Teresa,

Are you saying that Jesus would have preferred the murders and genocide going on in Iraq, not to mention Saddam's support of terrorism, to continue, rather than have someone go to war to stop them? Are you saying that there is no Christian obligation to stop these sort of atrocities going on in the world? You obviously think that Jesus would condem men going to war to combat evil and protect the weak? I wouldn't know what Jesus said about war in the Bible, (apart from him saying he was going to return and wage war on the countries of the Earth, not much I believe)but your Jesus doesn't bear much similarity to the one I learned of. I think you're trying to mask your political views behind religious ones.

In relation to Islam, it's really a quite tolerant religion. Throughout history Jewish and Christian communities were generally allowed to thrive under Muslim rulers. It's only since the upsurge in fundamentalist Islam that the problems of following any religious texts to their logical conclusions have become apparent. If you think that the situation would be better off under Christian fundamentalists, think again.

In regards to morality in foreign policy; there is only room for morality insofar as it does not interfere with self interest. There is no such thing as altruism. It simply does not exist. Everything we do, either as an individual or a nation is done first and foremost to produce benefit for ourselves. We give to charity to make ourselves feel better, Teresa follows the word of God to ensure she goes to heaven, Australia intervenes in East Timor so we don't feel we have blood on our hands. Nothing wrong with this and we're lucky that in serving our own interests, it generally benefits others. All take and no give is not in our best interests.

Oh! Cranky PLEASE read about islam, it was founded in bloodshed (YES as had Christianity unfortunately) it has NEVER EVER! allowed other religions freely in its jurisdiction.If and when it has these other believers (or as they say unbelievers)they had/have to pay extra tax and have other restrictions placed on them for their beliefs. It is brutal and it is totally and utterly pagan. Before you get your fingers to your keyboard, or your knickers in a twist, I definately do not nor would not hate moslems. Their leaders and terrorist do appear on my 'don't like' page but that's all.We, Christians, win in the end - I have read the end of the bookRegards, numbat

Cranky,

Islam tolerant? What do you think created the kind of society that existed under Saddam? Islam is tolerant of evil, not good, it allows it to thrive, insidiously. What do you think creates the oppression in the Middle East? It's hundred's of years of Islamic teaching.

Christ's (New Testament) teaching is the only thing that creates human freedom; love, compassion, good-will, prayer, holiness, righteousness.

I'm not hiding my political views behind religious ones; they are one and the same. Political and religious views can exist side by side. I know, I've just written a book about it.

Teresa van Lieshout
http://onenationwa.tripod.com/

Teresa, Saddam was one of the most secular rulers in the Middle East. This oppression you're talking about - this would be the same oppression that the US, Britain,Australia and a number of European and Asian nations are helping to eliminate? By the way, you didn't answer my questions about Christian obligation. I'm not surprised.

Teresa, writing a book on a subject does not make you an expert on that subject, you might be well informed as to your own opinion, but that's it.

Numbat, Jews and Christians were allowed to live in peace under many Muslim rulers. Even if they had to pay extra taxes etc, this is still alot more tolerant than being exterminated which was what happened to Jews and heretic Christians living in Christian Europe. I'm no great fan of Islam (or any religion for that matter) but at least call a spade a spade.

Cranky,

Your not a fan of any religion? Are you an atheist? I'm not taking advice from an atheist, agnostic, or humanist. Secular leaders have been barbaric; stalin, Hitler, Musolini. Saddam was Islamic, was he not? The problem with non-christians, or atheists, is that they don't provide any concrete, foundational solutions. Atheism, agnosticism, and humanism teaching increasingly in Australia over the past 30 years has created most of the social moral problems that our young people and society suffer. So no faith, is no solution.

Or Cranky, is your solution war? That's not a solution because war is killing. It doesn't matter if Saddam was Islamic or secular; he was a murder. But to solve that by further killing (war) is not the solution either, the solution is love. If you want my solution you'll have to read my book, but then again what would I know because I don't know anything, except my own opinion. But what I say is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, so you decide for yourself. And you're right, he's going to come for a 2nd time to wage war on all those who have rejected him. We are not "God", we aren't to do that. I guess that's his business since he is the master of this universe.