The Swiss don't like minarets

[Saaf_laandon_mo]

Originally Posted by Chris

They don't need them, according to a number of people phoning in to Jeremy Vine on R2 this afternoon - but it's a traditional part of the architecture of the building. A church building doesn't need a spire or a tower either, but (in this country at least) whether the building has one is a matter for the building's designers, coupled with any local planning concerns. Not a national opinion poll called at the behest of a minorty political party stuffed with closet fascists.

Yep - mosques do not need a minaret. Traditionally the call for prayer is said by climbing to the top of the minaret and saying it from there (or as it's more common nowadays, to have speakers there playing the call for prayer).

I do find it suprising that its become a law. Seems like to some, even 4 minarets are 4 too many.

Originally Posted by Chris

And what power do the symbols represent?

Chris, a symbol holds as much power as the people invest in it.

[Gary L]

Originally Posted by Chris

How do you go to war against a religion though?

It would be a war against those who are the majority of being that religion.

And what power do the symbols represent?

Islam power. it can be seen as them imposing their culture and customs on us.

[papa smurf]

Originally Posted by Saaf_laandon_mo

Yep - mosques do not need a minaret. Traditionally the call for prayer is said by climbing to the top of the minaret and saying it from there (or as it's more common nowadays, to have speakers there playing the call for prayer).

I do find it suprising that its become a law. Seems like to some, even 4 minarets are 4 too many.

perhaps Islam should concentrate on building a few bridges [starting with rooting out radicals] then may be they might find others more accommodating,i think there is a lot of fear of Islam in the world brought about by a few organizations hell bent on conflict.

[Pierre]

I'm in favour of it,

I think mosques with full on middle eastern architecture (Golden domed roofs with a crescent moon on top, minarets, etc) look completely out of place in this country, and are a slight on the eye.

And, in my opinion, are a two fingers up to the people of the town.

I drive past a mosque in West Yorkshire everyday that is in an old converted mill, blends in naturally with it surroundings

I think the main point here is that a vote by the people has decided they do not want muslim culture imposed on them.They wish to maintain their own individuality ,and lets face it they are very isolationalist.The problem their government have now is how to intergrate muslims into a society that quite clearly doesn't want them

[soicky]

Originally Posted by papa smurf

perhaps Islam should concentrate on building a few bridges [starting with rooting out radicals] then may be they might find others more accommodating,i think there is a lot of fear of Islam in the world brought about by a few organizations hell bent on conflict.

How exactly does a religion build bridges?

[Gary L]

Originally Posted by martyh

I think the main point here is that a vote by the people has decided they do not want muslim culture imposed on them.They wish to maintain their own individuality ,and lets face it they are very isolationalist.The problem their government have now is how to intergrate muslims into a society that quite clearly doesn't want them

We fear Islam and they want us to fear Islam. I think it is a good thing that society were allowed their say.

it would never happen here though.

[papa smurf]

Originally Posted by martyh

I think the main point here is that a vote by the people has decided they do not want muslim culture imposed on them.They wish to maintain their own individuality ,and lets face it they are very isolationalist.The problem their government have now is how to intergrate muslims into a society that quite clearly doesn't want them

the thing is their government gave them a vote on the subject ,wonder what the outcome would be in the UK ? ,not that we actually will ever get to give our opinion.

---------- Post added at 16:49 ---------- Previous post was at 16:47 ----------

Originally Posted by soicky

How exactly does a religion build bridges?

a good starting place would be to condemn the nutters and disassociate themselves from them ,and to be seen to be doing it on a world wide scale , that's just a thought .

Originally Posted by soicky

How exactly does a religion build bridges?

by making a few concessions instead of labeling all non believers infidels
and as Papa smurf pointed out if they rooted out the radicals or at least helped us to do it then they might get thought of a bit better

or did you mean building a new bridge in workington?

Originally Posted by papa smurf

a good starting place would be to condemn the nutters and disassociate themselves from them ,and to be seen to be doing it on a world wide scale , that's just a thought .

Many do. It's just it doesn't get reported because there are people, some on this forum, who are simply hateful and nasty who prefer their black-and-white view of Islam. The stories of Scary Muslims sell better than the ones where someone makes the issue more complicated than their brains can handle.

Besides it's doesn't really encourage them to feel part of society when issues like this come up.

[soicky]

Originally Posted by papa smurf

the thing is their government gave them a vote on the subject ,wonder what the outcome would be in the UK ? ,not that we actually will ever get to give our opinion.

---------- Post added at 16:49 ---------- Previous post was at 16:47 ----------



a good starting place would be to condemn the nutters and disassociate themselves from them ,and to be seen to be doing it on a world wide scale , that's just a thought .

Islam is not a person. It's a religion which is followed by 1 billion people. How many of the 1 billion would have to speak out?

Many muslims have spoken out about the extremists who use Islam for their own purpose. Maybe you should do your own research and find out.

Originally Posted by Damien

Many do. It's just it doesn't get reported because there are people, some on this forum, who are simply hateful and nasty who prefer their black-and-white view of Islam. The stories of Scary Muslims sell better than the ones where someone makes the issue more complicated than their brains can handle.

Besides it's doesn't really encourage them to feel part of society when issues like this come up.

yes, but the idea is to become part of whichever society they have moved to,intergrate into it, merge themselves into it,not just rebuild downtown Bagdag in the middle of the swiss alps or the yorkshire moors

[papa smurf]

Originally Posted by soicky

Islam is not a person. It's a religion which is followed by 1 billion people. How many of the 1 billion would have to speak out?

Many muslims have spoken out about the extremists who use Islam for their own purpose. Maybe you should do your own research and find out.

i assume this religion has leaders and when leaders speak others follow
an example of this in another religion is[ the pope says don't do this ]and millions of Catholics obey.

[soicky]

Originally Posted by papa smurf

i assume this religion has leaders and when leaders speak others follow
an example of this in another religion is[ the pope says don't do this ]and millions of Catholics obey.

Your assuming Islam has leaders. Who might these leaders be?