I'm quite sure that a queue will be forming even as I write to bash this article. In which case, I'm hoping to be able to get my reply in first.
The problem with this thesis presented should be obvious. In essence, it proposes that the correlation of ethinic diversity with conflict should be countered with religious colonialism, based on a very dubious reading of the babble as being universalist (in reality, this universalism is only extended as far as christian assimilation of the heathen will permit, as should be evident from such Biblical episodes as Moses killing the Midianites in battle). In reality, there will be an increasing amount of religious diversity in the US, not only in terms of differing religions but differing denominations (for example, increased numbers of Catholics from Hispanic populations). A great deal of this religious diveristy will not be unrelated to the ethnic diversity of the 'huddled masses.' It was precisely the point that separation of church and state (of which this allegledly 'widely respected' scholar appears oblivious) would ensure a neutral basis for society that would avoid conflict, whereas the imposition of rel
igious norms would lead to persecutions and pogroms in exactly the same way thay had in Europe.
In short, Carol M. Swain would appear to be speaking out of an orifice not commonly reserved for speech.
---- This message was posted by kharin to the Virus 2002 board on Church of Virus BBS. <http://virus.lucifer.com/bbs/index.php?board=51;action=display;threadid=25723>
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