According to conventional wisdom, Islam is a religion of peace and compassion.
But even if it is not – such is the woolliness of received ideas –
only a tiny minority of Muslims in this country hold extreme fundamentalist
opinions. Actually, like most conventional wisdom, it is not really true.
Muslims themselves disagree violently about what Islam truly is and have
done for centuries. Meanwhile, a startlingly large proportion of young
British Muslims hold what to most of us are outrageous and unacceptable
views – views that they consider to be Muslim truths.
Four out of 10 Muslim students in Britain support the introduction of sharia
into UK law for Muslims, according to a YouGov poll. Almost a third of them
said that killing in the name of religion was justified; 40% said they felt
it was unacceptable for Muslim men and women to associate freely; and nearly
a quarter do not think that men and women are equal in the eyes of Allah.
A quarter of Muslim students said they had little or no respect for
homosexuals. As for whether British Muslim servicemen should be allowed to
opt out of hostilities with Muslim countries, 57% said they should and a
further 25% said they were not sure.
More than half of the Muslim students were in favour of an Islamic political
party to support their views in parliament. A third don’t think or don’t
know whether Islam is compatible with the western notion of democracy, and a
third said they were in favour of a worldwide Islamic caliphate based on
sharia.
Admittedly, these are (with one exception) minority views. More than half of
Muslim students either don’t think such things or say they don’t know what
to think about them. None the less, these are large minorities indeed of
Muslim students holding opinions that are against this country’s laws and
its traditions of liberal democracy. And these are students from a sample of
some of the best universities and higher education colleges.
If the brightest and best think like this, what of the rest? It is frightening
to imagine the views of their less well educated contemporaries. All this
seems to undermine yet another piece of conventional wisdom: that education
is the solution to Muslim alienation in Britain.
This YouGov poll was commissioned by the Centre for Social Cohesion (CSC) for
a broader study called Islam on Campus, to be published tomorrow. The
authors make it clear that the majority of Muslim students support
secularism and democratic values and are broadly tolerant of others.
However, the CSC points out that the incidence of conservative and
separatist Muslim beliefs has been growing and is more prevalent in young
Muslims than in their parents’ generation. British Muslims used to be much
more moderate.
No doubt views such as that will be denounced as Islamophobic bigotry. No
doubt some will decry the CSC as neoconservative. It is true that in these
sensitive matters it is both important and difficult to know who is who and
why they might say what they do. But one can hardly doubt the findings of
the YouGov survey, and the CSC report gives every appearance of carefully
documented respectability. Everyone, particularly those Muslims of the
moderate, tolerant majority, must be alarmed by this.
University campuses provide excellent recruiting grounds for Islamist
extremists, particularly at the very well organised ISOCs (Islamic Societies
on Campus). That is precisely what happened to several convicted British
Islamist terrorists at universities including the LSE, Brunel, Humberside,
King’s College London, the University of North London and Leicester. Only a
tiny number of Muslim students have actually been drawn into terrorism. Yet
how can young Muslims fit into a liberal western democracy if they believe
things that are intolerant, illegal and, in plain English, unBritish?
One of the most alarming things about the survey is how many young student
Muslims say they are unsure of some central questions. When asked how
supportive, if at all, they would be of the introduction of a worldwide
caliphate based on sharia, fully 42% said they weren’t sure. That’s quite
some uncertainty. One in five wasn’t sure whether Islam is compatible with
the western notion of democracy.
Insecure young people can be swayed by extremists. The question is how to
stand up to the extremists.
First, I think, we should abandon all discussions of what Islam truly is. No
one will ever agree how many infidels can dance on a pin’s head; questions
of true doctrine are insoluble, as Anglicans are proving all too comically
at this very moment. For example, one in six of the nonSunni Muslim students
polled thinks Sunnis are not true believers in Islam, while three in 10
non-Shi’ite respondents think the same about Shi’ites.
Religion is as long as a piece of string; true faith lies in the heart of the
believer and is rarely susceptible to argument. Clearly, for lots of Muslims
Islam is not a doctrine of gentleness, tolerance, sexual equality,
forgiveness, democracy and all the rest. For countless others it clearly is.
