Liz,
Thank you for your post. Sad to say that religion and politics share many vices, as well as many virtues.

CS Lewis said something like – evil isn’t the absence of good, or even the opposite of good, but rather the corruption of good. (sorry, can’t find the exact quote).

It is our desire for good things – security, prosperity, sex, the welfare of our communities and families, healthy bodies, self-esteem and the good opinion of others – that, if corrupted or exaggerated, can lie at the heart of human evil.

Similarly, it is precisely the depths of the good that both politics and religion aspire to, and the passion and commitment they engender, that creates the risk of distortion into the opposite of what they intend.

When we are convinced that our religion or party or denomination is committed to what is good and true, it’s a short step to concluding that those who disagree with us must be evil and false. We may then feel entitled to hate those with whom we disagree - look as the visceral loathing directed at Rudd and Howard, Abbott and Gillard in these forums during the election campaign. And if that’s true of politics, it’s even more true of religion – if God is on our side, it means He’s against theirs.

That’s another reason why I’m pleased that there is no single Christian perspective on our current political debates. It lessens the chance of anyone believing that God endorses their personal political agendas.

With Howard and Costello out, maybe we don't now have to declare like Socrates - Out with the Gods and in with the Good.

After what's been happening here politically - just wondering, that's all?

Cheers - BB, WA.

Dear Liz
I found my eyes bulging when I read your post about 'fanatical Christians'... good grief. Perhaps it tells more about your own personal background there ? You really should not generalize so.

You seem to have the idea that 'Christians hate Arabs' and this is connected to the Story of Esau and Jacob etc.... where in the world did you get this from ?

Liberty has addressed the theological angle on your misguided post, so I won't revisit that, but I want to help you with the other part.. i.e...the above.

1/ Christians do not "all" hate or love anyone. We are a mixed bag of individuals.

2/ There is a very strong concern about radical Islam, but it has nothing to do with Jacob, Esau or Arabs by race. There might be a minor connection in the issue of Muslims (nor 'Arabs) claiming that as Ishmael was firstborn of Abraham, the promises should apply to him, but a casual reading of Genesis will show that this simply is not the case.

3/ Christian Concern over Islam.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=VzaeZcannxg&feature=related

This is the most important myth to dispell from your rather colorful post. The concern, again.. nothing to do with 'enemies from before birth' but EVerything to do with the fundamental beliefs of Islam, on the doctrinal level.

The Bible was complete prior to Islam emerging, by 600yrs. Since the Quran came about, it has definite 'VIEWS' about Christians, including that we are enemies of Allah, Cursed, deluded,perverse and that Allah is at 'war' with them/us. Now...here is the crux of it. When a Muslim says "Allah is at war" with someone..MUSLIMS are also at REAL war with them. There is absolutely no idea about 'love your enemies' in Islam, its "love what Allah loves and hate what Allah hates" and He hates Christians. (surah 9:30) Read verse 29 also, most instructive.

Do you believe me? Please read that verse and then comment.

http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/quran/009.qmt.html#009.029