Clivedurdle

Karen Armstrong in Battle for God sees fundamentalism as a reaction to modernism, much like an evolutionary arms race between species.

America trespassing in Saudi Arabia according to Bin Laden is the extreme version of this - modernism is in the place that Allah revealed all to the world. Maybe a Coca Cola stand is required at Mecca and Coca Cola vending machines in all mosques? Or is that as bad as Roman Emperors entering the Temple?

But what is it about modernism - actually atheism disguised because shopping and watching tele and going out with mates does not involve religion at all - that creates such a strong reaction in the religiously minded that some think killing their neighbour is justified?

America is called great satan because it is the biggest and most powerful symbol of these modernist ideas. Modernism is being treated as satan, instead of being seen as a new idea.

Does modernism have to become more religious, or try and explain itself quietly. Or defend itself by going to war?

Satirical Islam was tried by Rushdie....

(Macdonalds with bacon butties and beer in Mecca)