This is a post that requires some work. If you read the links, I suspect you will be more informed than the majority of Americans.
What do the statements of a relatively obscure and impotent Bishop some 3500 miles away have to do with us? Do the statements of Archbishop Rowan Williams impact our lives?
To set the stage, I encourage you to read the works of a godly and thought provoking Anglican priest: John Donne. For Whom the Bell Tolls. The entire poem resonates here but the specific line that hits the mark…
The church is Catholic, universal, so are all her actions; all that she does belongs to all.
Now, there is much controversy as well as confusion about the statements of Rowan Williams.
The controversy stems from his statement that Sharia law is inevitable in the United Kingdom. The confusion stems from his masterful deconstruction of the English language and ability to control the argument through owning the language. A friend pointed to another godly Anglican: C.S. Lewis’ work That Hideous Strength that illustrates this.
What did the Archbishop say, specifically, that caused the stir… “and you're words are that the application of Sharia in certain circumstances if we want to achieve this cohesion and take seriously peoples' religion seems unavoidable?” The entire text.
There are four questions that jump to mind for me.
What is Sharia law?
In short, Sharia law is a legal framework that regulates both public and private aspects of life. See Wikipedia for some detail.
Is Sharia law compatible with a democratic government?
There appears to be some debate on this issue. Rowan Williams helps fuel this. Read the Democracy and Human Rights section of the Wikipedia entry.
There is also some scholarly study that discusses the incompatibility of the Enlightenment and Sharia that is worth reading.
There are two other sites that you may want to consider.
Top 10 Reasons why Sharia is Bad for All Societies by the American Thinker provides some documented research that is compelling but requires some thought and consideration before accepting wholesale.
No to Political Islam appears to be a site and organization of Muslims who are simply opposed to Political Islam. From their site
“We oppose Political Islam and its agenda of hatred and oppression, and its illegitimate pursuit of the most barbaric interpretation of Sharia law. We seek a future in which all people, men and women, Muslims and non-Muslims, can enjoy the benefits of equality, democracy, human rights, freedom of inquiry, freedom of thought, and freedom of expression.”
Really, what is the Archbishop’s agenda?
I’ve read a number of news reports and blogs. It seems like the answer to this question falls into one of six categories
- He desires the destruction of the Anglican Church
- He desires the destruction of England
- He is trying to help us think of ways to work towards unity
- He was simply initiating a healthy debate or a “thoughtful intervention”
- He is absolutely brilliant
- He is just plain stupid
Finally, what does this have to do with me?
Archbishop William’s statements discredit the Anglican Church, and hence, the Catholic church. His actions belong to all.
At best, his clumsy attempt for “thoughtful intervention” continues to erode the credibility and voice of the church; it’s manifestation of absolute morality, truth and beauty; it’s light in this dark place.
That is something we all should be concerned with.
At a time when Christian men, women and children are dying for their faith; some at the hands of Muslim extremists and because of Sharia law… the Archbishop of Canterbury chooses to support that which is killing our brothers and sisters.
We should be more than concerned. We should grieve and we should act.
“any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”
Archbishop Rowan Williams should step down.
Revelation 12:11
What do the statements of a relatively obscure and impotent Bishop some 3500 miles away have to do with us? Do the statements of Archbishop Rowan Williams impact our lives?
To set the stage, I encourage you to read the works of a godly and thought provoking Anglican priest: John Donne. For Whom the Bell Tolls. The entire poem resonates here but the specific line that hits the mark…
The church is Catholic, universal, so are all her actions; all that she does belongs to all.
Now, there is much controversy as well as confusion about the statements of Rowan Williams.
The controversy stems from his statement that Sharia law is inevitable in the United Kingdom. The confusion stems from his masterful deconstruction of the English language and ability to control the argument through owning the language. A friend pointed to another godly Anglican: C.S. Lewis’ work That Hideous Strength that illustrates this.
What did the Archbishop say, specifically, that caused the stir… “and you're words are that the application of Sharia in certain circumstances if we want to achieve this cohesion and take seriously peoples' religion seems unavoidable?” The entire text.
There are four questions that jump to mind for me.
What is Sharia law?
In short, Sharia law is a legal framework that regulates both public and private aspects of life. See Wikipedia for some detail.
Is Sharia law compatible with a democratic government?
There appears to be some debate on this issue. Rowan Williams helps fuel this. Read the Democracy and Human Rights section of the Wikipedia entry.
There is also some scholarly study that discusses the incompatibility of the Enlightenment and Sharia that is worth reading.
There are two other sites that you may want to consider.
Top 10 Reasons why Sharia is Bad for All Societies by the American Thinker provides some documented research that is compelling but requires some thought and consideration before accepting wholesale.
No to Political Islam appears to be a site and organization of Muslims who are simply opposed to Political Islam. From their site
“We oppose Political Islam and its agenda of hatred and oppression, and its illegitimate pursuit of the most barbaric interpretation of Sharia law. We seek a future in which all people, men and women, Muslims and non-Muslims, can enjoy the benefits of equality, democracy, human rights, freedom of inquiry, freedom of thought, and freedom of expression.”
Really, what is the Archbishop’s agenda?
I’ve read a number of news reports and blogs. It seems like the answer to this question falls into one of six categories
- He desires the destruction of the Anglican Church
- He desires the destruction of England
- He is trying to help us think of ways to work towards unity
- He was simply initiating a healthy debate or a “thoughtful intervention”
- He is absolutely brilliant
- He is just plain stupid
Finally, what does this have to do with me?
Archbishop William’s statements discredit the Anglican Church, and hence, the Catholic church. His actions belong to all.
At best, his clumsy attempt for “thoughtful intervention” continues to erode the credibility and voice of the church; it’s manifestation of absolute morality, truth and beauty; it’s light in this dark place.
That is something we all should be concerned with.
At a time when Christian men, women and children are dying for their faith; some at the hands of Muslim extremists and because of Sharia law… the Archbishop of Canterbury chooses to support that which is killing our brothers and sisters.
We should be more than concerned. We should grieve and we should act.
“any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.”
Archbishop Rowan Williams should step down.
Revelation 12:11
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