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Yes, yet another story about religion [1]

['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.']

Date: 2023-08-26  

But this one is about a child, a Muslim child.

You can read it and/or see it here

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/8/25/outrage-in-india-over-video-of-teacher-telling-kids-to-slap-muslim-student

So a Hindu teacher in India had her students come to the front of the classroom to slap the face of a seven year old Muslim boy. There is also a male voice in the back ground laughing.

My thoughts are many layered. I was raised Methodist but now prefer the noun non-theist. Why does not matter, in either direction I think. If religion gives you benefits and comfort, that is great. If religion abuses you, that is not cool, and never has been. History and today seems to be full of religion being abused and religion being used to abuse. We all agree that White-nationalists using Christianity as excuses or reasons is outlandish. But lumping ALL Muslims into Al Queda or any of the others would be the same as lumping all Christians into the KKK thugs. You know. The CROSS burners. I have lived in both Egypt and Kuwait. In fact, the morning there in Kuwait when President Obama was announced to be elected the first time, my husband and I were walking to school and the Kuwaitis tumbled out of their homes to thank us and offer us tea. This was a reflection of their joy in removing the Shrub. I had no trouble living in either Muslim country. Well, no more than a woman living in any country.

Are there abuses in Islam? Yes. In Christianity too. And clearly at least one example in Hinduism. But as I recall, the Pakistan and India divide was not non-violent. Israel is denying water to Palestinians. Ancient Rome killing Christians. Jews being blamed and murdered for being responsible for the Black Plague. Native Americans offered death or conversion. Religion being used to support forced birth. The list is long and worrisome. Is Buddhism the only one without violence? I wonder.

But I hope we all can agree that what happened recently in India is not acceptable. The good news is that the teacher looks to be getting arrested.

https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/india-police-file-charges-against-hindu-teacher-for-calling-on-students-to-slap-muslim-classmate/2976578

So I guess my bottom line is that religion used for good is great. Religion used for bad is not OK. And I would hope that some day more people would accept and see the difference.

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[1] Url: https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/8/26/2189809/-Yes-yet-another-story-about-religion

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