The Swiss are now known for 4 good things!

[bomelia]

Originally Posted by Jamo

My friend...a little history. Several orthodox Christian faiths have maintained churches and monastic facilities in the Middle East for centuries...well before Islamic faiths became dominant in the region. For example, the Armenian Orthodox Church has major religious centers in just about every country in the region, including Syria, Iraq and Iran. I have folks in Tehran who have never been bothered by anyone from Ringo's forces.

Course...the Eastern Orthodox Christians didn't go a viking on any crusades...they already lived in the region.

I am talking about today, not several eons ago. I realize there are Christian churches in the Islamic world. But today, the very idea of "diversity" in faith does not exist in the ME. In fact, I would think that the way these churches and mosques got mixed together is related to who won the last war.

Mike

[Jamo]

Originally Posted by bomelia

I am talking about today, not several eons ago. I realize there are Christian churches in the Islamic world. But today, the very idea of "diversity" in faith does not exist in the ME. In fact, I would think that the way these churches and mosques got mixed together is related to who won the last war.

Mike

Mikie...the spread of Islam did in fact win the war. They even stopped the Khan's offspring. But rather than destroy the Orthodox Christian (and Jewish, as a matter of fact) institutions, they protected them. You might want to read up on it a bit.

If fact, Catholic crusaders even attacked Orthodox Christians.

Not suggesting that everything is muy perfecto throughout the region, but let's not broadbrush reality to fit an argument.

As for the Swiss...a hoorah moment, nothing more.