Where the Rubber Hits the Road

Pope Francis has a chance to spend political capital with Islam – CRUX

Female genital mutilation a 'huge problem' in U.K. - World - CBC News

Here is an excellent summary, written by George Weigel on the challenge posed to the Islam by the west in the 21st century. In light of the threatened execution of a Christian convert pastor in Iran, the challenge seems all the more relevant today than when B16 issued it five years ago. 9/11, Benedict XVI and Regensburg | First Things

There's a neat email that made the rounds in recent years. I suspect it springs from the pool of urban legends that besot the virtual world, but it carries an appropriate message for idiots like Terry Jones. (I won't dignify him by calling him a 'Pastor'.) He recently burned a Koran in a public event covered by the media in Florida. From there the news spread  across the globe faster, than a rumor of some misdeed by a neighbor fires across a village's old time 'social network' system. It's set in a university lecture hall and involves a challenge that an atheist professor puts to God to 'knock him off his feet' if he actually exists. He then gives the Almighty 15 minutes to effect his punishment. As the clock ticks by & the lecture continues, he glances at his watch and reminds God that his time is running out to prove that he exists. As the final few moments approach, and the professor prepares to launch into his usual boastful g...

Fr. Richard J. Neuhaus on Islam and Reform | The American Catholic

For those who believe we, who are 'ringing the bell' on the coming Islamic threat to our way of life here in Canada, are virtual 'Chicken Little's' ... I offer the following. National Archives cancels screening of documentary on Iran after threats

This article is very difficult to read. Its message chills my soul. The photos break my heart. When bloggers such as me post that Islamists pose a grave danger to Christians today in the Middle East... as they will soon be a grave danger to Christians in the west, we are called extremists who exaggerate the situation. This news report and accompanying pictures of the recent slaughter of Christians in Iraq is the reality for Christians in the Middle East right now. And it is not just happening there. A simple google or Youtube search offers many examples of the flexing of 'Muslim muscle' in Europe, Africa and throughout Asia. I find the Paris videos showing Islamists occupying public streets, blocking traffic with mass public prayer events - with the Gendarmes impotently looking on - severely outnumbered by the crowd that confronted them most disquieting. Demographically speaking ( and as expressed in their respective immigration policies) Quebec follows what happens in Europe...

I kind of agree and disagree with Fr. Raymond on this one. Yes, if we are speaking of the clash of cultures on an institutional level, then Christians must do everything within their power to preserve their rights and freedoms. BUT... and it's a BIG but, I still believe that anything that might lead to further escalation of the violence should be avoided. Christian militias are not the answer to Muslim extremists. (I know that Fr. Raymond didn't call for them, but it could be taken as an implied conclusion.) The Christian message of peaceful co-existence is. We must demand that countries where these crimes are taking place prosecute the offenders to the full extent of the law. The days when faith was a reason for killing others should be relegated to the distant past in every corner of the globe. Fr. Tim Father Raymond J. de Souza: Christians may need to start fighting back | Holy Post | National Post

A sign of the times in Britain. Catholic Culture : Latest Headlines : Mohammed is UK’s most popular baby name

I've always liked Conrad Black. I may not always agree with what he writes, but he says it so well! Conrad Black: Court moderate Muslims, but treat the extremists for what they are | Full Comment | National Post

Hooray!!! There is justice in the land after all! City plans to bill pastor for security around planned Quran burning - CNN.com

Omid Djalili, an Iranian comic offers a wonderful insight into how the Islamic and Western worlds have perverse views of each other. His line about CNN interviewing 'Muslim Nutcase with a hook' as representing Islam and comparing it to the Al Jazerra interviewing the Grand Knight of the KKK is both funny and true! Maybe if we learned and practiced what he suggests and actually take the time to learn about each other we might find a that we are not as hostile to each other as the media portrays. Just a thought. Fr. Tim

One of the greatest gifts the RC Church brings to modern debates is the corporate memory of over 2000 years of successes and failures. It has seen cultures and countries rise and collapse. It has witnessed umpteen social experiments in personal and cultural liberties and restrictions. It has participated in some of histories greatest and worst events. Alas, these gifts are not appreciated in a world that demands instant answers and solutions. Yet I suggest that even if one does not hold to the church's  teachings and practices, one would be well served to at least give due consideration to the wisdom she offers lest we fall victim to that old dictum about repeating the errors of history. The 24/7 news channels are great at creating a sense of urgency. The internet is fantastic at offering immediate opinion and comment. Yet as we face a multitude of cultural and international crises (especially in this post 9/11 world) it is careful reflection and reason that is needed to ensure t...

Mecca Demographics alone points out that there is a coming confrontation between Muslims and the West. With birthrates throughout the western world having fallen below replacement levels while Muslims continuing for at least the first generation of their arrival as immigrants into western countries. This demographic reality has created a great deal of disquiet among Christians and the 'chattering classes'.  IMHO, Christians should have confidence in the forces of western secularism rather than fear the 'Islamification' of culture, as seems to be the opinion of a significant percentage of frightened western citizens. Consider that as recently as the 1960's, Christian values and religious standards were enshrined as the dominant societal consensus. In one generation, these same preeminent values have been wiped from the public square. Though seemingly blind to the horrendous consequences wrought upon children and women's interests by the sexual revolution, se...

There has been an ongoing debate as to the role of Islam in western societies. One place where these conversations have been taking place is within the threads of the National Post’s “Holy Post” blog , especially in response to any article dealing with the Islamic faith. Today the HP blog has posted a story about 20 Imans establishing a fatwa against those who would threaten violence against either Canada or the United States, and as per usual there are many people who are commenting. Yet absent from the threads of this exchange are the voices of those who continue to deny that there is such a thing as a “moderate” Muslim, a fact that is belied by the almost 20 million of adherents of Islam who currently are peaceful citizens within both of these countries who successfully live as Muslims within our predominately Christian cultures. Islamic extremism continues to be a threat to all western countries, yet it is important to note that they in fact comprise a small minority within Isl...