Although we've discussed veils in the past concerning Catholic women in the pews, now a Muslim convert in France is enlisting the Virgin Mary in her defense of the burqa -- as France debates a proposed ban on veils for all women. While I stand by all the arguments I made here (on a secular blog) I find it even more offensive from a religious standpoint that Muslims are allowed to pick and choose from Christianity what will bolster their arguments for their faith. We don't like that "cafeteria" mentality in our own pews, much less from folks outside the fold. Furthermore, to follow the thread of "what Mary did/wore/said" leaves out the bulk of who she really was and what we owe to her in terms of our salvation (and one doesn't even want to peek into the Islamic view of Jesus' conception, which is too vulgar for words).
As a convert myself, I understand the zealousness involved in embracing a new world view, but unfortunately the Muslima interviewed by the Beeb managed to throw most of the French under the bus along with any coherent Mariology. And sadly, no Christians in Europe have responded with a defense of the faith.

Give Islam an inch and it will take a yard and then swath you in it to obliterate your identity. Sadly most Catholics seem to be ecu-maniacs willing to do the DHIMMI DANCE. This site is a refreshing breath of fresh, free air!
Posted by: AvantiBev | Monday, 01 February 2010 at 02:10 PM
Great piece. Clearly, Our Lady would never support the oppression of women. While Islam does show great regard for the Virgin Mary, it must be understood, as you allude to, that Islam's Theology/Mariology is seriously flawed and should be viewed through that prism.
Kathy
Posted by: Faith on the High Wire | Sunday, 07 February 2010 at 08:26 AM