While we decry the perception in our country that all Muslims, even the moderates, are out to eradicate those of other religions and nationalities, our ally, Israel, has passed a 'loyalty bill' that requires that persons seeking citizenship declare loyalty to a "Jewish and democratic" state. How can we continue to support such one-sided nationalistic behavior perpetrated IN THE NAME OF RELIGION? Can you imagine the outcry (absolutely valid) if the US were to add to it's nationalization process for immigrants a loyalty oath to a "Christian and democratic" nation. Now I know there are some (way too many) who'd like that, but doesn't a common sense separation of religion and government (even in countries that don't have our First Amendment) obligate a pretense of not requiring religious allegiance to a sovereign nation? Isn't that kind of militaristic religious fervor and warmongering the very thing that many Americans are using to demonize Muslim nations? Shame on Israel for their narrow-minded, self-serving religious action, wrapped in governmental clothing. With the insisted upon continued movement of folks to the West Bank and the thinly veiled religious loyalty test, I've got to wonder if Israel is a) serious about peace, b) willing to compromise and c) mature enough to take a place in the world's family of nations without demanding that the world revolve around Israel...
In the Sunday School class I teach, this morning I posited that God doesn't see national boundaries and individual property lines and probably isn't crazy about the idea of 'ownership.' Not sure when and if Creation is ever going to get that idea, or the whole idea of all of us being children of God.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/ml_israel_palestinians
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