Faith

‘Real News From The Blaze’: Is Religious Intolerance on the Rise Globally?

Thursday is the national day of prayer – a day recognized by law since 1952. While legitimate arguments regarding religious freedom are still very much a part of the national political discussion, most agre that the United States still outweighs other nations in terms of religious tolerance and respect to faith. Given two stories in the news of late regarding religious intolerance abroad and the national day of recognition Thursday, the “Real News” panel was joined by Raymond Ibrahim of the David Horowitz Freedom Center to discuss freedom and faith.

The Kuwaiti parliament has approved the death penalty as a punishment for any Muslim who does not repent insulting God, his prophets, messengers, Prophet Mohammad’s wives or the Koran, according to Bloomberg News.

“Islam is a religion of tolerance, peace and acceptance, but that doesn’t mean it should be stepped on,” lawmaker Ali al-Deqbasi told the house before the vote to add articles to Kuwait’s penal code, which was passed by 40 lawmakers Thursday. Abdul Hamid Dashti, who voted against the bill, said the law “should be broadened to criminalize those who insult all beliefs and faiths.”

In Tunisia, a court has fined a TV Director for airing the Oscar nominated film Persepolis which depicts visual images of God.

“This verdict is an affront to the freedom of the press. We hoped for a straightforward acquittal on this World Press Freedom Day,” defense lawyer Abada Kefi told AFP after the charges were confirmed against his client director Nabil Karoui.

Al Arabiya News reports that violence broke out after the film was aired only two weeks before Tunisia’s elections.

It’s one thing to be religious and to have faith – but is it not quite another to use that faith to oppress people via theocratic laws?

During “Real News” Thursday Amy Holmes referenced a Pew Research Center study that reveals nearly 70 percent of the world’s population lives in countries with high restrictions on religion. The study’s disturbing results were no surprise for Ibrahim.

“People in the West, in the United States, have a particular world view, a liberal slash secular world view,” said Ibrahim. “It’s only natural that they project this world view onto others……They assume that everyone has our kind of freedoms.”

Buck Sexton asked what those in the media abroad can do, who know of the presence of religious intolerance but fear calling attention to it may put the lives of the oppressed in danger.

“The news, the media, needs to at least be objective, and it needs to report the truth and the reality not water it down,” Ibrahim said, adding the U.S. can put restrictions on aid as a means to coerce oppressive nations to give-in to more religious freedom.

“Instead of giving Egypt, for instance, this big blank check, you let them know along with this check we don’t want to see another church burned every other week.”

Comments (39)

  • coolerheads
    Posted on May 12, 2012 at 7:05pm

    In Asia, Christians are being killed simply for practicing their beliefs. They have to meet in secret to worship, whisper their songs and hide their crosses.

    In America, Christianity is the dominant religion. The PC police have gotten some people to change words about to be less “offensive” or more inclusive, but no one was ever attacked for being christian. Christians in America build churches that have big crosses on the outside. How often are they bombed? Christians in this country can even outlaw US Citizens of other faiths from building houses of worship… ON THEIR OWN LAND.

    Heck, even our so-called-Muslim president celebrates Christmas and Easter publicly, and asks God to bless the Nation. Saying that Christians are “under attack” in this country is a joke, and it downplays the danger that Christians are in in the countries that DON’T have the freedom we do.

    Report Post » coolerheads  
  • iAmLoki
    Posted on May 8, 2012 at 1:55pm

    Christians are some of most intolerant when come to religion.
    It is “SATANIC, ANTICHRIST, DENIES THE TRINITY.”

    Report Post » iAmLoki  
    • mlcblog
      Posted on May 10, 2012 at 12:50am

      Not quite so. They may disagree but they do not chop your head off or put you in prison.

      Report Post » mlcblog  
    • blackyb
      Posted on May 12, 2012 at 2:01am

      There is only one God. Your Creator. Read the first of the Ten Commandments. You choose or you lose.

