General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Islam, as it is practiced by a majority of muslims in the world, is a regressive force. [View all]I was thinking the same. Gulf countries didn't modernize over time -- it happened virtually overnight not too long ago. They were thrust into modernity from an isolated, non-technological, traditional, pastoral, society in the space one or two generations.
The upheaval of centuries of lifestyle and tradition was tremendous.
I'm not religious or conservative. Nor am I naive. Religious fundamentalism is antithetical to my values no matter what its flavor.
America and Britain survived waves of fundamentalism during the "Great Awakenings" in the 17th and 18th centuries. In some ways, rebellion against the stifling fundamentalism of the Great Awakening informed the revolution of ideas that led to American Revolution.
Maybe the "Islamic World" will get it's shit together.
We shall see.