By Jean H Charles:
The world has changed after Jesus the Christ, God made man, came on earth some two thousand years ago. His mission is to redeem mankind from his state of sin and to offer to each man and to all men the possibility of eternal life if he profits of his free will capacity, to lead a life hospitable and charitable to each other.
The world has changed also since Mohamed, born in 572 AD in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, instituted the Muslim religion based on dreams he said he received from God, edited into the Koran, which is a compilation of verses for human conduct and moral practice.
To understand Christianity, the life and the preaching of Jesus have been studied thoroughly and through the ages. It is, as such, fit and proper to look into the upbringing and the transactional analysis of Mohamed to understand the Muslim culture.
Orphaned at a young age, Mohamed was raised and educated by his maternal uncle Abou Talib, a trader who travelled widely in the Middle East. Issue from the clan of the Koreishites, former nomads who became big commercial conservative entrepreneurs, they were isolated from and by the Jews and by the Christians.
At the age of 25 years old, Mohamed met the woman of his life, Khadija, a widow of 40 years old, independent and owner of her own business that she inherited from her deceased husband. He found in her a wife, a mother and stability. She bore him seven children, three boys and four girls. He lost the four boys, causing the casting of his personality as half a man, an abtar according to the custom and culture of the time.
Mohamed suffered a nervous breakdown with epileptic bouts, according to Ernest Renan, a prolific chronicle of the life of Jesus and of Mohamed. In one of his sleepless nights he revealed having received from God revelations edited into verses that became the Koran. He started to preach and to convert the members of his community.
His wife Khadija was the first Muslim convert. Through diplomacy, fights, struggles, cunning and proselytism, Mohamed succeeded in creating a universal religion from the Middle East to Asia, from Asia to Africa and from Africa to Europe. He was stopped at the gates of Europe by Charles Martel in 732 and by the Crusade invoked by Pope Urban II, who organized the Inquisition, an international armada led by King Louis VII of France.
Contrary to Christianity in general, and Catholicism in particular, the Muslim religion condones the intermingling of religion with politics. It does not accept the free will instinct of each individual. Bin Laden, a wannabe successor to Mohamed, wanted nothing but a Caliphate, a universal empire ruled by the verses of the Koran, with the law of Sharia imposed upon all men.
In the Muslim world, there were voices raised to support the concept of laicization and of nation building. Mustafa Kemal in Turkey was the prime example. The clan politics, the patriarchal doctrine, the veiled discrimination against women were and has been the hallmark of all if not most countries with a Muslim culture.
I had my personal encounter with the Arab culture when I visited Morocco some years ago. On the plaza of Marrakech, around the vendors and the snake charmer, I met a beautiful young lady named Fatima (the most revered name in Catholicism and the Muslim world). I felt she met the criteria for bringing her back home to meet my mother.
To approach Fatima I had to buy a jalaba (the long robe worn by men all over the Middle East) to pass for a Moroccan. I was seen as a wolf amongst the sheep because I had forgotten my tennis shoes in my maquillage to become a local. Fatima faced the risk of being flogged or stoned for daring to speak to a foreigner.
It has been as such until December 17, 2011, when a young man of 26 years old, named Mohamed Bouazizi, from Tunisia, decided to set himself on fire after he had been humiliated by a female public servant for selling fruits on the side of the road without a permit. Armed with a college degree he could not find work anywhere in the country.
This self immolation touched a chord in the anger and frustration of the people from their inept, incompetent and corrupt leaders. What the Muslim religious uprising could not produce in decades in Egypt, Tunisia and Libya, has been accomplished in days by the citizen uprising for decent living, for jobs and for education.
After 23 years of repressive ruling, Ben Ali, a bulwark of the western powers against fundamentalism, was catapulted as a weak and rotten apple. His wife, a collector of villas and bank accounts instead of shoes like Imelda, was also thrown out of the country.
The Jasmine revolution as it has been called has extended to Egypt, butting out Mubarak after thirty two years in power. It is threatening Kaddafi in Libya, who has ruled this rich oil nation for the last forty years. It has ramifications in Yemen, Jordan, Syria, Iraq and Bahrain.
