Pope Francis’s response to the killing of a French priest puzzled some. But it pointed to the true nature of Christian witness.
islamic terrorism
Holy terror
Secularists from Voltaire to Richard Dawkins have attacked religion for its connection to violence. Karen Armstrong flatly rejects the idea.
I watched on TV as Muslims at a conference were confronted by protesters carrying American flags and signs: “America is a Christian Nation. Muslims Are Not Welcome!”
We don’t have to choose between solidarity with victims of violence and with religious minorities. But the latter may be more challenging work.
The vast majority of Muslims in France hail from former colonies in Africa. Of all of the relationships, the one with Algeria is the most fraught.
"Terrorism is not nearly as widespread as many people feared it would be after 9/11," says Charles Kurzman.