19th May, 2017.

Recently saw most excellent programme on the origin of modern Islamic terrorism – from historical perspective and interpretations of parts of the Quran.

As it happened also on the same day looked-up the meaning of the phrase ‘post-modernism’ having heard it used glibly on news media a thousand times as if we all knew exactly what was meant it, but never having been sure myself. I’m not sure I’m much the wiser, but it seems to mean that in an age of information overload emotive responses can be more ‘relevant’ than those based on facts. Had also recently heard the phrase ‘post-truth’ which is now in the dictionary, and seems to mean something similar.

With the Quran being the most holy book of the Islamic religion some would argue that whatever is there stated is truth. Christianity has its more fundamental adherants who are of the same opinion re the Bible, although the Bible is a collection of writings the historiography of which spanned many centuries.

So in some respects it would seem wise to be more suspicious of ‘post-modernism’ than fundamental religion because at least the latter claims importance for ‘The Truth’.

I agree that search for the Truth is fundamental to Life but that an unquestioning adherence to ancient religious texts is misguided and the ‘Rule of Law’ should be take precedence. The search for Truth comprises rational thought and experiment unshackled by convention, tradition or fear.