Sharia "update" for the Maldives
Reader comment on item: [Paul H. Robinson:] U Penn Prof for Shari'a

Submitted by Steven Mandel (United States), Jul 28, 2004 at 01:12

I love Pipes. His strong forthright support of principle and defence of truth have long been inspirational. However, I cannot support his condemnation of Robinson's acceptance of this project.

Professor Robinson is clearly a seasoned and committed expert. Major players in Maldive society have reached out to him. If sincere, they appear to have made an excellent choice. If not, as Robinson points out, they have bought themselves a heap of trouble.

Let's not prejudge his efforts. The folks who gave us the Koran share fundemental values and views of human nature with those who gave us the Gospels, the Torah, and many other attempts to guide us to the one. This does not absolve those who pervert the message. But let us not roundly condem all the faithful who seek to live a more truely rightous life. And what could be more fudamental than the societal meteing out of punishment? If these brothers want help in codifying a contemporary view of punishment I salute them, and Professor Robinson for agreeing to help.
Steven Mandel

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