The convulsion will produce a calming effect for the citizens of the region if they follow the Renan doctrine of nation building: turning the military into an instrument of development as in Vietnam, stabilizing the citizens in their territory with their culture, adequate infrastructure and ethical institutions as in Malaysia (a Muslim nation) and, last but not least, leaving no one behind, as in the United States under Lyndon Johnson circa 1968 that finally produced Barack Obama, a black president accepted by all.
The ingredients of the solution include a complete rupture with the past by accepting laicization, federalism, the rule of law, education for all, the respect for local culture while immolating the sacred cows such as tribalism and clan politics.
The Jasmine revolution must not follow the Haitian revolution of 1804 and the people power of 1986 that failed to provide a minimum standard of welfare and wellbeing responding to the aspirations of the majority of its people.
May the sweet scent of the jasmine, with its white colour that shines in the middle of the night, spread throughout the Middle East and from there throughout the world!
March 5, 2011
caribbeannewsnow
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Showing posts with label Christians. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christians. Show all posts
Saturday, March 5, 2011
The Arab world in convulsion
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Thursday, November 25, 2010
A Time for Thanksgiving
The Bahama Journal Editorial
Those who would be Christians routinely give the Almighty thanks for all that transpires in their lives. They are – so to speak- men and women who are imbued with an ethos that calls on them to serve, struggle and sacrifice.
Christianity is also that kind of faith that is grounded in a philosophy that calls on humankind to struggle and serve as it waits for the coming of that day when it will be reconciled and reconnected with its Maker.
Coming with this philosophy or worldview are other notions that are profoundly and deeply rooted in the Torah; words to the effect that human beings made in the image of God are enjoined to walk humbly, do justice and love God.
It is with these thoughts in mind that today, we note a matter that is of high moment not only for our great neighbor to our immediate north, but also to people like us who would emulate the American Way. The matter to which we refer concerns that uniquely American day that has been set aside for Thanksgiving.
As President Obama says in his proclamation, “As Americans, we hail from every part of the world. While we observe traditions from every culture, Thanksgiving Day is a unique national tradition we all share. Its spirit binds us together as one people, each of us thankful for our common blessings.”
We say Amen to that sentiment.
Indeed, we today take –as it were- a break of sorts from our now routine litany of lament concerning how crime has run amok or [for that matter] how this or that leader is not doing what they should.
Instead, we pause to take note that while things are bad, there is still much that is going quite right. And for sure, there is absolutely no doubting of the truth in the proposition that Bahamians are – for the most part- hard-working, law-abiding citizens.
In addition, while crime seems to be spiraling, there is a sense we are getting that serves to underscore the point that people have not gotten so far jaded that nothing is either being done or contemplated.
Lots of truly good things are happening; and for these thanksgiving is absolutely necessary. And so, we give thanks. Indeed, we have a myriad of other reasons to show how we are always so very optimistic.
Assuredly, we would also venture that most Bahamians would respond in the positive were they to be asked whether they are Christians. And for sure, most of these people would readily say that – as Christians- they are called to give thanks in all things and for all things.
This implies that Bahamians are absolutely predisposed to join in rituals and routines that reference thanksgiving and harvest.
Indeed, there are numbers of old-timers who vividly recall the times when farm produce was the ready staple destined for ‘harvest’.
Here of late, one of the signs of the times has to do with the fact that some people now bring –as harvest- some of the canned goods they purchased from this or that super-market.
So, while some things might have changed, Bahamians –in their vast majority- celebrate Thanksgiving in a manner that is quite reminiscent of how Americans do the same thing.
Indeed, Thanksgiving as we know it, uses the American model as its ever-ready template.
As research reveals, “Thanksgiving Day in the United States is possibly the premier U.S. family celebration — typically celebrated at home or in a community setting and marked with a substantial feast…”
We note that, “Thanksgiving provides an occasion for reunions of friends and families, and it affords Americans a shared opportunity to express gratitude for the freedoms they enjoy as well as food, shelter and other good things.”
We also know that, “Many Americans also take time to prepare and serve meals to the needy at soup kitchens, churches and homeless shelters. Others donate to food drives or participate in charity fundraisers; in fact, hundreds of nonprofit groups throughout the country hold Thanksgiving Day charity races called “Turkey Trots.”
“And on a more worldly note, Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the “holiday season” that continues through New Year’s Day. The Friday after Thanksgiving is one of the busiest shopping days of the year.”
