Dr. Kimball gently and with humor led the audience through a history of his own family and then into his 25-plus years of learning first hand about the religion we call Islam. His educational credentials factor into his speaking skills and give us a long-term picture of the Islamic religion being taken in a direction that has not helped it in the eyes of the world.
While our country and allies planned and executed a ‘brilliant’ military campaign, it has left the Afghans and Iraqis in a position of extreme vulnerability and confused about their own future and resources. Dr. Kimball has reminded all of us that we are under constant suspicion and that arrogance is especially hurtful. A more broad participation by more nations to rebuild infrastructure and make these countries secure could allow humanitarian efforts to go forth more smoothly.
Dr. Kimball’s speech sparked a response from a Muslim gentleman in the audience who said the explanation of Islam was of such clarity that many Muslims could not do it as well.
His recent book. “When Religion Becomes Evil,” could help us understand how this phenomenon occurs. Dr. Kimball observes that the process of democratization, if successful, can take several decades to achieve. But he also says the United States is an example of many religions and ethnicities living together in a cooperative way, respecting individual rights. At the same time, he warns that religion and governing often do not work well together in sharing power.
Nancy J. Wilson
West End