      Report Post » blackyb  
  • Susan09
    Posted on May 7, 2012 at 8:14pm

    THE WRITTEN WORD OF GOD ALMIGHTY is in danger of another Burning in the Streets BY any and all that Do not LIKE HIS WORD, HIS TRUTH , OR HIS reality. HIS WORD, HIS TRUTH, and HIS HOLINESS will FOREVER REMAIN BODY, SOUL, Spirit, BODIES are MATERIAL and will NOT BE FOREVER, THE SOUL is The Same as all the Souls that have DIED a PHYSICAL DEATH. HOW MANY SOULS DIED on 911. HOW many of those had Recieved CHRIST JESUS before 911? HOW many SOULS have DIED in all WARS, CONFLICTS, SINCE In the Beginning GOD! CREATED< How many have RECIEVED THE SON. Christ Jesus THE "GOSPEL"

    Report Post » Susan09  
  • ConservativeCanucklehead
    Posted on May 6, 2012 at 8:09pm

    I hope so.

    Adherence to divisive mythologies and magical thinking must end.

    Report Post »  
    • Susan09
      Posted on May 7, 2012 at 8:23pm

      So You Deny the Holy Spirit Promised In the Gospel Of Jesus Christ NEW TESTAMENT of the HOLY BIBLE BOOK of THE LORD and SAVIOR. ok.. THE LORD has always GIVEN any Man or Woman a choice. THE cross has been foolishness to many NOT all.

      Report Post » Susan09  
    • Susan09
      Posted on May 7, 2012 at 8:25pm

      The Cross has been Foolishness to MANY! not all.

      Report Post » Susan09  
  • VaughnFamlyFarm
    Posted on May 5, 2012 at 8:49am

    It should be no surprise that “Tolerance Street” is a “ONE WAY” for those who follow Christ.

    http://wp.me/p2gsvG-c

    Report Post »  
  • blackyb
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 8:26pm

    It is not us they hate. It is Christ. They are afraid of the Son of God who left his Spirit here to live inside those who ask him in. Most of them do not even know who they are hating, but there are those who are using the puppets to take everything Christ out of everything they can because they know if people get saved and pray their mission will lose grip even sooner than it is going to. They will lose, it is just a matter of how far mankind has to go down before he looks up and realizes the truth. You want to win quicker? Then pray.

    Report Post » blackyb  
  • mcsledge
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:15am

    Socialism and Communism are anti-God / anti-Christ. Both movements are trying to take over America. You better believe Lucifer is giving it a final effort before he is cast out for eternity. The big question is how many is he going to take down with him.

    Report Post » mcsledge  
    • rickc34
      Posted on May 7, 2012 at 5:51pm

      Sadly quite a few. Most people that judge christianity have not read the Bible or try to change the meaning. It says what it says and means what it means. God will not change his word for no man or woman. Already this year about 20 million people globally have died . How many did not enter heaven because the said they did not need God? It is sad. But we all make our own choices.

      Report Post »  
  • sparkspeaks
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 10:35am

    Well, Essie just lost me ….. I was a fan, felt that she was an up and coming media personality, but now, I have to admit I will be filtering every thing that ever comes out of her mouth or opinions. Sorry, Essie…
    I respect your right not to believe, but I can’t respect your denial which tempers your opinions, thoughts, and beliefs.

    Report Post » sparkspeaks  
    • Sh3LLz
      Posted on May 9, 2012 at 11:58am

      “I respect your right not to BELIEVE, but I can’t respect your denial which tempers your opinions, thoughts, and BELIEFS.”

      Dude… Thoughts opinion & beliefs are completely intertwined. You just TOTALLY contradicted yourself…..

      Report Post »  
  • Rip Curly
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 6:58am

    As time and science march on, people are beginning to understand that man invented gods and not the other way around. Religion is the major cause of violence and wars and all manner of subjugation of women and children. It can’t fade into history fast enough for me and, apparently, a growing minority.

    It’s all good. :)

    Report Post »  
    • FreeThinkerDave
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 10:13am

      Well said Rip!

      Report Post »  
    • scarebear83
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 3:20pm

      Religion is not the main cause of violence. People are the main cause of violence. It would be like saying a gun causes violence or a pencil causes misspelled words…

      Report Post » scarebear83  
  • DAYOFJUDGEMENT
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 5:52am

    Max, if I accept your belief that it is ok to take “my faith” Christianity out of the politics and you develope an immoral society based on your religion, and I did not try everything to stop you from doing so by whatever the means morally and legally then I would be living in a sinful nation with no hope of association with its people! But you will still want my taxes and my obedience to be tolerant!

