Keeping the Faith

Two articles: one on the young men in Jordan who are dedicated only to martyrdom and jihad, both of which they believe are sanctioned by Islam. I read carefully, trying to understand their mindset, although, of course, I never can. In another article, a woman who is trying to start a school in Brooklyn dedicated to the study of Arabic culture has come under fire for promoting a “radical Islam agenda” in the words of one columnist. See, this is what bothers me about organized religion. It makes a perfect target and an even better excuse. Maybe we human beings need a set of guidelines – we’re the only species that kills for sport, after all – but I keep hoping we will someday evolve to the point where our conscience is all we need. Silly me.