The Clash of Civilisations

A parable for our time (via):

A friendship-building football match between Muslim and Christian clergy in Norway was called off after a row over the participation of women players.

Muslim Imams had refused to play against women because it went against their beliefs about close physical contact with the opposite sex.

But when the church decided to drop its women players, the priests' team captain walked out in protest.

The game was meant to be an enjoyable end to a day-long conference in Oslo.

Members of the two faiths had been discussing ways of encouraging greater inter-faith dialogue at the "Shoulder to Shoulder" event.

Comments

[DaninVan]

I'm suggesting Beach Volleyball as an alternative ...no contact (at least not during the game ;) )http://www.volleyball-pictures.com/Pictures/476.jpg

[Mr Grumpy]

In this instance my sympathies are more with the Muslims than with my fellow Christians. Since when is mixed football a mandatory feature of Western culture?

[DaninVan]

I'm sort of with 'Mr. Grumpy' on that point. There's something intrinsically wrong with including both genders in full contact sports like hockey, rugby, and lacrosse. I have no problem with women playing the sports, just not in the same match as guys.
It's not the sexual aspect but rather the dilution of the respect for women that I had drilled into me by my very traditional parents. It's a short road from getting checked into the boards by a female, to smacking one when she gets in your face outside the rink...
Just my opinion.