    Report Post »  
  • DAYOFJUDGEMENT
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 5:41am

    Love of another is the most powerful force in the world today but lost to rhetoric and Jesus Christ said so in 1 John, Chapter 4, however that does not say I must love your evil ways for I can love you but hate your ways as sinful an as an abomination in the Bible which I must do to be faithful to both!

    Report Post »  
  • DAYOFJUDGEMENT
    Posted on May 4, 2012 at 5:36am

    Many of the comments place together the terms religion, which within the definition in the dictionary simply says the beliefs, attitudes emotions, and behavior constituting man’s relationship with the powers and principles of the universe! Where Christianity is a reality of faith meaning belief in Jesus Christ and there is a differerce between religion and Christianity! That is the problem in america religion can even be a cult or a false god or a persons association with men and women in a different way other than normal, whatever they see as religion can be religion, so the result for america is if a person or cult uses religion to by pass the law our government is accepting that false dicotimy without good reason or common sense! Our government accepted beastiality in the military for the purpose of recognizing a gays rights to gay sex and that is an abomination in Christianity but not in a religion, but should be in every case of a moral civilization!

    Report Post »  
    • coolerheads
      Posted on May 12, 2012 at 6:46pm

      I love that about America. Religious freedom means freedom for EVERYONE, not just your religion. Everyone has the right to practice their religion as long as it does not involve violence (EG. murder, assault, rape)

      Report Post » coolerheads  
  • Goldenyears22
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 11:31pm

    The Bible tells us the day will come that Christians will be put to death again, just as they were all throughout Christian history. Some eras of history more so than others, even persecuted and put to death by the Catholic church. We need to pray to be ready for I definitely see Christiany more under attack than ever in the US.

    Report Post »  
    • Max jones
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 3:17am

      From the day that Christ was victorious over death, Satan’s kin have been trying to erase all reference to the event from the history of the world. From changing scripture, and confusing the denominations, to inventing a contrary theosophy-Islam. Every effort has been made to discredit and annul the Christian faith. Now that Satan has control of the world’s governments, the effort will be redoubled.
      Merciless violence has always been the Muslim way. Do not doubt that is the end game that is being played by all those in power the world over. There are no mere ‘coincidences’, anymore.

      Report Post » Max jones  
    • quovadis
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:53am

      Here we go again, the anti Catholics are out. Protestants shouldn’t forget their own persecution of Catholics….and each other.

      Report Post »  
  • LeadNotFollow
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 9:37pm

    …
    Obama is to blame for all the problems we are having in America.
    No Jobs
    Illegal Aliens
    Higher National Debt
    Dependency on Foreign Oil
    Higher Health Care Premiums.
    U.S. Currency becoming Worthless
    God being removed from every aspect of our Lives

    Report Post »  
    • tab25
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 11:35pm

      Wow, you just figured out who is to blame for all these problems! Congrats, you should put you name on the ballot next time or a resume in at the Blaze. Nice work.

      Report Post »  
    • Max jones
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 4:01am

      The only reason that this republic is still standing at all is because of the cowboy, or at least, his popular image. Independent, fair, and ARMED. This is why the Justice dept. is continuously fanning the flames of race warfare and class warfare as well as demonizing firearms and the liberty to own and carry them. 50,000,000 gun toting civilians in fear for their liberty is an awesome thing….So the powers that be, MUST find a way to disarm the populace. A very difficult thing to do. But, if holder and obama can bring us to our knees with riots and inflation(or monetary collapse), Mob justice and all the other “PIVEN” crap, he may get his excuse for seizing our guns. This could trigger the activation of the FEMA camps. and will start civil warfare, which in turn will allow the military to act against the American people.

      Report Post » Max jones  
    • philipzhao
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 6:28am

      BHO’s achievements:-

      Godless
      Lawless
      Jobless
      Homeless
      Shameless
      Hopeless
      …….