What follows inescapably from this is that religious people and their views
should not be officially recognised in groups. Religion should not be
allowed a public space or public representation. This is hard for those of
us who used to love the muddled Anglican compromise; it means the
disestablishment of our national church – if it doesn’t self-destruct
first.
The challenge of other, fiercer and more divisive convictions has forced the
issue; multiculturalism has been subversive. There must be no more religious
schools – personally I would leave those that exist alone. There must
be no public recognition of religious associations as representatives of
anything or anybody: not on campuses, not in student unions, not in
government consultations or in parliament.
So-called religious community leaders, or umbrella groups of religious bodies,
must of course be free to associate as they like in private, in a free
country, but publicly they must be ignored. Publicly they must not teach or
promote illegal prejudices. Forced into the private sphere, denied the
oxygen of publicity, power and influence, highly politicised religious
groups will wither on the vine. Perhaps, in that wonderful phrase of Yeats,
they might even wither into truth.
For the love of sanity, DISESTABLISH THE CHURCH and make it known to all that uniform secular governance is absolute and permanent.
Failing that, grab your hats. It's going to get rough.
Victor Purinton, Cambridge, MA, US
Sorry, Ms Marrin, but for you to assert that "What follows inescapably from this..." you must both prove your first point, and a logical connection to your second.
You don't.
Hopefully, people will be as repelled by your divisive illogical extremism as they are by Islamic versions.
Dr Jason Ward, Cheadle Hulme, Uk
Here are some facts from the report you missed.
Only 4% agreed that it was justifiable to kill "in order to preserve and promote that religion", while 28% agreed with the view that it was justifiable "only if that religion comes under attack, this is where the 1/3 Muslim students headline comes from
Terri Williams, London, United Kingdom
The UK is a tolerant society, Islam is not. The UK wants to understand Islam, Islam does not want to understand the UK. The UK believes it can co exist with Islam, Islam has no interest or desire to co exist with UK society. Tolerance does not exist in Islam, please understand.
Yousef, Dubai, UAE
Marrin claims "According to conventional wisdom, Islam is a religion of peace and compassion."
What nonsense!
Islam means submission!
It is a religion of Arab domination!
Salauddeen, London, UK
Many thanks for the wonderful article ,it can't be more true !
No to the fanatism in any form or mode!
Emil, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
David:"Islam seems to be the fastest growing and tough on crime so perhaps we ought to adopt that?"
I wouldn't be opposed. The UK has long since ceased to be Christian, and worship of God through Islam is better than nothing.
Greg Lorriman, Leatherhead, UK
You can't praise this great liberal democracy and then request a ban on public recognition of religion! This is a dangerous road to go down.
Liz, London, UK
I am a Muslim and I fully oppose extremism, including secular extremism , which you are clearly promoting. The need to celebrate like-mindedness in a group is human instinct, surpress it and injustice will rule. Britain's youth are in dire need of spiritual guidance, which faith groups can offer.
Jamal, London, UK
"A religious society is the best road forward" Well, we're a multicultural society of many, vague, and no gods and if a secular state where none is favoured is not suitable then we need to pick a religion. Islam seems to be the fastest growing and tough on crime so perhaps we ought to adopt that?
David Jones, Loughborough, UK
Minette, you have written one of the truest and most incisive articles I have read for a long time on this vexed subject. I hope that it is read and taken on board by our politicians. We are a secular country and religious schools and privileges should have no place in our society.
David Bennington, Ruislip, UK
I went to a Uni in London where the Muslim society had to be banned as it was so aggressive. They would 'protest' with placards saying 'Muslim supremacy over whites' etc, & spit on the floor when western girls walked past - extremely intimidating. I am not at all surprised by those figures.
Victoria, London, UK
If TO will let me, I’d like to point out, Richard (Bristol), that atheism is dependent on an assumption: that empiricism is the only valid means to discern truth. But that assumption is itself not verifiable by empirical evidence. It is therefore a “faith” position, empirically speaking.
Al, Hastings, UK
Religions are hobbies.
If all religious practices were treated like hobbies by the state, by religious organisations, by religious people themselves, and by atheists, much of the conflict would dissipate, without depriving adults of their human rights of freedom of religion and freedom of speech.
