How liberal views compare with Palestinians in Gaza, with some examination of religion under Sharia law.
Sharia’s Shadow
Saudi Arabia, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Sudan, Yemen, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia, Nigeria, Mauritania, Maldives, Somalia, and Gaza since the control of Hamas in 2007 have enacted Sharia law in various forms. If progressive liberals think they have it bad here in America, they should take a good look at how their worldview is dealt with in those countries. Progressive liberals are in support of a land that has in part enacted Sharia law. Specifically the Gaza area in which progressive liberals stand with being part of something called Palestine.
Gaza operates under a legal system that is influenced by Islamic Sharia law, particularly since Hamas took control in 2007. Gaza still operates under a framework where Sharia influences legislation, particularly in personal and family law, but it’s not a full-blown Sharia state like Saudi Arabia. Hamas has faced criticism and challenges in enforcing strict Islamic law uniformly due to diverse public opinion, economic issues, and the blockade’s impact on daily life. Sharia still plays a significant role in Gaza, particularly in personal status matters and public morality.
Sharia Law Through the Lens of American Liberalism
In American culture, progressive liberals feel they champion individual rights, gender equality, and freedom of expression. This worldview, however, often finds itself at odds with Sharia law, the legal framework derived from Islamic teachings, which in some interpretations, can significantly challenge these liberal ideals.
Freedom of Expression vs. Blasphemy
Sharia’s Stance
Under Sharia, blasphemy against Islam can be a severe crime, potentially punishable by death in extreme interpretations (Quran 5:33). This directly conflicts with the American First Amendment’s protection of free speech, where even criticism of religion is safeguarded.
Christian Contrast
Christianity, while historically sensitive to blasphemy (Leviticus 24:16), has evolved through interpretations like those in Matthew 5:44, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” promoting dialogue over punishment.
Gender and Sexual Orientation
Islamic Law
Sharia, as applied in some contexts, can limit women’s rights in inheritance, testimony, or divorce (Quran 4:11-12, 2:282). Moreover, traditional interpretations often do not recognize or support same-sex relationships (Quran 7:80-81).
In some countries where Sharia law is practiced, there are legal provisions that can theoretically lead to the death penalty, including beheading, for homosexual acts. However, actual instances of this punishment are exceedingly rare or non-existent. The enforcement of Sharia varies widely, with many countries preferring imprisonment or flogging over capital punishment for such offenses.
Liberal Ideals
Progressives advocate for gender equality, including equal rights in all legal spheres, and full acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community, principles starkly contrasted by some Sharia practices.
Christian Perspective
Although most common sense interpretation of the Bible views same sex relationships as a sin, the severity of response differs than Countries that practices Sharia law, such as 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Separation of Church and State
Sharia’s Influence
In countries where Sharia is fully implemented, there’s no clear separation between religious and civil law; religion governs both personal and public life. This conflicts with the American principle of church-state separation, where religious law does not dictate public policy.
Christian Doctrine
Christianity, particularly in its modern interpretations, supports the idea of rendering unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and unto God what is God’s (Matthew 22:21), advocating for a distinction between spiritual and temporal authority. This aligns with liberal views on secular governance. However progressive liberals are upset that Christian lawmakers, who have been elected in a democratic way, have written laws more aligned with Biblical values.
Criminal Justice and Human Rights
Punishments
Some Sharia interpretations include corporal punishments like flogging or amputation, which are antithetical to American legal standards that prioritize rehabilitation over retribution.
Christian Mercy
The Bible advocates for mercy, with Jesus teaching forgiveness over vengeance in stories like the woman caught in adultery (John 8:7), where he says, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” This narrative supports a justice system focused on redemption, more in line with progressive ideals.
A Path of Harmony?
The clash between Sharia law and American progressive liberalism isn’t just about legal systems but about deeply ingrained views on morality, justice, and human dignity. Christianity, through its scriptures, offers a narrative of love and forgiveness. However, it’s important to acknowledge that interpretations within both Islam and Christianity vary widely, and many Muslims advocate for a more progressive interpretation of Sharia that aligns with modern human rights standards. And that topic deserves an altogether separate article.
