PREJUDICE and RELIGION #2

We should assume that all religions have their zealots who will go to all extremes to enforce their religious beliefs upon others. It may be just due to a deep conviction that only they know the right way to believe in a supreme being, or it may be an excuse to acquire power over others. The Taliban of today or the Inquisitors of the 15yh Century are prime examples.

ISIS, Al Qaida (Al Qaeda) which means “The Base”, the Boko Haram in Africa and the Ayatollah theocracy in Iran, are other examples in the Muslim world where extreme religious doctrine is the weapon for political domination.

There are those in our own country that would imposed their brand of dogmatic Christianity on all of us. There are others in the USA that would create a “White Christian” only nation; and others that advocate a segregated black nation within the borders of this country.

The Southern Poverty Law Center which fights to expose those active hate groups and bring the ones that have committed crimes against racial and religious minorities  has recently stated that there are currently 939 known hate groups operating across the country, including neo-Nazis,  Klansmen,white nationalists, neo-Confrdrates, racist skinhesds, black separatists, border vigilantes and others.

SPLC has identified 44 distinct such groups in New Jersey which has the 5^th largest state involvement according to population. Their identification includes one in Plainfield; an entirely different one in Middlesex.

We cannot ignore the fact that hate and bigotry is not the exclusive property of any one particular ethnic, racial, or religious entity. We as individuals and collectively must denounce and isolate those that advocate those beliefs.

Regrettably there are those be it nationally or in a local environment who seek or hold political power who will embrace the support of one of those groups.

If we stop and reflect it is obvious that terrorism. actual or potential is not the sole property of radical Islam.

To be continued.