Barry Pearson, Stockport, UK
I agree Minette. It's been the religions who have preached and enforced separatist attitudes since the year dot, simply to protect their own numbers and power bases. The sooner we move away from beliefs grounded in medieval superstition, the better. To quite Jack, 'Why can't we all just get along.'
Darren, Norwich, UK
God does not exist, beliefs and stories have been passed down through ages where things that could not be explained have been explained by a "God". Having faith is convincing the mind that there is someone watching over them and this reduces fears and aids confidence. In short, religion is a crutch.
Nick, London,
It is clear, Minette, that you are swimming against the tide. When high-ranking public officials such as the Archbishop of Canterbury and the most senior judge in the land have spoken in favour of the adoption of Sharia law it must be obvious to all that they are articulating the establishment line
Neil Saunders, London, England
"faith is the belief in something you know 'aint true" Mark Twain. Excellent article Minette.
iain rae, Tunbridge Wells, u.k.
Thank you Minette, one of the most sensible views on the representation of religion in the public sphere that I have read, though it shouldn't need to seem to rely on any 'fundamentalist threat' for validation. The witterings of Mr Lorriman are evidence enough of the dangers of religious 'thinkers'
Kidd Garrett, Bristol, Wessex
Is the irony lost on the students? They are educated and allowed to speak freely by a system they want to over throw in preference for another system that would allow them neither privelage. This is either their weakness or ours?
When they have to go and earn a living they will understand 'truths
chris, UAE,
Islam is gods word, we must follow his word. Alah is great. A true muslim cannot live in a Godless democratic society.
There are to many 'truths' and ultimtums that make it incompatible with the west. Combine that with a growing religious fervour and were done for. Wake up.
bob, dubai,
It's high time the irreligious of all kinds were put in their proper place. Non-Religous views are private views, held by individuals. None of them (inc Dawkins) should be accorded any 'official standing' . A religious society is the best road forward.
Greg Lorriman, Leatherhead, UK
Ban all religions? Simplistic, too easy by half.
Tom Jones, Seattle, USA
i could not agree more!
eric wong , china,
'Religious views are private views' says Steven Elliott.
How dare someone get on their soapbox and presume they have the authority to tell me what to think and how to regard religion. Who gave them superiority?
A bit more humilty, reason, and tolerance please.
Chris, totternhoe,
You cite this nation's "tradition of liberal democracy" - is that the one that sustains our monarchy, maintains the unelected peerage, and within living memory didn't have universal equality on suffrage?
A significant minority of the population think Big Brother is good entertainment - THAT'S scary.
Ed Freshwater, Aberdeen, UK
It's high time that religions of all kind were put in their proper place, in the minds of their respective followers. Religous views are private views, held by individuals. None of them (inc CofE) should be accorded any 'official standing' . A secular society is the best road forward
Steven Elliott, Cowden, United Kingdom
Minette:"Religion should not be allowed a public space or public representation." That's a bit strong. I'm all for a secular state and institutions but consenting adults should surely be free to express themselves in private and in public when operating in their private sphere.
David Jones, Loughborough, UK
Richard:"faith..denies the utility of evidence..revels in its absence"
That's the OED and it's bogus definition "Belief without knowledge". Faith is: God proves his own existence and the recipient freely accepts the revelation, evidently rational. Ironically atheism is to believe the unprovable.
Greg Lorriman, Leatherhead, UK
There are lots of versions of God, they are all born out of geographical mapping, ethnicity, power struggles, economic or political persuasions; to support a certain view or maintain a balance or inbalance within a given society. How can you run a sweetshop, let alone a country with them in mind.
jonners, weybridge,
It is not the dissolution of religious groups thats being called for, but removal of official recognition for their self appointed spokesmen. Where is the logic in calling for Anglican disestablishment and then consulting every hedge priest we can find on important issues?
Eric Skelton, Cardiff, Wales
This notion of banning is basically thought crime. How very liberated that view is. I'm no religious apologist. If anything, I agree with a lot of the article, but the proposed solution is only going to make the "problem" worse.
PB, London, UK
I'm afraid that some respondents have failed to spot the difference between "belief" and "faith". Belief may, or may not, have a logical and/or empirical basis to it; faith explicitly denies the utility of evidence and revels in its absence. Religion is, by definition, a faith and ignores evidence.
