Salvation lies only in Christ”, T.U.L.I.P, Augustinianism and the multiple other off-shoots of John Calvin’s ideas may have had its influence on modern Society, however, contempt for the poor is an absolute consequence of Secularism (i.e. leaving Man to decide) simply because Humankind is prone to self-preservation.

Secularism gives the illusion that the people may decide for themselves. Instead, people are influenced by the dominant ideas and adopt the status quo. This is why the Muslim Governments attempt to implement Capitalist Systems. Once this has happened we see the same contempt for the poor in Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Saudi, etc policies that we see in American and British policies. It is Secularism that leads to Capitalism, which ends in Individualism.

Regardless, the above information is not relevant to the subject matter of the post. The point was that though religion is often accused as being the root of all evil, in reality we see that Capitalism and Communism can also be accused of the same and much worse in many cases. Hence, this line of argument leads us to a cul-de-sac.

(I mention Capitalism, in particular, only as this is the most dominant ideology in recent times – there would be no practical point in mentioning other ideologies).

Babs-M

Yes, but I was referring to countries not individuals here.

Also, secularism is not central to capitalism – many have argued that the contempt for the poor that exists in many capitalist societies has its roots in Calvinist theology.

It is more accurate to say that the West’s defining characteristic is individualism, and that both secularism and capitalism have their roots in individualism.

Regardless of the reasons, there are many Secular Capitalists who believe that their system is the best for mankind – hence they wish to export their values to the rest of the world by force or otherwise.

What makes these people think that they have the ability to decide that their perception of right and wrong may be imposed upon others?

On what basis does this system entrust the few to punish the many simple because they have wealth and power?

Those people that were imprisoned for breaking laws that have since been changed – either they were unfairly imprisoned back then or people today are getting away with a crime… which is it?

I must object to this statement. Secular capitalists believe their system is the best because secular capitalist states have historically shown themselves to be more effective than socialist or Islamic states at acquiring wealth and power.

One of the brothers asked if he would clarify what he meant. The lecturer snorted and rushed past.

We need to ask ourselves, what is it about religion that causes wars. If we look at Afs-M list on his post, this will give us a clue. There’s a range of reasons including greed and power.

So where does this “religion causes wars” statement come from? Some people who feel strongly about how society should be run try to convince others by open dialogue and discussion. However, if your beliefs on this particular issue have no intellectual basis then how will you convince others? It’s impossible – hence this is one reason for wars.

For example, Christianity has no intellectual basis. Faith in Christ is based on emotion, love and personal experiences – not something that can be rationally explained.

Hinduism is usually followed based on tradition and culture, as are most other religions.

The worst is Secularism which led to Capitalism. This has no intellectual basis whatsoever! It emerged after a bloody war between the clergy and the so-called pseudo-intellectuals of Europe. It was a simply a matter of circumstance. Though Capitalism has nothing to do with religion it has been involved in and caused more deaths in the last century than all the other causes of wars put together.

So it’s not religion but people who feel strongly about their way of life, yet have no rational explanation for it.

Islam is the only ideology with an intellectual basis. It is a fact that human beings can never know the full consequences of their actions nor can a man fully understand a woman pr vice-versa. We can never know what an animal is thinking or whether a carrot feels pain when we chop it up. Our likes and dislikes are affected by the way we were brought up. A century ago in the UK, it was disgusting to wear a bikini on the beach, now it’s the norm. So there’s no point looking at Islam, Capitalism, Communism or any other ideology and discussing whether you agree with its laws since man’s views and ethics are in a constant state of flux. Instead ask yourself two simple questions:

1. Does a Creator exist?
2. Which of the Books (if any) are from Him?

The answer to these questions can be proven rationally, without any emotion or hocus-pocus involved. That’s why Muslims feel that they have the best way of life for mankind. Not because they arrogantly think they came up with the best way (like Secular Capitalists do) but rather because they humbly believe that it is truly from the Creator of the Universe.

How then can we submit to a man-made system when we have the system of God? Naturally, there will be people who vehemently disagree which means there will be a clash. We say, let’s make this a clash of ideas, discussion and debate and not let it come to war. Charles Clarke (and the like) says that the West will not even negotiate with Muslims who want Shariah in the Muslim lands… so who’s causing the war?

Babs-M