A moral victory of Christianism over Islam: A possessed anti-Islam consultant + a soft porn movie director + a Coptic Christian promoter with criminal past + a Christian charity = a C-rated movie and the first victims of a new religious Crusade.

This is becoming a very convoluted story but because of the ultimate sad outcome (many deaths) and the underlying very tangible and repulsive crusade-like sentiment in the American society (thanks GWB!), I try to summerize what my current understanding of the circumstances is.

A menacingly anti-Muslim ass - I don't often use this term -, one Steve Klein, apparently found the right company in an ex-con Coptic Christian movie promoter, Nakoula Basseley Nakoula, to forward his sick Islam-degrading message. In the process, Nakoula now added an unforgivable moral crime to his previous criminal records. The two found an apparently clueless soft porn movie director, Alan Roberts, who thought he was making a historical movie. A Christian charity, or perhaps a mixture of various extremist Christian organizations with Terry Jones Florida preacher and alikes, apparently financed the movie.

Initially there were also indications that Israeli-American Jews may have raised substanital amount of money for the making of the movie. I placed this statement separate from the previous paragraph because the credibility of this information recently has been questioned: the State of Israel denies the existence of the claimed Israeli citizen in the movie.

A strange twist in the story is that the participants allegedly haven't been aware of the movie's ultimate goal of belittleing Islam. The characters' voices were dubbed over after the production.

To Nakoula, Terry Jones, and other Christian participants I only have one question: how will their God absolve them for this deadly "mischief"?

Oh, I almost forgot: in the name of self-rightousness.

Bigotry Penetrates the US

One headline, so many implications: Mistrial declared in CA gay student killing trial

No picture this time: I'm too upset to post the picture of the grieving parents...

Three years ago, somewhere in California, a 14 year old student shot his 15 year old classmate in the back of his head during a class. The 15 year old was gay, who walked in high heels, used makeup, and preferred girlish outfits. At one point he past his future killer in the school hallway and allegedly said: "What's up, baby?" A few minutes before his death, the 15 year old declared that he wanted to change his name to Latisha. Allegedly, this pushed his 14 year old murderer over the edge and infuriated him enough that within a few minutes he committed the ultimate crime.

The 14 year old had evidence of Nazi inspired artifacts at his house (would you want to see me when next time my son puts up a swastika, not what the Chinese Buddhists call wan, but the clockwise one that Hitler used, above his baby picture?). His defense lawyers said that it was a school project on tolerance… WHAT?

The murderer’s friends – yes, you heard me well: he still has friends, and supporters! – claim that “prosecutors tried to sensationalize the case by calling it a hate crime by a budding white supremacist.”

When people, OK not the defense, since this is their paying job, but people of the street try to defend an act like this, they offer a glimpse into the decaying morals of the society they themselves shape.

With their action they say that if one says a word you don’t like, dresses up that does not appeal to you, or chooses a name you find offensive, you can just pull a gun and “BUMM”.

Putting it into historical perspective, they also say that the French should’ve pulled the trigger on George Sand in the early 1800s, when she began sporting men's clothing.

Even more importantly, they say that gays should be shaking in their boots because any real man with true macho intestinal fortitude may become the rightful axmen of God delivering you to your rightful place in Hell, saving the hassle for God Himself who should turn His attention instead to more worthwhile causes such as granting a sunny day for one’s beloved daughter’s wedding for which one have been fervently praying for.

I am not implying that the 14 year old was driven by religious fervor when he killed his gay classmate. But I do mean to say that a social climate that promotes gay homophobia receives tremendous encouragement from religious teaching of hate and intolerance against this group of “sinners”.

And one last troubling thought. Where did this 14 year old get the murder weapon from? Which grown-up adult is going to be punished for putting it in his hand or allowing him to access it? There is not a word about it in the news or in any courtrooms.

Shouldn’t responsible gun handling and storing and proper punishment for ignoring such basic gun safety rules be one of the highest agenda for the NRA and its steadfast supporters?

I find it stunning that a simple headline can hide so much dirt and hypocrisy in the American society. Is this the America it was meant to be?

Elton John's provocative novel proposition about Jesus

Just Jared has a few juicy tidbits from Elton John's upcoming interview with Parade Magazine, but there's one that'll let you know the Rocket Man hasn't lost his verve for controversy.

"I think Jesus was a compassionate, super-intelligent gay man who understood human problems. On the cross, he forgave the people who crucified him. Jesus wanted us to be loving and forgiving. I don’t know what makes people so cruel."

You can check out reactions to the above statement by the flamboyant musical genius: http://www.comcast.net/music/blindedbythehype/10903/

Below is my 2 cents to the discussion.

I am a straight man and used to be catholic. Having experienced the hypocrisy of people claiming Jesus as their Savior, I must say that Elton John might be even correct in his assumption that Jesus was gay: for Him it certainly would not have mattered who you are in love with because he loved all of us... no exception... no sexual preference... no color or nationality... no friend or enemy. He just loved us! At least that's what is written about him in the Bible that I read. Seeing the broadmindedness, wisdom and passion of Jesus as he appears in the Bible, he seems to fit the bill of a gay man much better than of today's so called Christians blinded by their immense bigotry. I applaud Elton John for his clear vision and courage to present this novel idea! 

Photo credit: 9hotelparis.wordpress.com
Picture credit: http://www.optimistique.com/pierre.et.gilles/images/galerie/pg36.jpg

On Muslim prayer day in DC on 9/25/2009

I got this e-mail message from a concerned friend of mine. Part 1 is the e-mail, part 2 is my reflection/response to it.

