Yesterday in the newspaper I read that it appears that not only are the detainees at Gitmo not all Afghans or Saudis (we all knew that) but they are also not all Muslim! It is thought that at least three of them are Christian. If this turns to be true, then surely we must rethink how we view these people to some degree as it is no longer the 'evil Muslims'(in our mindS) out to get the 'great western infidels'(in theirs).

I leave the question to you....does the fact that apparently a few Christians (or at least non-Muslims) also feel that westerners need to be eradicated change in any way how you feel about the present situation on terrorism? Does it make you more uneasy? Upset? Appalled? Indifferent?

It doesn't change my mind in the least. It's never been about Muslim, Christian, Jewish, or whatever. It's about terrorism, and if they have a 80 year old Catholic Priest there who's conspired with Al-Queta to kill innocents, then that's where he should be.

Oh, I agree, BMan! I guess what I'm wondering is this: (the generic) we have been assuming it was the Muslim radicals who were perpetrating most of these particular crimes (not discussing any other terrorist groups such as in Ireland at the moment). Now we discover it is *not* only those who have skewed the faith of Islam for their own warped justification, but also those of 'our' (those of Christianity) faith. Now I realize that radicals come in all shapes, sizes and denominations. But a frission of inexplicable unease crept up my spine when I read the report. And I was wondering if anyone else had this feeling.

<font color="plum">Garnet</font>

I haven't heard anything about that but I agree with <font color="blue"><h4>Ronn</h4></font> - it's not an issue of religious beleifs. I am surprised to hear that some of the detainees are supposedly Christian, but it doesn't change how I feel, nor does it give me an "uneasy" feeling.

As you said, radicals come in all forms and flavors. Those who engage in terrorist acts against the U.S. are "enemies of the state" IMO, and should be dealt with accordingly.

Personally, I feel John Walker Lindh should be in Guatanomo along with his "former compadres". I also agree with the widow of the CIA agent that was killed shortly after interrogating John...he should be charged with TREASON and face the death penalty!!!

I don't care that he switched to the Islamic faith...America endorses religious freedom (for the most part...). What DOES bother me is that he fought alongside the Al-Quada(sp?) while retaining his US Citizenship. His own father admits that John said the U.S.S. Cole deserved to be bombed, because they "committed an act of war" by entering the Yemen(?) Gulf. That's pretty clear-cut to me. He supports the killing of American troops...then he is a traitor and should be treated as such.

AFAIK, Benedict Arnold never actually killed an American soldier in the Revolutionary War either...but he was still a traitor.

Garnet, I totally agree with Cerek and Ronn. Anyway, what kind of Christian would support acts of mass murder. Pretty poor ones, from this Episcopalian's point of view. At issue is their acts, not their (purported) faith. As for John Walker Lindh, grr, don't get me started.

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Galadria:
.....Episcopalian..... <hr></blockquote>

Galadria, care to explain to this person what an Episcopalian is? I've NEVER heard that word before.

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Neb:


Galadria, care to explain to this person what an Episcopalian is? I've NEVER heard that word before.<hr></blockquote>


You may have heard it as "Anglican", Neb, which I think is the European equivalent for it. I was also confirmed an Episcopalian; I'm now Unitarian.

-Saz

Nope, my feelings haven't changed at all. If they agree with Al-Queda's jihad they're all the same to me, regardless of religion. I really hope no religion advocates the killing of innnocents.

I agree with everyone else here. Not about religon. They are terrorist and they should be there becuase of that.

So...to all you people who think bush is out to kill only muslims (where ever you got the idea I fail to understand in the first place) HA! ;)

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Neb:


Galadria, care to explain to this person what an Episcopalian is? I've NEVER heard that word before.<hr></blockquote>
Like Saz says, Neb, it is the American branch of the Universal Anglican Church, whose head is the Archbishop of Canterbury. Our church fathers prudently changed the name after the American Revolution, when anti-British feeling was high. We are considered Protestant, but are ritualistic, especially in the so-called "high" or Anglo-Catholic, branch.