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Dawkins And Islam

Primus

Graduate Poster
Primus
Joined
Dec 9, 2007
Messages
1,191
I was reading an interview with Dawkins in the Times yesterday and he briefly pointed out that in the UK the rising religious fundamentalism in the country is mainly contained in Islam. By fundamentalism I mean refusing to learn about evolution, calling for religion to be taught prominently over science ect... However he would not expand on this.

As has been demonstrated Dawkins can be very ruthless with the Christian faith. This got me thinking is he holding back deliberately with Islam. I know he's been quoted saying that he concentrates mainly on Christianity as he knows more about it but living in the UK surely any rising fundamentalism that is affecting education should be addressed. Anyway if he is holding back these are some reasons I could think of.

A) In the current political climate it could cost him his chair in Cambridge
B) He's doesn't fancy having a fatwa issued on him
or
C) I've totally misread some newspaper spin and said situation does not exist. He's not pulling punches with any religion more than another.
 
He had a TV documentary where he essentially attacked all religions. Cant remember the name though.
 
If it's the case that Dawks leaves Islam relatively alone then it would be a bit cowardly, but understandable.
Rushdie needed round-the-clock police protection for years. With the Jehovah's Witnesses all you need is a spyhole in the front door.
 
brodski said:
"the route of all evil?" perhaps?

Which did have large sections focusing on criticism of Islam.
Click to expand...

I didn't see that. I more than happy to accept I'm wrong on this. Just because I haven't seen him criticise Islam does not mean he hasn't after all.
Was "The Route of all Evil " recent?
 
"root" not "route".
I understood Dawkins must retire from the Charles Simonyi chair at Oxford this year anyway.

The recent enactment of hate crime legislation in the UK has made many people reluctant to tackle British Islam head on. The Anglican church seems to be self-destructing on it's own.
Dawkins' views as universal atheist are widely known. I think anyone accusing him of cowardice over this issue should look to their own qualifications .
 
Soapy Sam said:
"root" not "route".
I understood Dawkins must retire from the Charles Simonyi chair at Oxford this year anyway.

The recent enactment of hate crime legislation in the UK has made many people reluctant to tackle British Islam head on. The Anglican church seems to be self-destructing on it's own.
Dawkins' views as universal atheist are widely known. I think anyone accusing him of cowardice over this issue should look to their own qualifications .
Click to expand...

I think it's quite a large leap between reluctance to tackle British Islam head on and cowardice. The words been used once in this thread but not by myself.
 
Buying a fish supper, ditto.

By the way, Dawkins wanted the question mark in the title "Root of all evil?"
(On the grounds that nothing is the root of ALL evil).
Dawkins takes words seriously.

The producers , I believe , removed it.
 
Sunni Man said:
If you attack Islam, you will pay a price.
Click to expand...

By attack do you actually mean physically attack or point out that its as clearly ridulous as any other type of religion.
Do parades and banners count as paying the price because thats all i've seen recently when people have insulted Islam in this country?
Well and the guy who set fire to himself in Glasgow before getting kicked in the nuts.
 
You mean the "attack" at Glasgow Airport?

(By the way, I accept you made no allusion to cowardice).
 
Soapy Sam said:
You mean the "attack" at Glasgow Airport?

(By the way, I accept you made no allusion to cowardice).
Click to expand...

I do indeed. It was a bit ridiculous. If you're going to attempt to attack a bunch of Glaswegians you best make sure you do it right the first time.

Glad you don't think I was accusing Dawkins of being a coward. Its can be just as life threatening knocking christianity in the US.
As Bill Hicks said "Hey guys, come on forgive me"... "later as I was hanging from a tree..."
 
Sunni Man said:
If you attack Islam, you will pay a price.
Click to expand...

Do you know any white converts like yourself who do not behave in exactly this manner?
I've met a few and to be honest they're like clones of yourself. Its like you're entire understanding of the religion is based on reading reports in the Daily Mail.
 
There have been politicians and public speakers that have insulted "fundamentalist Islam" and not been personally attacked - but you can pretty much guarantee yourself a life of being hunted if you directly mock Mohamed or Allah.

I read in my local paper a few weeks ago that the (Dutch?) cartoonist that drew Allah has to move every few days and is still in great fear of his life. That's insane.
 
sunni man said:
It's neither reluctance or cowardness, but common sense.
Click to expand...

Primus said:
Hows that then?
Click to expand...


I take it that he means self-preservation is common sense, in which case I would agree with him. It's natural that Dawkins wouldn't want a death sentence for offering his view, so I go with option B.
 
Primus said:
Do you know any white converts like yourself who do not behave in exactly this manner?
I've met a few and to be honest they're like clones of yourself. Its like you're entire understanding of the religion is based on reading reports in the Daily Mail.
Click to expand...
Never read the Daily Mail. I live and grew up in Texas.

So much for your stereotype. :)
 
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