A church was petrol-bombed in indonesia

(via jihad watch)

an average reader would conclude that this was a another atrocity against christians. but see how a muslim saw it:

The key point here is that the Christian churches were "unauthorized". Under Islamic law, existing churches may be maintained and repaired, as approved by the state, but they may not be enlarged or "improved", nor may new Christian churches be constructed. It is, of course, unlawful for any non-Islamic symbols (e.g., crosses or Catholic idols) to be visable outside the church. "Services" and prayers must also be inaudible outside the structure so as not to give offense to Muslims.

These minor limitations on Christian activities are obviously not oppressive and are typical of the compassion and tolerance shown toward deviant sects in Islamic countries. The ersatz "churches" were destroyed by citizens who were understandably offended and enraged by the lawlessness of the Christians who built them. The responsibility for the firebombings rests therefore on the Christians, not on the Muslims who were acting in defense of their culture and beliefs.

Until the nonbelievers cease oppressing Muslims and offending their honor and dignity, peace will be impossible.

Allahu akbar


Posted by Reza at June 10, 2004 06:56 AM

as other commenters on the site have observed, indonesia isn't an islamic country per se, but a nation with a secular constitution that guarantees freedom of worship, although it has a sizeable muslim majority, the largest in the world. so reza is definitely wrong in invoking "islamic law" to justify the bombing. however, that matter is trivial compared to how this guy managed to turn the table around and make this obvious crime against christians as a legitimate reaction of "oppress[ed] muslims" whose honor and dignity christians "offended." riiigghttt... i think the mere fact that christians breathe will offend this guy.