Friday, September 15, 2006

Rapture, Muslim-style

In a previous post, I commented on the messianic tone that seems to be rising in Bush's recent speeches; the battle between good and evil, the "third awakening of religious devotion", etc. This kind of talk is irritating when it's coming from some nut ranting on a street corner, but when it comes from the leader of the free world, it's absolutely frightening. It seems especially dangerous given the similar proclivities of perceived "enemy" countries like Iran -- they have the return of the 12th Imam, their own version of the good versus evil/end-of-times/rapture scenario. Unfortunately, urged on by Iran's theocratic government, this world view is gaining traction. Ugh.

(via andrew sullivan)