Dear AJ,

Thanks for your comments.

You've given me something more to think about.

I've read a little bit more about Karen Armstrong -
and I'm beginning to get the impression that she
may be blind-sided by religious influences (I don't
know if that's the correct way of putting it, but I
hope that you know what I'm trying to say). Anyway,
I guess I'll have to wait and read the book.

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Dear leoj,

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Thank you for giving me the opportunity of clarifying a number of popular misconceptions about the sociological and cultural landscape in France. I limit my comments to France as I live here and it is the only European country of which I have an intimate knowledge.

But first, a brief reply to your initial statement : « What you are saying is that you don't have to respond to any opposing evidence or facts and in fact none are relevant, because it is your personal opinions? » :

Not so. I consider that all facts are relevant, particularly those indicated on this forum by posters to illustrate their particular points of view, and that all facts need to be considered in the contextual environment in which they apply. Facts are facts and I do not practise cherry-picking. But, by the same token, in my experience, not all facts have exactly the same impact and influence on whatever event or phenomena is under scrutiny.

I have no god, no religion, no political allegiance and no axe to grind on any subject whatsoever.

If I make no further comment on something, it’s either because I have nothing further to add, or because I see no point in contradicting somebody who’s point of view is not based on reason but on some immutable conviction or other - religious faith, for example - or who is obviously psycho-rigid (blocked) in his or her mode of reasoning and/or expression.

As for my personal opinions, I try to keep an open mind on everything. I do my best to keep my beliefs to a strict minimum as they tend to cloud my vision. I consider that they are not eternal and that there is no absolute truth.
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On the subject of the French home-grown terrorists, as I indicated in a previous post, most of them come from Muslim families but, unlike the rest of the family, have usually never set foot in a mosque, never read the Quran and do not practise religion.

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(Continued ...)

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(Continued ...)

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It follows that their motivation is not to be found in religious beliefs – because they have none – but, more likely, in sociological, psychological and cultural factors associated with their incapacity to deal with their lives in ghettos.

The public-school education system is a saving grace for those who have the natural attributes that allow them to take advantage of it. Unfortunately, that is not the case of everyone caught up in the ghettos.

Making an oath of allegiance to terrorist organisations such as ISIS is seen as a heroic act of revolt against the oppression of society. By committing an act of terrorism, they are elevated to the rank of Islamist and celebrated by religious fanatics as martyrs.

It’s a bit simplistic to put the blame on Islam. The root cause is to be found in a cocktail of sociological, psychological and cultural factors for which religious fanaticism is a convenient outlet.

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Great analysis, Banjo!

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Dear Foxy,

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Thank you for your link to the article on Karen Armstrong’s book. I read it as well as your ensuing discussion with leoj, AJ Philips and o sung wu – all very enlightening.

All I can add at this point is that it’s not over yet. I’m afraid there’s more to come.

There’s an army of disenfranchised, second class citizens out there that nobody cares about. We’ll be hearing from them soon.

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Dear Banjo Paterson,

Thank You so much for your analysis of the situation
in France. We are so fortunate to have you sharing
your knowledge and personal experiences with us on this
forum. You are able to present us with a picture that is
less distorted. And that is important in trying to
understand any issue. If we only rely on information that
comes from what we see on TV, what we hear in the news or
read in the papers. If our main source of information about
Islam or Islamic practices is from limited sources then of
course we're not going to know how it really operates and
why.

What you write about the ghettos in France is frightening.
Sociologists have observed that fundamentalist revivals,
in whatever religion, take place in times when social
changes have led to turmoil, uncertainty, and the erosion of
familiar values. When people find themselves confused,
threatened, or even appalled at changing conditions, they
look for solutions elsewhere.