Richard, Bristol, UK
There is a world war coming, isn't there? It will be a big one too, but not between nations.
Over the past few years the 'remove religion' calls have become ever more strident. I believe it's near to critical mass.
Better gen up on the Law of Unintended Consequences.
We live in exciting times.
Paul M, Puerto, Spain
I guess you should start by banning all "humanists", earth worshiping enviornmentalists, and materialists. Everyone has some god. Religion comes in all forms, not just spiritual. Read the history of recent tyrants (Hitler and Stalin immediately come to mind). Worshipers in the church sense? NO.
D Swerer, Florissant, CO, USA
This article is disturbingly tyrannical: "dissolve religious groups," "no more religious schools." Apparently, the policies of Nazi Germany in Poland are our model.
The separation of Church and State exists BOTH to protect the State from the Church AND to protect the Church from the State.
Hugo, Atlanta, United States
If all forms of association based on belief in the absence of empirical evidence should be denied public recognition then presumably Minette Marrin should be consistent and apply the same rule to the Labour Party.
Mike, London, UK
All, public, joint activities and institutions should be secular. Religion seems to lead to conflict all around the world, e.g. Middle East, USA, China, etc. All people are kin.
Clare Wenger Hadley, Gwaenysgor, Flintshire, Wales
If you find something subversive you remove the source of that subversion. You do not subvert the thing they were trying to subvert in the first place. To do anything else is the response of someone who knows absolutely nothing about defeating threats to this country.
Arthur, London,
Most Christians have seen this coming for a while!
Lets use the excuse of tackling minority Muslims to eradicate all religion.
But since religion in the large part is a human outworking of faith a realisation will grown that faith has to be eradicated.
And so the persecution begins.
Nathan, Cambridge, UK
A card carrying member of the FFRF are we? Unfortunately, in a technical sense, that is also a religion. It is a belief system that says the world would be better off without belief systems.
Your "doctrine of gentleness ... " has a foundation that your proposal would deny you.
Richard, Colorado, USA
It is so primitive to take religious beliefs literally that I am amazed so many people still actually do. At the end of the day, it boils down to a question of cultural values & if people are bereft of cultural understanding then they are open to all sorts of irrationalities.
ian cheese, london, uk
I see Greg has had his say again - misrepresenting us atheists. Get it right, Greg. We just don't believe fairy stories, especially when told by tricky preachers and based on dodgy writings.
That's got nothing to do with an "I" being a "delusion" (!?!), Greg, however much you twist and turn.
alan, Germany,
What do you mean, only a tiny minority are extremists? How do you know? Have you counted them? If you've found a way of telling exacty which Muslims are 'peaceful' and which are extremists, I urge you to get in touch with the relevant authorities so that we can pinpont them and lock them up.
EO
Eileen O Conor, Cordoba, Spain
I believe this kind of system has been tried in China, North Korea and the USSR. I don't think the reality was as utopic as you suggest.
Al, Stalybridge, UK
Let's see what the result of christianity and other religion's effect on politics? I think you will have a bad result for yourself. Because policy always run by religion.
Azim, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Eradicating religeous groups is not at all a way of putting a fullstop to extremism. We should first find out the real cause behind all this chaos...there are some forces which are backing these groups or in other words they are tiggering extremism through these groups...its a game of big powers....
akseeb, Lahore, Pakistan
Banning Islamic organisations won't work. It's been tried before many times in places like Turkey and the Soviet Union only to fail. What needs to happen to achieve equality in Britain is for the Natives to have their own organisations to defend their rights and culture, like here in Canada.
Matthew, Prince George, Canada
If these students spent a gap year living in a country like Saudia Arabia they'd see first hand what the result of their wishes may be. Western & hard line Islamic values cannot co-exist within the same country. Islamic culture is 500 years behind Christian culture with regard to human rights.
Mike, Alicante, Spain
1)Many charities would have to be dismantled as they are founded on religious principles. 2) There would be fundamental views even if there wasn't religion. 3) Its already been done and failed in countries like China, USSR and N Korea.
Sarah, Chester, Cheshire
This may be the most ridulous article I have ever read on the relationship between Religion and Governments. Why don't you just forbid all associations from public recognition and just let the State be the only recognized value system. Than we all can live in utopia together.