First part.

The original message:

"This is for real - please take the time to look at this website. Is it 'Quod licet Jovi, non licet bovi'? Do we have selected privileges or selected groups for privileges? Hmmmm. Reminds me Orville: "All animals are equal. But some are more equal than others."
www.islamoncapitolhill.com

Subject: What happened to Day of Prayer?
NO PRAYER DAY EXCEPT FOR THE MUSLIMS!
Thought this might stir some interesting thought:

In June 2009, Presidential candidate Barack Obama declares the USA no longer a Christian nation.

In 1952 President Truman established one day a year as a National Day of Prayer.

In 1988. President Reagan designated the first Thursday in May of each year as the National Day of Prayer.

This year, however, President Obama, decided to cancel the ceremony at the White House not wanting to offend anyone.

On September 25, 2009 from 4am until 7pm, a National Day of Prayer for the Muslim religion will be held on Capitol Hill, beside the White House. As a Christian, it makes me really wonder where the REAL direction of this country is headed.

Whether you didn't vote for the man or you did, as Christians I would surely hope that this would stir your spirit. They are expecting over 50,000 muslims that day
in DC. However, if you want to pray to God in public you can't because, well, it may offend someone.. Me personally, I'll continue to pray & worship God wherever & whenever.

The website (yes folks, there is a very informative website) is:
www.islamoncapitolhill.com
Pay particular attention to the very bottom of this page:

"OUR TIME HAS COME"
Could it be that the REAL agenda of the President is becoming plainer? The evidence is there. It's your decision.

2 Chronicles 7:14 says "if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. becomes more important each day.

Perhaps all the things going on now in this country and around the world could be solved if we would heed this scripture. Question is: will our government allow us?

If you feel that this is an important issue, please feel free to make your friends and family aware. If not, delete it. Either way, or no matter what you think of my beliefs, God loves you and I do too!


Second part.

My reflection on, and response to the above irate, mass-distributed message:

For all what I know about the US Constitution, the country is not allowed to have a preferred religion. The wisdom of the Founding Fathers to include this principle in the "birth certificate" of the infant state, attracted people of all faith and all talent to come here without fear of persecution. These people eventually laid the foundation for the enormous success of the country we enjoy today. What follows is that President Obama could not have possibly declared that that the US is not a Christian Nation since it was never meant to be one.

I am not a constitutional lawyer and doubt that I have to be one to see that President Truman's and Reagan's Government designated prayer days somehow did not fit into the spirit and possibly the Words of the Constitution.

Now, about the Muslim prayer day.
1. It is a one time event that is supposed to demonstrate that the US is not an enemy of Islam. Beside being a generous and noble gesture, I believe that this event is both a politically and militarily important and timely statement, given the billion+ Muslims around the World who have been alienated and radicalized more than ever before during the Bush years. As I see, it is by far the most effective National Security measure in the US in years.
2. Jesus, the One I know, preached piece, tolerance and forgiveness. He wanted to convince people to join Him with patience, wise words and the example of His actions, not by force or bigotry. So, allowing a day when the Muslims can pray in Washington, is a very Christian act as well as politically a shrewd move.
3. I am reasonable sure that this is a one time event, motivated by a very specific reason, due to very specific circumstances. I personally would not like to see future Government sanctioned regular Muslim Prayer Days in the US any more than a Christian, Jewish, Hindi, Zoroastrian, etc. prayer day.

I continue to pray whenever and wherever I wish and do not fear that the Government will interfere with my desire to do so as long I don't expect and don't coerce other people around me to do the same. I continue to say Merry Christmas at Christmas time to people who I think share my belief, but do not expect the Nativity Scene in front of the City Hall. I also say Happy Easter, Hanukkah, Ramadan when it feels right.

C'mon people, be a little tolerant! Be a little Christian! Be a little American!

Laszlo Hopp

On religious extremism

Response to George Weigel's essay on jihadism in Newsweek 2/4/2008;
This message was submitted to Newsweek as a "Letters to the Editor" in response to a recent article by the above contributor. It was not published.

To the Editor:I hope that, in the long tradition of good sense of balance, Newsweek will not object to publishing my reflection on Mr. Weigel's article published in the February 4 issue of the Magazine.

George Weigel calls for war against jihadism but what he fails to notice is that war should be waged against the ideology of religious extremism and not just jihadism alone. Whether or not we like it, we are surrounded by religious extremisms. The general who claims that "my God is bigger than theirs", the president who follows messages from Heaven to bring freedom and democracy on the top of smart bombs, embody provocative, intolerant and dangerous religious extremism. Settlers who claim that land was given to them by their God and no atrocities can be deplorable enough to fulfill the Divine purpose, Evangelical Christian bigotry that supports this ungodly effort, also fall into this category. They all deserve the same treatment as the jihadists are called to receive by Mr. Weigel.

Mr. Weigel enlists multiple "fronts" necessary for the war against jihadism: military, intelligence, economic, energy and home land security fronts. Conspicuously though, from this list the "front of politics" is missing. I propose that a honest political dialog should be started with all these religious extreme forces of today's social realities.

With full condemnation of the jihadist terror, I am certain that once meaningful political efforts started, the wind would quickly die out from the sail of jihadist militancy. As a first step, from such dialog we would learn that the jihadists essentially object to foreigners usurping their sacred land: be it the Soviet Union spreading communism in Afghanistan, or the Americans quenching their immense thirst for oil in Saudi Arabia or Iraq.
Respectfully:
Laszlo Hopp

Posted by Laszlo at 4:36 PM

Labels: jihadism, religious extremism