And for sure, we are also quite aware that, “Every year, the president issues a proclamation designating the fourth Thursday in November (November 27th. this year); a National Day of Thanksgiving.
And finally, “It is an official federal holiday, and virtually all government offices and schools — and most businesses — are closed…”
Of course, stores here in the Bahamas will not be closed.
And for sure, while some Bahamians will remember to give thanks; some others –sadly – will eat, drink and be merry’ all the while remaining blissfully oblivious of the reason for the celebration.
November 27th, 2010
The Bahama Journal Editorial
Those who would be Christians routinely give the Almighty thanks for all that transpires in their lives. They are – so to speak- men and women who are imbued with an ethos that calls on them to serve, struggle and sacrifice.
Christianity is also that kind of faith that is grounded in a philosophy that calls on humankind to struggle and serve as it waits for the coming of that day when it will be reconciled and reconnected with its Maker.
Coming with this philosophy or worldview are other notions that are profoundly and deeply rooted in the Torah; words to the effect that human beings made in the image of God are enjoined to walk humbly, do justice and love God.
It is with these thoughts in mind that today, we note a matter that is of high moment not only for our great neighbor to our immediate north, but also to people like us who would emulate the American Way. The matter to which we refer concerns that uniquely American day that has been set aside for Thanksgiving.
As President Obama says in his proclamation, “As Americans, we hail from every part of the world. While we observe traditions from every culture, Thanksgiving Day is a unique national tradition we all share. Its spirit binds us together as one people, each of us thankful for our common blessings.”
We say Amen to that sentiment.
Indeed, we today take –as it were- a break of sorts from our now routine litany of lament concerning how crime has run amok or [for that matter] how this or that leader is not doing what they should.
Instead, we pause to take note that while things are bad, there is still much that is going quite right. And for sure, there is absolutely no doubting of the truth in the proposition that Bahamians are – for the most part- hard-working, law-abiding citizens.
In addition, while crime seems to be spiraling, there is a sense we are getting that serves to underscore the point that people have not gotten so far jaded that nothing is either being done or contemplated.
Lots of truly good things are happening; and for these thanksgiving is absolutely necessary. And so, we give thanks. Indeed, we have a myriad of other reasons to show how we are always so very optimistic.
Assuredly, we would also venture that most Bahamians would respond in the positive were they to be asked whether they are Christians. And for sure, most of these people would readily say that – as Christians- they are called to give thanks in all things and for all things.
This implies that Bahamians are absolutely predisposed to join in rituals and routines that reference thanksgiving and harvest.
Indeed, there are numbers of old-timers who vividly recall the times when farm produce was the ready staple destined for ‘harvest’.
Here of late, one of the signs of the times has to do with the fact that some people now bring –as harvest- some of the canned goods they purchased from this or that super-market.
So, while some things might have changed, Bahamians –in their vast majority- celebrate Thanksgiving in a manner that is quite reminiscent of how Americans do the same thing.
Indeed, Thanksgiving as we know it, uses the American model as its ever-ready template.
As research reveals, “Thanksgiving Day in the United States is possibly the premier U.S. family celebration — typically celebrated at home or in a community setting and marked with a substantial feast…”
We note that, “Thanksgiving provides an occasion for reunions of friends and families, and it affords Americans a shared opportunity to express gratitude for the freedoms they enjoy as well as food, shelter and other good things.”
We also know that, “Many Americans also take time to prepare and serve meals to the needy at soup kitchens, churches and homeless shelters. Others donate to food drives or participate in charity fundraisers; in fact, hundreds of nonprofit groups throughout the country hold Thanksgiving Day charity races called “Turkey Trots.”
“And on a more worldly note, Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the “holiday season” that continues through New Year’s Day. The Friday after Thanksgiving is one of the busiest shopping days of the year.”
And for sure, we are also quite aware that, “Every year, the president issues a proclamation designating the fourth Thursday in November (November 27th. this year); a National Day of Thanksgiving.
And finally, “It is an official federal holiday, and virtually all government offices and schools — and most businesses — are closed…”
Of course, stores here in the Bahamas will not be closed.
