Bookstudy Opening – 11 Jan 14 – Ken Kittridge (ie a “kenopener”)

Introduction. It would be so easy to get on a soapbox and rail against those who use the label “religion” to justify barbaric acts. My thoughts are organized under the following headings:

1. 2 newspaper articles. 9 Jan 2015. A Snapshot of the Muslim problem. (from Calgary Herald)

a. “Egyptian Leader Calls for “Revolution” to Purge Islam of Extremist Ideology”– A Sunni Egyptian leader Abdel-Fattah-el-Sissi, spoke 1 Jan to Muslim clerics at al-Azhar.

b. “http://news.nationalpost.com/2015/01/09/jailed-saudi-blogger-to-be-flogged-on-friday-for-blasphemy-according-to-his-montreal-wife/”- a dangerous sign from Wahhabi Saudi Arabia.

2. “The Outer Edges of Islam” by Amir Hussain in the December issue of the United Church Observer.

a. ISIS. A merciless group whose main purpose is to force their version of Islam onto other Muslims. He compares it to Ebola.

b. Hussain makes a fascinating comparison of Christian and Wahhabi fundamentalism.

3. A look back at our study of Karen Armstrong’s “The Battle for God”.

a. Basics - I wonder about changes in Armstrong’s views in 2000 and now. She reviewed the history of Judiasm, Christianity and Islam. She particularly showed the roots and characteristics of fundamentalism as it affects these 3 religions.

b. Definition of Fundamentalism – a desire to go back to basics emphasizing a literal interpretation of scripture and acceptance of only certain core doctrines.

c. Both Mythos and Logos are required in the modern world.

i. Mythos – primary, timeless & consistent meaning. Not rationally proven but insights embodied in culture.

ii. Logos – equal importance, rational, pragmatic, scientific, no answer to the alternate value of life.

iii. There is a need here for compromise. Otherwise extremes occur - fundamentalist and secular.

iv. Fundamentalist Triumph – means defeat for religion.

d. Highlites of Gregory Jenks view of “The Battle for God” in (4R Magazine). (Jenks is a major contributor in the Jesus Seminar group).

4. Conclusion

i. Written before 9/11 in 2000.

ii. Will she continue to be tolerant when such horrible deeds have occurred since?