What awful news about your friend. :-( I am so sorry. Hugs

Phobe and phobia are indeed misused. And being "politically correct" has also become overused. So let's put this in perspective. Now is when I will begin stepping on toes. I have no regrets and seek no forgiveness for the truth that I'm about to expose. Christians have also done abominable things in history. So what the radical Muslims are doing just adds to the abominations that man made religion has inflicted on humanity. We should take these lessons and give the radicals a total lesson in justice. To hell with all the phobias and offending others !!!! We need to mature as a species !!!! Black Hawk I sincerely hope you hear from your friend soon. And you are welcome to rant as much as you need to help you deal with this stressful time. As for all zealots and the mealy mouthed weakling that refuse to deal with this world's problems. I'll see you in the afterlife. I'll be one the soldiers that accompany the Final Force of Love. That is the Force that will End Hell once and for all. When that day comes , I'll be one of those ending the abominable souls for all eternity. What remains after the final Victory is an existence in a pure state. Love will be all there is left. Till then Black Hawk just know your rants are not for nothing. You are right to have the feelings that you have. And I'll fight to make sure that your right to express them freely is never taken away. Peace to you and all your loved ones. You're a wonderful person to be so concerned.

Religion. It's given people hope in a world torn apart by religion.
Jon Stewart

I do not fear Islam because I have nothing to say against it and no need or desire to fight for dominance of my own beliefs and practices. However, today's biggest bully -- global pluralism -- essentially considers all non-pluralists "terrorists" and has declared war against them...

From: "President Declares 'Freedom at War with Fear'"
Office of the Press Secretary, September 20, 2001
Address to a Joint Session of Congress and the American People
United States Capitol, Washington, D.C., 9:00 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT:
... Every nation, in every region, now has a decision to make: Either you are with us* [who believe in progress and pluralism, tolerance and freedom], or you are with the terrorists. (Applause.)
... This is not, however, just America's fight. And what is at stake is not just America's freedom. This is the world's fight. This is civilization's fight. This is the fight of *all who believe in progress and pluralism, tolerance and freedom...
... We are in a fight for our principles ... [progress and pluralism, tolerance and freedom].
... The advance of human freedom - the great achievement of our time, and the great hope of every time - now depends on us. Our nation - this generation - will lift a dark threat of violence from our people and our future. We will rally the world to this cause by our efforts, by our courage. We will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail. (Applause.)
It is my hope that in the months and years ahead, life will return almost to normal ...
==end of excerpt==

I grieve with you over the loss of your friend.

So sorry about the loss of your friend. Wishing you peace.

So sorry of the news you heard about your friend. prayers for his family and you too.

I am so very sorry for your loss. I wish this had not come to pass.

I do not understand a hatred so intense, a desire to dominate so complete, that the killing of innocent people becomes something that is just, something to be celebrated, something to die for.

Yes, Christianity committed some very horrendous acts in the past. But that is just that, they were in the past. Christians no longer believe that it is OK to kill somebody for having the incorrect beliefs. Gone are the days when a person would be put to death for suggesting that the earth revolved around the sun.

Now Islam is flexing its power, and they have a list of things that require the death penalty. Just like Christians did some 500 years ago.

Can I as a Christian condemn the actions of a religion that reflect what mine was 500 years ago?

I believe I can.

I was not part of what happened 500 years ago. Do I have ancestors who killed other in the name of Christ 500 years ago? Do I have ancestors who were killed in the name of Christ 500 years ago?

I suspect that the answers to both questions is "Yes".

So what do we do?

I think we need to draw a line. But how we phrase the line is very important.

And I don't know how to phrase it. Every time I try it falls very short.

So here are two sources I'm using:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKiqthx0GKw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwUGSYDKUxU

But how do we get there from here?

Peace

Prayers for his family a b day you too. I hope you have memories of great conversations with him to help ease your grief. So sorry it ended this way.

I am sorry for the loss of your friend.

So very sorry.

Blackhawk I am so sorry to learn your friend was killed! Such a shame!

BH,

I'm so very sorry for your loss and that your friend lost his life in such a horrendous way. I am praying for his family and for you and all of those who loved him. I'm praying for all in Brussels and everywhere who were/are affected by this senseless tragedy.

((((((((((((( COMFORTING HUGS )))))))))))))

LMT

Please call me when you are up to it honey. I'm always here for you! Much love and many hugs.

All I have is contempt for those who originate from that part of the world. They are succeeding in brewing global hatred and the innocent are collateral damage. I work with several people from that area of the world...Ive met wifes husbands and children. I harbor no ill will to these people but I now have a certain amount of contempt that has manifested and my trust has been all but shattered. The first 2 casualties. Thank you everyone this story has ended my fears justified...whats done is done! They have made an enemy of me.