Young’s warning of Christian nationalism timely for all faiths

It is timely and important that the clergy of various faiths take up this important issue of Christian nationalism. In a recent guest column, Rev. Cathy Young delivered a bold message of concern and gives historic and current examples of this threat. Her message applies to all faiths including my own. I am a Muslim from Cedar Rapids and have been aware of this not only because it is happening in my home state but globally with obvious different groups moving to extremes.

Muslims have our own brand of extremism and nationalistic leaders globally. Although we do not like to discuss it, all religions have some sort nationalistic groups either based upon supremacy or other radical ideologies. Why this is happening worldwide and in particularly now would be an immense project to write on and I am sure someone perhaps has already written volumes on this subject.

Most recently in Israel the newly installed government is a hard right wing ultranationalist group that is being challenged daily by mass demonstrations. This form of their current government has created policies that are anti-democratic and are demonstrating many of the things Rev. Young alludes to, though in state form and even more dangerous. We must as individuals and as a nation recognize the warning signs of this global trend and make sure our local politicians and representatives combat and denounce this extreme ideology before it takes hold. Voters, beware of what you ask for. You may have deep regrets.

Kamel Aossey

Minnetonka, Minn.