Charlie Hebdo? Those teenage graffiti artists are not engaged in serious theological, philosophical, historical, political, anthropological or sociological engagement with Islam.
I am the first to say that that needs to be very highly critical. But this is just abuse, deliberately in order to provoke a reaction from the abused, whom the abusers know perfectly well are obliged in their own terms to react.
However, that reaction has a very pronounced effect on other people, far more so than on the abusers themselves. These adolescents affecting to be serious satirists, and satire is a very serious business, are a danger to the safety of French citizens generally.
Therefore, the French State has not merely the right, but the duty, to restrain them accordingly.
I am the first to say that that needs to be very highly critical. But this is just abuse, deliberately in order to provoke a reaction from the abused, whom the abusers know perfectly well are obliged in their own terms to react.
However, that reaction has a very pronounced effect on other people, far more so than on the abusers themselves. These adolescents affecting to be serious satirists, and satire is a very serious business, are a danger to the safety of French citizens generally.
Therefore, the French State has not merely the right, but the duty, to restrain them accordingly.
For "serious theological, philosophical, historical, political, anthropological or sociological engagement with Islam," they would need to read your books.
ReplyDeleteYou are very kind.
ReplyDeleteAs I said, it is highly critical.
The first one, which has a chapter on the relationship between Hellenism and Semitism including in relation to Islam, has a preface by one of the world's most influential theologians. The second one, which has a chapter on the Middle East, comes recommended by him again as well as by this country's leading Jewish political philosopher. No schoolboy humour here.
ReplyDeleteNo, indeed.
ReplyDeleteI think you were very generous to John Milbank, letting him endorse your second book when he doesn't even have a peerage yet.
ReplyDeleteThat was why I didn't ask Kamm.
ReplyDeleteBut come on, on topic, please.