Has religion done anything helpful in the Middle East? It seems like all that happens between the two key groups there is fighting and fighting. In South America, Christianity has helped to relieve poverty, but what about the Middle East? What have some of the benefits been? This is mot an attack on Muslims or Christians, I just want to discuss.

quote:Originally posted by Limecat:

Has religion done anything helpful in the Middle East? It seems like all that happens between the two key groups there is fighting and fighting. In South America, Christianity has helped to relieve poverty, but what about the Middle East? What have some of the benefits been? This is mot an attack on Muslims or Christians, I just want to discuss.

Why do you take the names of religions instead of the names of groups of people or cultures.

[This message has been edited by Abrahim (edited 06-12-2006).]

Religion is probably the most significant aspect of culture. If you believe in a certain religion (or any other belief for that matter) every thing else is put through that filter. That is the power of beliefs. Thus, when discussing people it is always relevant what their beliefs are.

quote:Originally posted by Real.PUA:

Religion is probably the most significant aspect of culture. If you believe in a certain religion (or any other belief for that matter) every thing else is put through that filter. That is the power of beliefs. Thus, when discussing people it is always relevant what their beliefs are.

Thats true but rather, Religion is filtered through Culture, not always the other way around. Even within a small range of countries the practice and interpretation of the religion is based on the more ancient culture and traditions of the people. For example Palestinians, Jordinians, Turks, Bosnians, Khazakstani, Afghani, Pakistan, Iranian, Saudi Arabians, Yemeni, Morrocans, Egyptians, and each other national and cultural group practice their religions in their own ways filtered through their cultures. Each does things the other doesn't.

quote:Originally posted by Limecat:

Has religion done anything helpful in the Middle East? It seems like all that happens between the two key groups there is fighting and fighting. In South America, Christianity has helped to relieve poverty, but what about the Middle East? What have some of the benefits been? This is mot an attack on Muslims or Christians, I just want to discuss.

I wish school would teach kids more.