Pat, Chicago, USA
Marrin believes that there is no room for dialogue and understanding between different faiths and ideologies. I see this view to be hostile and extreme.
<br/>A faith is a way of life for many. What is remarkable is that many faiths and ideologies have more in common than what they differ upon.
Miss S.A., London, UK
I've no problem with disestablishment of religion (that's the way we do it here) but I wonder how the reverse might work. That is, taking all religious organizations that are the same size or larger as the CofE and giving them and their leaders the exact same privileges.
Michael, Pueblo, Colorado, US
I am a muslim woman. I study at university, work at the weekend and care for this society I live in. I am polite, kind and friendly to the people I meet every day.
I don't swear, drink or make our streets unsafe and I won't disturb my neighbours peace. I care about people.
Miss S.A, London, UK
Does any other country currently follow the recommendations made here by Minette? If so, what are the results?
David, London
David, London,
Get rid of faith schools, NOW.
Vicky, Exeter, UK
Yes. And while we're at it, we could get rid of the pope as well. Just to be fair, you understand.
k Crawford, Auckland, New Zealand
The British people live by human law, not God's law. There is a reason for this... we cannot prove God exists, but we know that humans do.
Tolerance means allowing people to live their lives based on superstitious beliefs, it doesn't mean allowing those superstitions to inform government policy.
Tim, Edinburgh,
By granting privileges to religious groups in the public sphere society inevitably suffers. The primary objective of each religious group is to increase and to retain its number of followers. When religion plays a large part in public life, increased division and unnecessary expense occur.
Des, Edinburgh,
It only goes to prove that "God" whatever you belive him / her/ it to be is a belief / concept / ideology invented by human beings, and "Religion" is the grouped organisation ad control of those beliefs for social control.
Steve Chapman, Liverpool, Uk
All you are doing is saying athiests are right and the 'religious nuts' are wrong, which is not democracy or freedom. Alternatively you must believe that atheists must also have their views and beliefs oppressed in the name of equality which, again, is not democracy. Your words are pure hypocrisy.
Stuart, Chelmsford, UK
strange ideas: The polls show that there is a high degree of Muslim extremism amongst educated university students in the UK so the writer wants to ban all other religions. I don't see Anglicans chopping off heads in the name of religion or believing that killing in the name of Christianity is OK.
bernard ross, st anns bay, jamaica
the writer needs a course in logic: Islamic extremism should not be taken as a basis for assuming extremism in other religions. PC should not trump common sense.
bernard ross, st anns bay, jamaica
Who will define "illegal prejudices" & "truths"? Using Marrin's fascist premise that would exercise religion from piblic life there should be prohibited on the same basis ALL cults advocating questionable truths/prejudices: political parties, proabortionists, atheistic zealots Nazis/Marxist/Maoists.
Cathy Hansen, Ruckersville, Virginia, USA
Joe:"Stop talking rubbish.."Atheism"..has no political or social ramifications.."
One of its ramifications is that the 'I' is a delusion of a collection of cells. So there is no such thing as murder, as we see in Stalin's Russia. It is irrational because the non-existence of God is unprovable.
Greg Lorriman, Leatherhead, UK
'true faith lies in the heart of the believer and is rarely susceptible to argument'
That would include those whose 'faith' is atheism.
'denied the oxygen of publicity, power and influence, highly politicised religious groups will wither'.
Sorry - tried that in china under Mao, church grew!
Mark, High Wycombe, England
If that is how the feel about their Religion, then fine, if they feel so strongly about their faith, fine.
Return to their Ancestry Country of origin and get on with it. See how long they last. "No Freedom of Speech"
British people of British origin, like their Country just as it is. "BRITISH"
Peter, Stokie, England BRITAIN.
About 3 years ago the Times reported that 10,000 UK Muslims are sympathetic to Al Qaeda; probably more now. The police said 4,000 are under terrorist surveillance, MI5 said 2,000 are a direct terrorist threat. I think these points need adding to this report. 'Minority', perhaps, but substantial.
Joe, Manchester,
Stop talking rubbish, AI from Hastings. "Atheism" is just a critical position and has no political or social ramifications - that is the point about religion.
