Ann Barnhardt and Sam Harris: Cut From The Same Cloth

Watch Ann Barnhardt burn the 'Quran'. She claims that Islam is a religion of evil. She argues that Christians wouldn't feel bad if their Bible was burned, but would feel bad and therefore pray for those whose hearts are filled with evil and hatred. Yes, she would probably pray, but she went on to burn the Quran. So much for Christian forgiveness.

Sam Harris, the author of The End of Faith*, does not burn the Quran or the Bible, for he has a better idea. He does it philosophically. He argues that it is dangerous to uphold any beliefs that have no evidence or is hostile towards any empirical evidence that could prove once and for all the truth or falsity of such beliefs. These beliefs, if they were to be strictly followed, would entice fundamentalists to wage war - physically and mentally - against those who do not open their eyes and bow down to their superior beliefs. For as long as the people of faith insist on holding irrational and unreasonable tenets of faith, there would be no chance for understanding, dialogue, and good will among people.

If Sam Harris intended to change people's minds and hearts, especially those of the people of faith, then he's in for a surprise. It just won't work. It would work only on those who have already decided on their own to not believe in any or all the tenets of faith. Their numbers may or may not be growing. But, certainly, his criticisms of any religion would give the believers another reason for holding their ground.

I am reminded of a story of two different kind of truth sayers who took different approaches to teaching the people. Their story went this way: One of them went to the townspeople and told them outright that their beliefs and knowledge were very wrong. They killed him. The other person went to the townspeople, adapted to their ways, and respected their ways of doing things. Eventually, the people learned to trust, respect and even to love him. It was then that the people agreed to listen carefully and respectfully when he decided that it was time to teach them the right ways of living and doing.

If you intend to change people's lives, you first have to respect them, and follow up with genuine actions of respect and understanding.

But, I have you know that it's a tough act to follow.



*You can read the summary of 'The End of Faith". But I suggest that you read the book (pdf).