      Report Post »  
    • FreeThinkerDave
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 10:21am

      @philipzhao

      GOPs achievements:

      Clueless

      Report Post »  
    • blackyb
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 8:46pm

      Obama is allowing this to happen on purpose. It is his time, but things may turn around some if they do not steal the election in Nov. It is about time for it all to go up in smoke that is evil. Anyway do not fear those who can destroy the body, but those who destroy the soul and deny those who are not saved a chance to be saved from their sins in this world and saved from hell when they die. A war is indeed being fought. This war that we are trying to fight are the powers and principalities mentioned in the Bible. God is already the declared winner. Prayer will protect and serve to quell the storms of this life. It would be a good time to pray as we cannot really see what we are fighting. They have been on this thing for decades plotting and planning using things to divide and the ignorant to believe lies to where they react with malice when in truth they are just being used. These are truly trying times, but nothing to what we could see if we are here long enough. The legions from hell are many, but God has it all under control, but we must pray for strength and peace within in order to endure with enough Grace where people can see Christ in us. It may help someone else. This may be our last Stand.

      Report Post » blackyb  
  • Taxpayer550
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 9:13pm

    Seven Surefire Indicators of Evil
    1. The blameless suffer
    2. Use of intimidation and aggression to forward its agenda
    3. Utilization of diversion, distraction, and deception.
    4. Denial of reality, or that which corresponds with reality.
    5. Complete or partial disregard for sound reason and debate.
    6. Inherent contradiction(s) within its definition and/or expression.
    7. That which is supported by the liberal movement and/or its factions.

    Report Post » Taxpayer550  
    • Rip Curly
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 7:32am

      It looks to me that you’ve found at least six surefire indicators of religious belief. The seventh is theonly one that doesn’t fit. So, you’re close to being correct! You’ve found six surefire indicators of the evils bestowed on humanity due to belief in that which does not exist, but gives license to tyranny and oppression.

      Report Post »  
  • blackyb
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 9:11pm

    Without a doub it is reported more often and obvious that it is. The Lord is coming soon, so get ready. All the signs seem to be coming together that are told in the Holy Bible. It is much more obvious.

    Report Post » blackyb  
    • Stormy1948
      Posted on May 3, 2012 at 11:00pm

      As I see it, the only news organization that even mentions it is Fox! Christians are just being persecuted here, (so far). In other counties, they are killed, churches burned, runover by tanks,.yet I do not hear about it anywhere in the “media” Except here. If the US. does not start condeming and either saying or doing anything about it, it will one day be just like the saying, “one day I saw a man with no shoes and they came to take him away” It will be that way, and one day they will come for us,(Christians), then , they may come after all blue eyed people, then , women, children, who do not conform to the socialist or communism ways of thinking. Just because some people aren’t believers, if no one stands up and yells about it, then next may be the Atheist, or the Jews, suddenly all there are, are the people who all think and believe the same thing. We know who that is don’t we?

      Report Post »  
    • Max jones
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 3:31am

      Christian churches could bring themselves to study the book of Revelation…..many have not. how does your ‘Pastor’ feel about it?

      Report Post » Max jones  
    • DoseofReality
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:52am

      Stormy? being persecuted? How in the hell are you being persecuted? You people are insane

      Report Post »  
  • FromSeaToSea
    Posted on May 3, 2012 at 8:38pm

    Yes, and the intolerance was caused by the US gov. failing to respect the sovereign rights of other nations and people. Of course some of them want to kill US citizens after we bombed and droned them for years destroying their lives and killing their families.

    Ron Paul for peace. Obama and Romney might just get WW III. WW III may come to your neighborhood in a nuclear form. Think about that. It’s up to you. We better hope we have a chance to vote for Ron Paul before the Iran war starts.

    Don’t believe it? Why the buildup off the coast of Iran?

    Report Post »  
    • Max jones
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 3:41am

      The politics are totally irrelevant. All is God’s will. It is time to stand for what you really are….
      If I can, I will emmigrate to Israel. I’d rather die there than live among the satanist, deviants that our government is pushing on us…..

      Report Post » Max jones  
    • justangry
      Posted on May 4, 2012 at 11:39am

      @Max, Yes, you can become an Israeli citizen. You just have to renounce you savior and convert to Judiasm.

      Report Post » justangry  

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