Friday, November 20, 2009

Inspired by the film Stigmata.

In Bamyeh’s article, he focuses on three principles: 1) partial control, 2) free movement, and 3) cultural heteroglossia. He discuss the possibility that globalization occurs only when the control over the network is shared rather than controlled by one individual. While Bamyeh defends the idea that a peaceful global society revolves around his three principles, he ignores the fact that their application, although found in the Islamic world, are impractical on a global scale.
Maalouf ended Leo Africanus odyssey with his marriage to Maddalena. This decision was heavily influenced by the wishes of Pope Leo X. When the new Pope comes into power, Pope Adrian, Leo Africanus was accused of disloyalty, because he refused to shave his beard. He was then imprisoned for the insubordinance. He was released from prison when Cardinal Julius became pope. It was interesting to see how influential religion was and still is throughout the world.
It is interesting to see how influential religion in within Leo Africanus’ life. His life is constantly on the line in the name of religion. Maybe it is because I was raised in a lax religious environment, but I have found that religion is often a dangerous instrument when wielded by a corrupt man. Religion in theory is a great idea. The world is such that no one individual may every know all there is to know. Religion gives people an outlet to fight off fears and anxieties about the unknown. It allows us to not live in fear of what we are incapable to accomplish, but the patience to allow use to break down the situation. Religion gives the individual hope and faith. Even if their hope is founded in logic unbeknown to themselves. However, the problem with religion is that the fallible man runs it. The blind faith is dangerous. Those who have come to trust an authority to have their best interest at heart are vulnerable. Throughout history, especially in Leo Africanus, we see how religious authorities abuse their power.
My question is do you think this type of corruption can be eliminated without dissolving organized religion? Or will the potential of corruption always exist within religion?

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