Freethought & Rationalism Archive

Jewel · 08-02-2003, 05:38 AM

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In President Bush's now notorious phrase "axis of evil", it is obviously the word evil that suggests he was using a religious idea for political purposes. Axis has scientific meanings in a way evil cannot. Some meanings of axis suggest the phrase axis of evil is nonsense: others amplify its vague menace.

The president was criticised by American theologians for using religious language for political purposes. "It's one thing to experience and talk about the events of 9/11 as evil acts and another to suggest that some countries or people are on an 'evil axis'" pointed out Dr Elaine Pagels, professor of religion at Princeton University. The president amplified this kind of religious language and portrayed Americans as caught in a battle of good against evil.

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In such a climate, the vocal opposition of university theologians to the inappropriate use of religious language is far from academic. Let's talk about this rationally, say the theologians. The president is for everyone, American Muslims and Christians, atheists, Jews. He must not side with any one of those constituencies before, over or against another. It is a pluralistic US, in a pluralistic world. Religious language goes to the gut rather than the brain and bypasses normal political discourse. At its most benign, it separates those who identify with such language from those who don't; at worst it increases polarisation. Who is calling who evil in this global playground?

Ronin · 08-02-2003, 05:48 AM

Jewel · 08-02-2003, 05:52 AM

I like that!! Very Cool!

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08-02-2003, 05:48 AM	#2
Ronin Veteran Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Mississippi Posts: 5,047

08-02-2003, 05:52 AM	#3
Jewel Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Northern Virginia, USA Posts: 1,112	I like that!! Very Cool!

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