Those Resorting to Terror Betray Religion

Some interesting views on the western church from the Turkish religious affairs directorate:

"Turkish Religious Affairs Directorate President Professor Ali Bardakoglu said, those resorting to terror betray their own religions emphasizing that terror attacks form a ground for an anti-Islamic campaign."

"An anti-Islamic campaign began in the West after September 11 and terrorist attacks might increase the "Islamophobia," (fear of Islam). Stating that the Western press evaluates Islam in a wrong way, Bardakoglu said: "The West perceives Islam as a threat. Christianity is seen as an umbrella and Islam is seen as tearing this umbrella and spoiling unity. Christianity does not satisfy theologically and Christian religious leaders cannot satisfy youth in search of a religion. This has fostered an interest in Islam. Terror acts have incited Islamophobia in the West."

Observing that with affirmative actions, young Westerners, unsatisfied with Christianity, have been drawn Islam and acts of terror escalate Islamophobia Bardakoglu said, "Terror cases are an important base to harm Islam's image. To the people who appreciate Muslims and Islam, they say sarcastically, 'This is the Islam that you like'. Those who associate violence with religion hinder Islam's spread," Bardakoglu indicated, adding that from among 100 people the negative actions of a single person will damage all the positive ones of the 99 others."
ZAMAN DAILY NEWSPAPER (2005071421727)