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| dr taj hargey; guy talks sense | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Apr 8 2010, 10:38 PM (130 Views) | |
| simon t | Apr 8 2010, 10:38 PM Post #1 |
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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1264399/What-Britain-come-takes-Muslim-like-defend-Christianity.html Mail Online debate * Home * News * Sport * TV&Showbiz * Femail * Health * Science&Tech * Money * Debate * Coffee Break * Property * Motoring * Travel * Debate Home * News Board * Sport Boards * Showbiz Boards * Femail Boards * Health Boards * Polls * Columnists * My Profile * Logout * Login Find a Job Dating Wine E-Editions Feedback My Stories Thursday, Apr 08 2010 12AM 5°C 3AM 5°C 5-Day Forecast What has Britain come to when it takes a Muslim like me to defend Christianity? By Dr Taj Hargey Last updated at 5:59 PM on 8th April 2010 * Comments (75) * Add to My Stories The case of Shirley Chaplin is a graphic illustration of an insidious trend to marginalise Christianity The case of Shirley Chaplin is a graphic illustration of an insidious trend to marginalise Christianity Christianity is under siege in this country. Britain's national religion has never been so marginalised and derided, especially by the public institutions that should be defending it. The case of nurse Shirley Chaplin, who has been banned by Devon and Exeter NHS Trust from wearing her crucifix while caring for patients, is a graphic illustration of this insidious trend. Indeed, it is surely an affront to the very concept of religious liberty, which was once regarded as a cornerstone of our democratic, respectful and tolerant nation. For make no mistake, a new form of virulent secularism is sweeping through society - and its target is Christianity. I am Muslim. But even as a non-Christian, I can see all too clearly the shameful way in which Britain's national faith is being eroded. Indeed, banning a crucifix makes a mockery of our treasured right to religious freedom. With a typically bureaucratic mix of arrogance and authoritarianism, the Devon and Exeter Trust has claimed that the ban is not an attack on Christianity because wearing a crucifix is not an essential requirement of the faith. But who appointed these quangocrats to pronounce on matters of religious doctrine? What right do they have to lecture a devout woman about her cherished beliefs? And why can't they accept that Ms Chaplin's deeply religious convictions, which she chooses to express by wearing the crucifix, also inspire her compassionate work in the NHS? As a Muslim, I am filled with despair at the attitude of our politically correct officials towards Christianity. For me, all true religious faith, if practised with benevolence and humility, can only strengthen our society. To undermine religion is to undermine society itself. It is no coincidence that as Christianity is repeatedly attacked, so the social fabric of Britain becomes increasingly frayed. As we lose our strong moral compass, family breakdown and violent crime are at record levels, while our once famous sense of community spirit is evaporating. In the face of this kind of aggressive secularism, Christians and Muslims should be natural allies. For contrary to what a few loud-mouthed Muslim extremists like to claim, there is no conflict between Christianity and Islam. They are part of the great Abrahamic tradition - indeed, there is a key verse in the Koran that reads: 'The people closest and dearest to Muslims are those who say: "We are Christians." ' It is, therefore, the duty of British Muslims to defend Christianity when it comes under assault. For it is vital to recognise the central role that Christianity has played in the creation of our shared culture. Dr Hargey recently spoke out against plans for a mosque to be built near Sandhurst Royal Military Academy Dr Hargey recently spoke out against plans for a mosque to be built near Sandhurst as it would have been a provocative structure creating divisions Indeed, Christian ethics form the basis of our justice system, with its emphasis on fairness and equality before the law. And without the restraining, selfless morality that ultimately stems from faith, the triumph of either social anarchy or totalitarianism becomes a worrying possibility. But what is sickening about this case is the PC brigade's outrageous hypocrisy. For in the public sector, normally so hypersensitive to allegations of prejudice against ethnic minorities, it is unimaginable that bureaucrats would wade in with the same bullying ferocity against a Muslim or Hindu nurse who wanted to wear a symbol of her faith in the workplace. Indeed, there have recently been several cases of education officials allowing Sikh pupils to carry their ritual daggers, while banning Christians from wearing crosses. Similarly, many schools have been sidelining Christianity, while celebrating other religions, so much so that in some areas we have a generation of pupils who know more about the Hindu festival of Diwali than about the religious meaning of Christmas. Such