Saudi King Abdullah, Villain or Valiant?

Few bloggers have been sharper at highlighting the "cynical" aspects of the Saudi King's Interfaith Dialogue Initiative than I (see: "The Proposed Islamic Conquest of Western Civilization"

). For example, Rabbi Hirschfeld's observation of "the unexpected opening of hearts and minds that occurs when we talk face to face" was foreseen by the Mecca Conferees when they stated "dialogue institutions to give priority to issues of protection of values and ethics against the calls for demoralization on grounds of defending individual freedom" and pushed for "studying the causes and means of eradicating them" - that is, any Muslim who "weakens" in the face of a Brad Hirschfeld is prejudged as demoralized and ways should be found to counteract the Hirschfeld Effect.

While the Rabbi recommends an approach of cautious optimum, I approach this Islamic overture with a sense of dread. First of all because even Saudi Arabia has been linked to a continued support of terrorists groups, it has not been free of terrorists attacks on its home soil (by and against their own people). That is, Even King Abdullah Abdul Aziz al Saud could be marked for assassination by his own people for advocating a change in policy regarding the accommodation of “infidel religions”. That is of course, unless he has first received the blessings for this new approach by many of the leading Islamic mullahs. Another point of suspicion.

The second concern is what happens after a treaty is agreed to by the world powers/leaders? Our experience right there in the US has shown us that it becoming common place that any and every religion can say and do almost anything they desire, including the ridicule of the majority Christian faiths. Allowing such action is called being tolerant of diverse faiths. But, if a Christian says or does anything that any other person considers offensive to their religion, for whatever reason, then that Christian is held guilty of committing a religious hate crime. The punishment for such an offense can be quite severe. On a global scale I foresee an international mandate to merge all religions into a coalition of standard doctrines and practices that look good on the surface, but in actual practice will result in one religion becoming dominant at the expense of the others – and the power of the gun will be used to implement that arrangement.

A world-wide religious tolerance law is very simple: As long as any religious faith or practice, exercised by an individual or group of individuals or organization does not take the life of another person, or does harm an individual, they are given the right to free exercise their religious beliefs without restriction or interference. In other words, an edited form of the First Amendment to the US Constitution: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Any country (government or religious group) that desires to embrace the concept of freedom of religion could start with implementing these basic ideals in their home countries. Or, if that is not possible, then use Rabbi’s recommended approach of cautious optimum – and be ready for the possible consequences. Me? I admit that I am just too nervous to trust anyone holding out a hope of peace (religious or otherwise) with one hand - while grasping a gun in their other hand.

Blasphemy? Who gets to decide what is blasphemy for each religion? Today, anything that a Muslim religious leader decides to be negative in character or intent (in words or actions) against any aspect of Islam, has committed blasphemy against his religion and is worthy of dire punishments, including death. I do not see Muslims softening any on this stance, and I sure would hate to see that become the law of this land.

If King Abdullah would just allow a little speck of light into the Kindgom, it would be a little easier to trust the motives. Actions speak much louder than words--there is reason for skepticism.

are you aware that there is a growing number of people that watch King Abdullah and are noticing he fulfills many of the prophesies about the end times? Especially the way he is trying to organize everyone in peace.

Sorry! I forgot to post my name.
Lucy silver