Writing as religious educators and interfaith leaders, we are appalled at the stunning attack by Dr. Ben Carson, denying that a Muslim could serve as president of the United States. He presents himself as possessing an educated knowledge of Muslim law and ethics which, at best, is a veneer of disinformation, possibly polished by sources seeking to disgrace Islam and its adherents through subterfuge and paranoia.
Unfortunately, his words are attractive to a particular constituency in which this bigotry thrives. In so doing, Dr. Carson, who should know better, attracts the ignorance of those who know little, or who do not desire to know the truth. This type of appeal is called ‘demagoguery’.
We would like to think that Dr. Carson had a momentary lapse, but his self-confident, presumptuous explanation of his opinion, breathlessly devoid of any theological, legal or ethical knowledge, indicates otherwise. This demagoguery is unacceptable in American civil society.
Rather, Dr. Carson should dwell upon the calm, rational Americanism of President George W. Bush during what he called “the middle hour of our grief,” in Washington National Cathedral, just days after 9/11, and in other speeches.
“No one should be singled out for unfair treatment or unkind words because of their ethnic background or religious faith,” President Bush said before Congress. And in another address, “America rejects bigotry. We reject every act of hatred against people of Arab background or Muslim faith. We reject the ancient evil of anti-semitism … America values and welcomes peaceful people of all faiths – Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu and many others. Every faith is practiced and protected here, because we are one country.”
Peter E. Hyman
Rabbi, Temple B’nai Israel
Joel Marcus Johnson
Bishop of The Chesapeake, Ret’d.
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Ed Plaisance says
Well said.
Seems like Dr Carson has a bad case of hubris complicated by ignorance.
Medical science has no cure for that.
Regards,
Ed
Frances Miller says
I am sorry that we have to keep saying these things over and over to each other, but I have seldom heard them said more eloquently. Thank you both on behalf of all who believe as you do that it is long past time to reject the bigots and the hate mongers who are trying to divide Americans into fear-filled tribal groups at war with each other. Thank you for reminding us that we are, indeed, one country. If your words could reach as many people as Dr. Carson’s, our country would be far better off.
Leslie Moorhouse says
It is interesting to see the Democrats embracing a religious doctrine that restricts the freedom of women. Maybe their plan is to let the Muslims migrate here where they will hopefully be absorbed into our liberal society and ultimately relax their strict religious rules, similar to what happened to the Catholics.
Ed Plaisance says
We don’t need to worry about Democrats “embracing” Islam or “having a plan” to let them (or anyone else in particular) migrate here. We have enough Kim Davis types right amongst us who need to “relax” their strict religious rules, 0r resign if the conflict is too great to accept the separation of church and state.
And as a not particularly observant Catholic, I would be interested in clarification as to what happened to them?
Gren Whitman says
Doctor Carson can separate conjoined twins. Candidate Carson, however, can’t separate church and state!