Joe, Manchester,
"Democracy has contradictions rather like the first rule of tolerance:to suppress intolerance"
Pardon? The second is not a contradiction. The fact that 2 people are both shouting does not mean they are equal . One could be a criminal, the other a policeman.
Joe, Manchester,
The great weakness of the British nation and the reason
for it's decline and breakdown is the Godless-atheist religion
that has been adopted by our rulers, you want to force
evolution, there is no God, man is God, on us just like the
communists did. Thats why Labour is failing.
JESUS is LORD.
Philip, Dorset, U.K.
This is ridiculous. You could use the same logic to get rid of political parties as there are rascist, and intolerant parties. The truth is that England fell away from Judeo-Christian belief and principles, embraced the foreigner and has found that some foreigners, are different and intolerant.
Rantor, Springfield, USA
So the solution to everything is to pretend that there is nothing? Your real name isn't Gordon Brown, by any chance?
Mackie, London,
India saw terrorism at its zenith, with over 20 serial blasts rocking the city of Ahmedabad and Bangalore in two days. It is nothing short of of another 9/11 mayhem... and whom to blame.Streets saw dance macabre, dead and injured lying like heaps of rot. Islamic fundamentalism is destroying peace..
sandy, New Delhi, India
It is time to start ridding this country of all Muslims they are a danger to all of us and it is quite obvious that they do not want to live in a decent and democratic way.
D Case, Newquay,
I left Islam a after trip to Pakistan . The effects of Islam are apparent: Slovenly habits, insecurity of property, women must live as the property of men. Islam paralyses the the social development of Muslims. I read the Quran, the hadiths and the Sirat Rasulallah and that was the final cure.
Nazar Sayyid, London, UK
Democracy has contradictions rather like the first rule of tolerance:to suppress intolerance. Minette may support democracy with one mouth, but the other does not. I doubt she is rational. 30 years ago many in the UK would have agreed with Muslim sentiments. Her 'Britishness' is a fashion.
Greg Lorriman, Leatherhead, UK
Muslims sincerely believe in their religion and try to enforce it by any means. Abrahamic religions (Christianity, Islam and Judaism) are basically intollerant towards each other (and to other faiths); that is the source of their conflict. Europeans are least "religious"; therefore more tolerant.
Fazil, Epsom, UK
People who live with Muslims can say what they really think
Their PR, scholars and 'friendly countries' are selling you spin version which is - love, peace and harmony
With so many Muslims in UK, citizens will learn they only want to dominate and rule the rest of us
That is ideology and not religion
savo, london, uk
Neither should that inverted religion called "atheism" be given the oxygen of publicity - a philosophy not subject to argument, and based on "faith". This fundamentalism should not be rammed down children's throats, which is a form of abuse. In our liberal society, "fair is fair", don't you think?
Al, Hastings, UK
India permits application of Sharia Law for Muslims (at least Muslim Personal Law) and we know the outcome. Maybe we are moving towards the final solution - partition of UK as for India/Pakistan. With so many leading voices claiming for Sharia Law in UK, this day is ot far.
A. Zuber, London, UK
I don't think asked the right questions. Instead of asking why the trend for extremism is on the increase but who is it that is behind the promotion of extremism and what is it that motivates such individuals. It is upsetting to see young British Muslims being influenced in this way.
Graeme, Kent, UK
Many muslims in the Middle-East agree that the more extremist Islamist views are derived from Saudi Islamic teachings. With their huge wealth they have the resources to spread this distorted version of Islam. The solution is simple. Ban Saudi money and Saudi trained Imams from entering Britain.
David Lea-Smith, Edinburgh, U.K.
No corporate body, no international company,no world institute
has courted power and wealth more assiduously than the "Worlds great religions"
Power is their very raison d`etre, without that they are nothing.
Remove all special priveleges,all legal exemptions, every
accepted exception, they die
Peter Bolt, Redditch, UK
This idea that Islam is all cuddly and warm but some people misunderstand it and misbehave is absolute nonsense and anyone holding this ridiculous view has obviously never read the Koran or studied the aHadith.
Peter Barry, Bangkok,
As an ex-Marxist I re-read this article, substituting Marxist for the word "Muslim" throughout and it remains coherent. Humans need their dogma - to think the remedy proferred has any chance of changing human nature is silly.
