Is Democracy Morally Neutral?
Alex made some very insightful comments on my muddled posts. The most thought-provoking comment was about democracy:
-----
As far as the Muslims, there are at least two distinct groups. The extremists won't stop until all the women are veiled and we all read the Quran and worship Allah. However, Muslims are also living peacefully in the U.S., claiming that the extremists are wrong about their own religion, and that they promote peace and tolerance. This is not unlike the situation with Christianity in the U.S., with its many different factions.
Democracy is neutral; it promotes the tolerance of all beliefs without passing judgment. There is no right or wrong. Therefore, it should not be compared to any religion as far as moral correctness.
-----
I disagree with Alex on this point. If there are two factions of Muslims, and democracy clearly falls on the side of the tolerant, then it cannot be neutral in this battle. Democracy supports a certain interpretation of the Qu'ran that is less literal and farther from the Muslim tradition. I agree that Democracy is not pro- or anti-Muslim, but that, philosophically, it supports certain values.
Maybe it is the tolerance and anything goes attitude that has created this whole travesty. Yes, I know, as a libertarian, I am speaking heresy, and should be burned at the stake of freedom now.
Don't worry, I'll be back to normal in a few days. I hope.
-----
As far as the Muslims, there are at least two distinct groups. The extremists won't stop until all the women are veiled and we all read the Quran and worship Allah. However, Muslims are also living peacefully in the U.S., claiming that the extremists are wrong about their own religion, and that they promote peace and tolerance. This is not unlike the situation with Christianity in the U.S., with its many different factions.
Democracy is neutral; it promotes the tolerance of all beliefs without passing judgment. There is no right or wrong. Therefore, it should not be compared to any religion as far as moral correctness.
-----
I disagree with Alex on this point. If there are two factions of Muslims, and democracy clearly falls on the side of the tolerant, then it cannot be neutral in this battle. Democracy supports a certain interpretation of the Qu'ran that is less literal and farther from the Muslim tradition. I agree that Democracy is not pro- or anti-Muslim, but that, philosophically, it supports certain values.
Maybe it is the tolerance and anything goes attitude that has created this whole travesty. Yes, I know, as a libertarian, I am speaking heresy, and should be burned at the stake of freedom now.
Don't worry, I'll be back to normal in a few days. I hope.
posted by Joshua Frear at 7:08 PM
|
<< Home