Higher Learning

Fields of Blood…

In this first installment of Shrew University, I would like to challenge you to read the non-fiction book, Fields of Blood: Religion and the History of Violence By Karen Armstrong.

In this anthology of humanity’s struggle with spiritual vs. animal instinct I give Ms. Armstrong much credit for her research and cohesive presentation, however I do believe she is reaching at times in order to present a picture of what Utopianism could be as opposed to what reality actually presents.

I have begun to question why a group like Isis (or ISIL if you wish) has sprung up from what seemed like nowhere!  Sure you have your Taliban and your Hamas with their hate-filled demands and their suicide bombers, but this latest group of terrorists knows no bounds; they bring their social media propaganda directly to us from their desert!  And where is the religion?  I am here to tell you that there isn’t any…

Islam in this manner is simply the next form of political control.  When a group forms, or a “State” in this case, it needs rules and laws and a point person.  The point person is Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, also known as Caliph Ibrahim and the rules and laws are the Caliphate.  ISIL is out to control the world…No ifs, ands, or buts about it.

Armstrong’s book always has a leader who is central to the conflict.  She argues that it really is not religion that is to blame for the warring but rather secular motivations most times brought on by greed.  I think this is pretty safe to assume since to truly practice a religion requires one to humble themselves before their creator and uphold life; think “The Golden Rule”…All religions have this aspect to them.  If Islam is trying to form a “State”, then the religion of Islam is not being practiced as proved by their terrorist actions.  This is certainly not Utopia!  ISIL is trying to stream-line (as in secularize) Islam for the greedy motivation of universal control.  It is an invasive seed choking out the roots that uphold “natural” rights (read my Shrew View 11/3/17).

Natural rights are equal to rights of human liberty and the individual’s direct relationship with their Creator.  ISIL is in direct conflict with this idea. As rational beings, we must challenge any state or religion that puts women in a subservient position to men.  Why does Isis hate Chritianity so much? Consider the parable of the leaven which is directly after the parable of the mustard seed (out of a small concept sprouts a transformative belief available to everyone).  In the Gospel of Luke Jesus said:

“To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God?  It is like leaven that a woman took and hid in 3 measures of flour until it was a leavened.”

Leaven means to transform something for the better.  Women own this central idea as the Female Priciple.  Jesus knew this and developed this idea from his Jewish roots.

Next up…Shrewd Awakenings