Jay, Lake Oswego, Oregon, U.S.A.
A call for disestablishment even today is so radical.It's on a par with calling for a secular republic.Religons part in the fabric of a society is so tightly interwoven it 's never simply a case of pulling out a few threads here and there.It's a gordian knot. You'd need a sword.
killian , dublin,
As I read about Islam after 9/11 I was struck by the fact that it has no central authority to speak for it. God is great enough to destroy those he wishes to without help from us mortals, thank you. We presume too much when we seek to impose religion through force.
Allen Thorpe, Orangeville, UT, USA
May I suggest that Minnette Marrin consider an idea that we on the other side of the pond adopted over 200 years ago. Instead of throwing the baby out with the bath water, as Ms. Marrin suggests, why not keep Church and State separate? When one interferes with the other, there is always trouble.
Mike Merrion, Atlanta, USA
No question - Islam and Democracy are incompatible.
If you in the UK allow sharia law to be introduced it will be a disaster for your country in the long term.
Democracy allows all citizens to live together despite their beliefs - Islam does not.
Brian B, Morayfield, Australia
For 20 years+ this country and way-of-life has been subverted by this cancer of multi-culturalism. Ask them whether they think their views are conducive to living in a secular, western, democratic country. And follow it by inviting them to go and live in a place that is conducive to their beliefs.
Jeremy, London, UK
Young Muslims are becoming more radical ?
Ever think that when you use titles like this "To beat extremism we must dissolve religious groups," that maybe your reaping what you sow ?
phil mckie, Birmingham, uk
This is a brilliant article. Good show.
Reis Kash, Springfield, Oregon, U.S.A.
You can't beat something with nothing. The churches must make spreading the true message of peace, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, a higher priority.
Joel H., Evans, GA, USA
Quite right, all of the established religions are based on medieval ignorance and prejudices and silly superstitions. If people who believed in horoscopes were to band together to exert pressure over policy they would be laughed at. Why are the religious indulged? Private beliefs should stay private
Paul Owen, Birmingham, UK
MInett's solution may not be perfect but at least it gives a clear signal to the disaffected: the majority is no longer tolerant. More violence or further Islamization inflicted to the nation will be detested, if not retributed.
James Wong, Macau,
Great idea to deny religious organisations the oxygen of publicity. Faith should be a personal relationship with one's god and one should seek out guidance rather than have belief jammed down one's throat.
"Religion" must be properly defined. How is Islam, for example, different from a cult?
SMITH, Kent,
I applaud Minette's offering concrete solutions.
I disagree, however, that extremist views will disappear if forced into the private sphere.
On the contrary, if sent underground these views and those who spread them will flourish. These voices must be rooted out and muzzled.
John F, London,
I agree with your goals but your method is unworkable. The Soviet Union made a similar effort and had no success. WIth a group as disaffected as Muslims, driving them underground would only radicalise them further. I don't have a solution, but yours is worse than the status quo. Sorry.
Scot, Dubai, UAE
And I thought the Campus was recruiting ground for Socialism.Fundamentalism was originally applied to protestants.We are all at sea here,but thankfully ,overlooking christian/Catholic/Methodist/Jewish and Sharia we have "The Law" which is or should be supreme over "all" our lives[Despite this Govt]
david, Barnsley, England
Religion is the Worlds Cancer, lets change things,
Start with the charitable status, move on to the hate
propagated by religious sects, next can be the discrimination against women, bring them under the full jurisdiction of the state/law [no protecting pedophiles] stop genital mutilation, etc.et
Winslow, Toronto, Canada
You know it, I know it, but how do we get our government to not only know it but act upon it?
Jaimie, Scarborough, England
It is the undermining of the religion of this country, Christianity, that has allowed Islam to gain its dangerous foothold. Disestablishment of the Church would leave a vacumn for Sharia.
You don't protect a home by removing its foundations then hoping the burglars won't enter by the basement.
ew, uk,
Wow students who hold controversial and unfounded socio-political views.
Joseph Rogers, Warwick, UK
Publicly they must not teach or promote illegal prejudices.
What about legal prejudice, ginger, short, deaf etc. Why should official lines of like / dislike exist. What is the difference?
Michael, Barnsley, UK