grotesque inconsistencies do nothing to promote harmony in our society. For the over-riding impression is that the state increasingly favours minority religions over Britain's own. Equally despicable, however, is that these politically correct busy-bodies don' t even have the courage to be open about their fanatical loathing of Christianity. Instead, they often cravenly cite 'health and safety', that catch-all term so often clutched at by bureaucrats when they want to shut down something they disapprove of. The political class has made a tragic mistake in recent years by emphasising cultural differences between migrant communities and normal Britons Unbelievably, in Ms Chaplin's case, they claimed that there was a risk that a patient might grab her crucifix necklace. That might have been valid if she had worked with small children, but Ms Chaplin cares for elderly patients. In this environment, can a crucifix really pose a health hazard? The evidence suggests not. After all, she has already worn her crucifix for 30 years without the slightest problem. A strong society demands tolerance and integration. Yet the political class has made a tragic mistake in recent years by emphasising cultural differences between migrant communities and normal Britons. This agenda has been eagerly exploited by Islamic hard-liners who thrive on division. They are so eager to promote the wearing of the burqa by women, so that the line of separation is further widened. But these shrill demands for the imposition of the burqa in the Muslim community are utterly misguided. Nothing in the Koran says Muslim women have to be dressed in this way. And unlike a simple crucifix, which is utterly harmless, the burqa affords a threatening anonymity, reinforcing the differences between different cultures. Indeed, while anyone should be allowed to wear a simple cross - or headscarf - the burqa is entirely inappropriate in Britain. I would not want to see it banned, for that might only heighten the sense of martyrdom and grievance among the zealots, but I certainly believe that mainstream Muslims have a duty to speak out against it. The same argument could be made against minarets, which unlike Ms Chaplin's crucifix, could al so be seen as inflammatory - and for which there is no religious requirement in Islam. I recently spoke out against plans for a mosque in Camberley, Surrey, which would have seen the present Grade I-listed building pulled down - and replaced with a vast Middle Eastern structure complete with 100ft tall minarets, which would have overlooked the Sandhurst Royal Military Academy. Rather than being a discreet and respectful demonstration of an individual's faith, this would have been a provocative structure creating divisions, rather than forging links, in the local community. In this instance, the council saw sense. But too often the PC brigade support overt demonstrations of faith by minority religions, while coming down hard on quiet religious gestures by Christians. This must change. Mutual respect is the only way forward for Britain - and that has to include respect for Britain's ancient Christian civilisation. For unless the authorities change their tune and start protecting the traditions of the British majority, we face an inexorable slide towards ever more division. Dr Taj Hargey is also the chairman of the Muslim Educational Centre of Oxford Explore more: Places: Surrey Print this article Print this article Read later Read later Email to a friend Email to a friend Share this article: * Digg it * Fark * Del.icio.us * Newsvine * Nowpublic * StumbleUpon * MySpace Add your comments Comments (75) Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below, or debate this issue live on our message boards. The comments below have been moderated in advance. * Newest * Oldest * Best rated * Worst rated View all I couldn't have written that article better myself. As for this country, I am fast becoming ashamed to be British. - MAXINE, LONDON, 08/4/2010 13:08 Click to rate Rating 70 Report abuse As a Kiwi now living in Yorkshire I have been astounded by the attitude to what I believed was a Christian based country. Any division in family, society, government will eventually lead to a destruction of that society and that is what we are seeing around us. Dr Hargey, your article with its beautifully laid out prose and direction has spoken to the heart and soul of the country and spoken the truth. I wonder how many people will hear the sound? Dr Hargey you trully are a universal Man of God. - Garoods, Leeds, UK, 08/4/2010 13:01 Click to rate Rating 68 Report abuse Dear Dr Hargey Please, please, stand for parliament! Your voice of reason and mutual respect is one that we are so lacking in this country. I am a Christian and through your short article I have learnt that Christian and Muslim should be standing side-by-side to redress, through debate and example, the moral degradation of this lost society. We worship the same God, albeit in slightly different ways, so we should be working together - Christian, Muslim and Jew - to show the world what they are missing and