2
POPSSaudi Arabia bans sale of dogs, cats in capital This reminds me of the old joke, "Why do Baptists disapprove of sex? It could lead to dancing." This is an example of religious governance leading to interference in what should be totally secular areas of life. Of course we in the west pamper and coddle our pets, and often react with revulsion at the notion that there are places in the world where dogs are food animals. It's slightly more understandable in the case of dogs, because Islam considers them unclean, but that doesn't explain the ban on cats as well. The story about the Chinese emperor who cut the sleeve from a priceless robe rather than disturb his sleeping kitten has also been told about Mohammed. The article also fails to explain why the law applies only to men. If they realized that by allowing women to own pets, they have a privelege men don't, the entire fabric of Saudi society could come unraveled.
2
POPSChristian Cathedrals vs Muslim Mosques I have a feeling that Munich is probably not alone in their concern (call it what you will), but do find it interesting that more are speaking out about it. In the long run, I wonder where 'speaking out' will eventually take this issue. Is it actually fear based? Or is it a feeling of being 'pushed out?' Or is it merely prejudice? Probably all of the above.