Written by Richard D Connally   

In the more specific discussions regarding the al Qaeda, and their desire to spread their beliefs, I am reminded of the Crusades. First, and Second, which we, as Christians, have yet to come to an, all be it uncomfortable resolution with the victims, regarding an equally terroristic act by Christians. Not until we do that, will the Semite and Christian division begin to close. Let us be clear on this. The Crusades were far more brutal, murderous and to this point everlasting, than any collection of acts of the Extremist Islamics. Yes, I am a Christian. Like the Muslim Americans who look upon the al Qaeda and their acts I find a similarity in that the Crusaders fought their cause on my behalf without considerations of generations of Christians that would follow. Or those in the times, who had to live in the shadow of that terror as a Christian in an overwhelmingly loyalist society, with little or no tolerance for what would easily be considered dissent. Sound familiar?

America began as a Judeo/Christian society, that rightfully saw that religious equality was for all people, changed their core values to reflect that. Since then we, as a people determined the varied and difficult path we would take. To move beyond our past, we recognize as errant, we must first recognize it and collectively admonish the wrongs done. These acts were not done by any of us, here now, but I draw the comparison in order to further understand the terrorists we are combating. Despising the acts of terrorism, both by the al Qaeda and by the King of England, is not enough. I can not become one of the Crusaders no more than I can become a Taliban fighter. I can become a man who enjoys an understanding of modern day Muslims, as the societies here, or elsewhere share an equal lack of understanding of place and time.

Question put. Have we truly evolve? Are we there yet?

Obviously not.

Or perhaps we are no longer capable of upholding the first and most basic tenet of those core values.