how great and glorious a fulfilled spiritual life can be. Continue your crusade for tolerance and care, you have my support and many from my faith who are trying to find a dialogue with our Muslim and Jewish brothers. - Nick Broadbent, Tunbridge Wells, 08/4/2010 12:53 Click to rate Rating 47 Report abuse Well said, as a Christian I couldn't have put it better myself. - Wendy, Bury, 08/4/2010 12:44 Click to rate Rating 51 Report abuse I could not agree more with Dr Taj Hargey. This 'OVERBOARD AFFIRMATIVE' action can only build resentment and fan the flames of divisiveness. Religious tolerance means more than just accepting and allowing other people's religious practices, it also means that we need to show respect in not shoving our religious practices and beliefs in other people's faces, ie., doing unto others as we would others doing unto us. - Li Lian Thornstrom, Reading, Berkshire, 08/4/2010 12:35 Click to rate Rating 27 Report abuse Now that a Tribunal has ruled that Shirley Chaplin cannot wear her crucifix to work because it is 'not a mandatory requirement to her faith' - will this ruling also apply to the wearing of a burkha, which is also 'not a mandatory requirement of her faith'?. Does this ruling mean therefore, that for security reasons we can follow thw lead of Belgium and ban the wearing of it - or at least have an adult debate on the subject without being declared as racist? A further point - does this ruling make it not a racist issue, but a religious one? ANswers please. - Lifetimegooner, Slough, 08/4/2010 12:24 Click to rate Rating 52 Report abuse The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. Add your comment Name: Town & Country: Your name and location will appear next to your comment. You have 1000 characters left. We welcome your opinions. This is a public forum. Libellous and abusive comments are not allowed. Please read our House Rules. I agree to the House Rules Remember me - this will save you having to type out your name and location when you next leave a comment. For information about privacy and cookies please read our Privacy Policy. Terms Clear Submit Content Ads By Google Remortgage Now at 1.9%£200,000 remortgage from £367/mo.No Obligation. Get a free quote nowwww.lendgo.co.uk Diet Patches -66Lbs/£8.90Unbelievable! 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Yes No VOTE woman on hospital bed POLL RESULTS Close All polls Click to view yesterday's poll results Our debate boards * News Board * TV&Showbiz Boards * Sport Boards * Introduce Yourself * The Cafe * Femail Boards * Health Boards * Coffee Break Boards * Travel Boards * Books Boards * Columnists * Polls * Debate Home * Debate Help * House Rules * FAQs * Feedback * Edit your avatar Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/article-1264399/What-Britain-come-takes-Muslim-like-defend-Christianity.html#ixzz0kXxy8kH2 |
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| Deleted User | Apr 8 2010, 11:20 PM Post #2 |
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He's regarded as a heretic by most Muslims, probably because he talks (some) sense; http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/guest_contributors/article6069581.ece |
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| D-Vader | Apr 10 2010, 01:52 AM Post #3 |
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one of the decent muslims living in britain |
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| guypatriot | Apr 10 2010, 02:27 AM Post #4 |
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I think many would have seen this before however for those that haven't.. here is Wafa.. you go girl. The truth hurts. The Muslim cleric is reduced to calling her a heretic. If you look on YouTube the Muslim response accuses the West of being the empire builders.. LOL the Muslim Empire was the longest surviving Empire since the birth of Christ and looked to convert everyone in its wake. They even got into southern France and were stopped by our brave EDL brother Charles Martel but also to the edge of Vienna. Even before Islam the Persians and Egyptians built empires before being colonised by Islam themselves. However here you go.. enjoy... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciOGS6r97oE Regards |
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| Deleted User | Apr 10 2010, 02:30 AM Post #5 |
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As a trustee of the British Muslims for Secular Democracy, has no one bothered to ask themselves what he meant by "virulent secularism" ? So secularism now has extremely severe and harmful effects. I wonder what form of "secularism" Dr Hargey has in mind? In his article, he simply uses Christianity as a mask to attack secularism with. One only need replace the words 'Christianity' with 'Islam' to see this moderate Islamist's real intention. |
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| Deleted User | Apr 10 2010, 03:19 AM Post #6 |
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That's an understatement right there! |
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