There are several political arguments over terrorist attacks lately. Some of them have to do with how to respond while the loudest seem involved in what to call it. Is it Islamic Extremism? Are they just radicals? A new term I heard from the State Department recently was “extremists acting in the name of Islam.” So the argument is “Are these extremists acting out the full expression of their religion? Are they Muslim in name only taking radical views to warped ends? Or are they just murderers wearing a mask of Islam to throw off those meddling kids?”
The common thread in this argument is extremism. The definition of an “extremist,” according to www.dictionary.com is (1.) a person who goes to extremes, especially in political matters, or (2.) a supporter or advocate of extreme doctrines or practices.
Now, let’s walk this back. I think things start to get murky when we look at the term “moderate.” The same dictionary says a moderate is “a person who is moderate in opinion or opposed to extreme views and actions, especially in politics or religion.” So this could mean a person who believes like an extremist, but doesn’t take that belief to the same ends, or a person who may generally believe the same but draws a definitive line in the sand where their beliefs end. Without getting myself into trouble, I think it’s fair to say liberals steadfastly believe moderate Muslims are opposed to the suicide bombers and the ones who behead their supposed enemies while conservatives ask where the moderate outrage is. I don’t know the percentage here, but I believe there are many moderates who support extremism but simply haven’t picked up a gun yet.
Let’s step out of the terrorism debate and look at extremism in general. The same terms I believe can be applied to any group of likeminded believers. You might believe capitalism is the best economic system. You vote for politicians who proclaim likewise, encourage your children to learn the value of a dollar by earning one, and maybe call in to your local newspaper’s opinion line when it seems someone in power is acting outside of capitalistic ideals. An extremist may start a company or run for office to make sure capitalism remains the nation’s operating economic system.
How about an emotional example? Who and what do you love? Who do you hate? Are you a moderate and if so, what kind? If you take your views to the extreme, would you hurt someone, or many? Does your child seem to harbor resentment for anyone that could lead to extreme action?
Extremism isn’t the problem. I think this may be what Jesus was getting at when he said, “…whoever looks at a woman to desire her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” We need radicals and extremists. We need Martin Luther King’s and Galileo’s and Tesla’s and Washington’s. We don’t need extremists who slaughter and moderates who quietly support them.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Extremist, the four-letter word