Do Women Suffer in Militant Islamic Countries?

"Denied the right to travel without consent from their male guardians and banned from driving, women in Saudi Arabia are now monitored by an electronic system that tracks any cross-border movements" (Link)

In my opinion, any person that tolerates or encourages this level of control of is turning a blind eye towards evil. You might think the term "evil" is is too harsh, but consider the facts:

- These women are denied the right to travel.
- These women are banned from driving
- These women are monitored by an electronic system that monitors movement

Of course, there is also horrific abuse and control within other cultures and even among some people who might call themselves Christians. But those of us who believe in a more loving God should continue to demonstrate a kind of love that contrasts any sort of controlling, angry deity.

Denominations are GOOD

Imagine for a moment that only one fast food chain existed, and there was a government mandate to eat every meal at that specific chain. Without competition, that fast food chain could easily become sloppy and lazy in its service. Also, since the fast food chain knows that business is guaranteed, prices could easily go up.

In the Dark Ages a similar religious monopoly existed, as there was one main church which had close ties to the government. History tells us that this religious monopoly allowed or even encouraged the church to abuse its power.

One outcome of religious freedom is the ability to choose between several options. This discourages religions or denominations from abusing their power, knowing that if they do, membership will decline. Tragically, switching denominations or avoiding religion altogether wasn't an option in the dark ages.

In conclusion, I thank God for religious freedom. I truly believe that the ability to choose your own belief system without pressure is one of our most important human rights. What are your thoughts?


Religious Freedom Quotes

Believing with you that religion is a matter which lies solely between man and his God, that he owes account to none other for his faith or his worship, that the legislative powers of government reach actions only, and not opinions, I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should "make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof," thus building a wall of separation between Church and State. - Thomas Jefferson

The United States government must not undertake to run the Churches. When an individual, in the Church or out of it, becomes dangerous to the public interest he must be checked. - Abraham Lincoln

Who does not see that the same authority which can establish Christianity, in exclusion of all other religions, may establish with the same ease any particular sect of Christians, in exclusion of all other sects? - James Madison

Leave the matter of religion to the family altar, the church, and the private school, supported entirely by private contributions. Keep the church and state forever separate - Ulysses S. Grant

LINK