Thursday, Jul. 07, 2005 - 1:15 p.m.
Once again, religious fundamentalists have destroyed lives in the name of their god. They use the word Jihad, Holy War, to excuse their acts. What sort of warriors kill from the shadows, targeting civilians--women, children, unarmed men? These are the acts of cowards, people without honour or principles...These terrorists are like petty children, destroying what they envy, but will not work towards creating for themselves.
Jihad, according to the Quran, is war that is condoned by Allah...war to defend the innocent and the sacred sites of Islam,not a justification for wholesale murder. These religious extremists are corrupted and stained beyond the ability of any god to redeem. The sad irony is that by murdering the innocent in the name of their religion, they destroy the very religion they profess to be saving. Most people cannot or will not see past their rage and disgust to discern the difference between these extremists and the religion they espouse.Hate breeds hate. There will be more prejudice and violence aimed at all Muslims due to these murders.
I find a great deal to admire in the Islamic faith...It is a religion which encourages love and peace and justice, much like Christianity. Unfortunately, those who claim to embrace these principles very rarely live by them.
Death and destruction can never be pleasing in the eyes of God, no matter what name one chooses to worship. Murder of innocents can never be condoned by civilized beings, no matter what principle the murderers profess.
Terrorists are not "warriors of the faith", they are rabid dogs set loose to destroy all who are not like them. They are cowardly xenophobes, too afraid to face their real enemies, like men, in the open, in the sight of God. They must be tracked down, arrested, and placed on trial to face justice for their crimes.
My heart goes out to the victims of these deplorable acts, and to their families. It is a terrible shame that such small men as these terrorists can cause such great suffering. We as human beings are finally taking steps to live together in peace, and to aid those in need...moving forward to a more civilized world where true peace and happiness will become the norm for all people. We cannot allow the discontent of fanatical minorities to sway us from this course.
War is not the answer, holy or otherwise. Hate will solve nothing. Vengeance serves no purpose save for perpetuating violence. I pray for justice, and healing, and peace, and, above all, for love.
