Isn’t it Time for Christianity to Take Responsibility?

For centuries the Church in England has been intimately and intricately involved in all areas of life, and especially those that are not directly related to the practice of a religious belief.

Whilst the ‘social’ involvement can be seen as an extension of an assumed pastoral role, and has had some positive input over the years – alongside some extremely oppressive and harmful activities – the institutional and political involvement has been established in the establishment for many hundreds of years.

Whilst it may carry less direct influence than previously, it does retain a political involvement and influence within the House of Lords. And it does, when it deems appropriate, look to use its influence in areas that trouble its adherents.

So, whether it be equality of marriage rights, the rights of women relating to abortion, and the rights of women within the church itself, statements, postures and pontifications emerge on a regular basis.

But for all their presence, and influence, and the apparent descriptor of England as a christian country, their responsibilities appear to have limits.

This doesn’t seem to be the case where Islam is concerned. It requires just one confused, misguided, misled or mi-used individual, who to claims to be a Muslim, to create the oft-repeated blaming of the whole religion for not protecting us – the non-Muslims – from attack.

So, it seems only fair that the responsibility for violent actions of non-Muslims against a Muslim are placed at the door of the church for resolution. And especially in a country that is apparently governed by Christian values, with each of its recent leaders declaring their political roots in christian beliefs.

Or does that all sound a little extreme, a little far-fetched, a little ridiculous?

Well of course it does. Especially as the belligerent and racist xenophobia of organisations like UKIP, and a government running scared, are much more likely guilty parties.

And that applies equally to Islam. Every Muslim is not responsible for the actions of every criminal claiming Islam as a justification. Because the same is not true for any religious denomination.

The causes for the actions on both sides are complex, intricate, involved and very untidy. We need to change the posturing to a serious discussion if we ever want to see a solution emerge.

And stop the senseless, pointless blame game. And if you can’t, then blame both sides. Your choice.