Week 13-Christian, Islamic Fundamentalism (DGP15)

In a world infested with different beliefs & Religions, it is very much apart of social status and social benefits.

"People find a sense of identity, understanding the world's past, present, & future, rules and standards that are supposed

to guide the thoughts and actions, also though temples, mosques, churches or educational institution, religion provides the methods for passing its beliefs, rules and institutions from on generation to the next." (pg461)

One thing that I really want to focus on is Osama's portion of this chapter. Osama says,

"The Americans started it and retaliation and punishment should be carried out following the principle of reciprocity, especially when women and children are involved. Through history, America has not been known to differentiate between the military and the civilians or between men and women or adults and children. Those who thew atomic bombs and used the weapons of mass destruction against

Nagasaki and Hiroshima were the Americans. Can the bombs differentiate between military and women and infants and children? America has no religion that can deter her from exterminating while peoples? Your position against Muslims in Palestine is despicable and disgraceful. America has no shame.... We believe that the worst terrorists are the Americans. Nothing could stop you except perhaps retaliation in kind. We do not have to differentiate between military or civilian. As far as we are concerened, they are all targets ...." Osama Bin Laden 1998

In HIS eyes, we are the true terrorist's. His 'duty' is to protect the land, his religion and go against anyone who doesn't believe or is trying to extinguish his land/religion. I agree that the media pushes one view of Osama. Not that I'm saying what he did is just or do I feel sympathetic in any way, all I am saying is that now that I have gained an understanding of his perception, it only gives my insight into his perspective and his motives. Fighting and wars in general are all fear instilled. Although it might be power that one is 'truly' seeking, it is also fear. It's funny how religions are based on love, unity and personal or community growth & here we see religious wars with killings, bombing and mass destruction.