And for sure, while some Bahamians will remember to give thanks; some others –sadly – will eat, drink and be merry’ all the while remaining blissfully oblivious of the reason for the celebration.
November 27th, 2010
The Bahama Journal Editorial
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Happy Festivus!
By Anthony L Hall:
Even long before William Shakespeare patented this literary device, jesters had been used in plays and other forms of entertainment to highlight the folly in prevailing thoughts and customs of the day.
Therefore, it seems entirely fitting that it took jesters on the comedy show Seinfeld to highlight the blithe spirit with which we have made Christmas a celebration more of crass commercialism than of the birth of Christ. For it was on this show that most Christians worldwide were first introduced to the celebration of “Festivus for the rest of us.”
Festivus, which is celebrated on December 23, began in 1965 as a family ritual in the home of writer Dan O’Keefe. And, interestingly enough, it was his son Daniel, a writer for Seinfeld, who wove the entire history and meaning of Festivus into the December 18, 1997 episode of the show.
I saw this episode; and I can attest to the fact that the uproarious laughter all references to Festivus elicited was surpassed only by the cunning messages about the real meaning of Christmas that I felt compelled to ponder long after the end of this episode.
Ironically, Festivus is a wholly secular attempt to remind us that Jesus is the reason for the season. Accordingly, it encourages us to utterly shun not only the indulgent ritual of shopping but all of the other hedonistic activities Christians engage in this time of year.
The O’Keefes reportedly do this by engaging in the antic practices of having an “Airing of Grievances” meal, at which each person tells other family members all the ways they disappointed him or her over the past year. This meal is then followed by a “Feats of Strength” performance, during which family members must wrestle and pin the head of household to the floor to bring the celebration of Festivus to a close...
Of course, since there’s no religious dogma associated with this holiday, you do not have to follow the O’Keefe’s fashion when celebrating this holiday. Instead, you can choose whatever non-commercial activities you wish to engage in to celebrate Festivus. For example, I think the most spiritual way of doing this would be to take a family walk on the beach and commune with nature.
In any event, I urge you to think – “What would Jesus do?” – before joining the madding crowd of those rushing out in a last-minute dash to spend money in a patently perverse effort to celebrate His birth.
Happy Festivus ... and Merry Christmas!
December 23, 2009
caribbeannetnews
Even long before William Shakespeare patented this literary device, jesters had been used in plays and other forms of entertainment to highlight the folly in prevailing thoughts and customs of the day.
Therefore, it seems entirely fitting that it took jesters on the comedy show Seinfeld to highlight the blithe spirit with which we have made Christmas a celebration more of crass commercialism than of the birth of Christ. For it was on this show that most Christians worldwide were first introduced to the celebration of “Festivus for the rest of us.”
Festivus, which is celebrated on December 23, began in 1965 as a family ritual in the home of writer Dan O’Keefe. And, interestingly enough, it was his son Daniel, a writer for Seinfeld, who wove the entire history and meaning of Festivus into the December 18, 1997 episode of the show.
I saw this episode; and I can attest to the fact that the uproarious laughter all references to Festivus elicited was surpassed only by the cunning messages about the real meaning of Christmas that I felt compelled to ponder long after the end of this episode.
Ironically, Festivus is a wholly secular attempt to remind us that Jesus is the reason for the season. Accordingly, it encourages us to utterly shun not only the indulgent ritual of shopping but all of the other hedonistic activities Christians engage in this time of year.
The O’Keefes reportedly do this by engaging in the antic practices of having an “Airing of Grievances” meal, at which each person tells other family members all the ways they disappointed him or her over the past year. This meal is then followed by a “Feats of Strength” performance, during which family members must wrestle and pin the head of household to the floor to bring the celebration of Festivus to a close...
Of course, since there’s no religious dogma associated with this holiday, you do not have to follow the O’Keefe’s fashion when celebrating this holiday. Instead, you can choose whatever non-commercial activities you wish to engage in to celebrate Festivus. For example, I think the most spiritual way of doing this would be to take a family walk on the beach and commune with nature.
In any event, I urge you to think – “What would Jesus do?” – before joining the madding crowd of those rushing out in a last-minute dash to spend money in a patently perverse effort to celebrate His birth.
Happy Festivus ... and Merry Christmas!
December 23, 2009
caribbeannetnews
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