The Common Good
November-December 2001

Is Islam the Enemy?

by Roger Scott Powers | November-December 2001

In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of Sept.

Print
Post a Comment | Write to the Editor

In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, I dug out the November-December 1998 issue of Sojourners, which asks "Is Islam the enemy?" The answer was no then, and I believe the answer is still no. As Charles Kimball put it in the cover story, "the vast majority of the world's 1.2 billion Muslims are as offended by a violent act carried out in the name of Islam as most Christians are horrified by atrocities perpetrated by Serbian Christians or the Real IRA." Most striking to me was Jim Wallis' commentary, "A Better Way to Fight Terrorism." Replace the phrase "U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania" with "World Trade Center and the Pentagon" and the article could have been written today! The targets change and the casualties grow, but the international context remains largely the same. Injustice and oppression lead to revolt (terrorism), which leads to repression (counter-terrorism), and the cycle of violence continues. When will we learn that there can be no peace without justice, that terrorism will not end until its underlying causes have been addressed?

Roger Scott Powers
Oakland, California

Post a Comment | Write to the Editor
Sojourners relies on the support of readers like you to sustain our message and ministry.

Like what you're reading? Get Sojourners E-Mail updates!

Sojourners Comment Community Covenant

I will express myself with civility, courtesy, and respect for every member of the Sojourners online community, especially toward those with whom I disagree, even if I feel disrespected by them. (Romans 12:17-21)

I will express my disagreements with other community members' ideas without insulting, mocking, or slandering them personally. (Matthew 5:22)

I will not exaggerate others' beliefs nor make unfounded prejudicial assumptions based on labels, categories, or stereotypes. I will always extend the benefit of the doubt. (Ephesians 4:29)

I will hold others accountable by clicking "report" on comments that violate these principles, based not on what ideas are expressed but on how they're expressed. (2 Thessalonians 3:13-15)

I understand that comments reported as abusive are reviewed by Sojourners staff and are subject to removal. Repeat offenders will be blocked from making further comments. (Proverbs 18:7)