[popsicesHoupe]

In all charity, the simple fact of the matter is that persecution of Christians is taking place, and it is taking place within majority Muslim countries. It is taking place at the hands of Muslims, and it is taking place precisely because those being persecuted are Christians and not Muslims. The story that was cited at the outset of this thread wasn't gossip. It simply is.

If it is Muslim-bashing to state facts, I don't know how we can come to terms with the reality of the oppression Christians are faced with.

Evan,

I think the point is that focusing on the particular role or motivations of the instigators of oppression, really takes us beyond what the forum is here for. Yes, Muslim oppression of Christians is a reality. Atheist oppression of Christians is also a reality. I don't know that the particular identity or motives of the oppressors is something we need to explore fully before being able to pray. Else, we may start to focus with anger on the oppressor rather than with compassion on the oppressed, and so hinder our prayers.

I also think Fr David was not saying, necessarily, that the thread had devolved into "moslem bashing", but rather that the way the posts were beginning to trend indicated a danger of that, which he wanted to head off before it began (fires are always easier to put out before they get burning).

In Christ,
Michael