and punishment beatings, an end to all conflicts, or do we dare to envision a society where such violence doesn’t exist? Do we simply accept it as a “fact” of life? I came to Northern Ireland expecting, hoping, to work with violent people, people involved in conflict; that’s where I thought the greatest challenge and most learning would be. Instead, I came to a reconciliation called Corrymeela, and they challenged me with peace…But Corrymeela taught me that peace isn’t about running through fields or some fanciful dream where people always agree; rather, peace is about interfaces, about differences, about learning to live together, about life…Is this not what interfaith work is about as well – Recognizing that we hold truly different beliefs and seeing this as an opportunity to learn, to understand someone else as someone else and loving them all the more? We can’t wait for violence to happen; we must seek out difference. We must dialogue in order to build understanding, build peace, and push out reasons for violence…If we continue focusing on violence as the most important area for peace building, then will we not simply be responders to conflict, stopping individual cycles of violence, but failing to address the wider picture? If youth, young women and men, continue focusing on violence, then who will hold the vision for the future? Undeniably, we must take care of the fighting that goes on day-to-day, but if these conflicts end, how will we handle peace?”

Christian Science Monitor: “Revolutions and wars don’t usually stop for religious holidays, but for Muslims caught up in the Arab Spring or the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, this year’s Ramadan may prove to be an exception. The Islamic holy month began this week, marking a time for Muslims to fast during the day; offer special prayers; purify themselves; and reach out to family, friends, and the poor with evening feasts. The event, which marks the revelation of the Quran to the prophet Muhammad, is an opportunity to take a measure of the region’s recent upheavals and to test whether Islamic teachings offer any lessons on the role of nonviolence and democracy in the societies of the Middle East…After the toppling of dictators in Tunisia and Egypt, and with protests or fighting still going on in Libya, Syria, and Yemen, Muslims face a difficult challenge of faith this year. While the revolts were largely driven by secular groups, especially youth, seeking basic rights, they have also unleashed hard-core Islamic groups onto the scene. And during Ramadan, many more Muslims will attend services at mosques than usual, bringing more people together and possibly shifting the politics within each country. Islam will be much more on the Arab public’s mind in coming weeks…The freedom that many Arabs seek is first found in each person’s heart, and this year’s Ramadan – a time to find blessings – can act as a time to find that inner freedom.”