Michael A. Ferguson Catholic Campaign for America Arthur Schlesinger's thoughts on religious extremism raise a number of questions. The most basic of these is whether religious absolutes lead to acts of terrorism and violence. Religious absolutes lead to violence when teachings are misinterpreted and adulterated by deranged and self-serving individuals and groups who do not have a clear understanding of what their religious beliefs should mean in their everyday lives and actions. Those who truly understand the meaning of the Koran and the teachings of Mohammed would never advocate terrorism and death, since the authentic Islam tradition is one based on love, understanding, and devotion to praising Allah. Similarly, Christians who understand Jesus' message would never impose hatred or suffering on another in his name, since we know that Jesus would never have condoned or participated in these sentiments were he physically on earth today.
Religious beliefs are the bedrock on which free society is built.
Surely Schlesinger would agree that those with strong religious beliefs are an integral part of the very foundation of American society and that their positive impact is extraordinarily great compared with the isolated destructive incidents of a few mentally unstable individuals. Those who attempt to play God, those who feel justified in taking innocent life, are scary. But the whole point of religiousness is to admit a limited viewpoint, a confession of creatureliness. To promulgate a misundertanding of committed religious people, as Schlesinger has done, is disappointing for a scholar of his reputation. A Jewish or Christian murderer just isn't living his faith.