November 2003

Turning Point

Sayyid Qutb, an Egyptian nationalist, was executed for treason in 1966.

This man, who initially 'wore his religion lightly', visited the USA in 1948 and found the 'land of the free and the home of the brave' to be divided, degenerate and in constant need of psychotherapy. Of the typical American, he wrote, "His behavior reminds us of the era of the caveman. He is primitive in the way he lusts after power, ignoring ideals and manners and principles." Qutb chose not to remain to complete his doctoral studies.

On his return to Egypt he advocated rejection of 'degenerate' western values. He wrote extensively about an ideal Islamic state free from such 'materialism and sexual anarchy'. To him, drugs, alcohol, the need for incessant 'partying' and 'easy' sexual relations seemed more like enslavement than freedom. The Society of Moslem Brothers promulgated his writings, which put him in direct conflict with President Abdul Nasser. His most influential book Milestones, was written illicitly in prison. It begins:

"Mankind today is on the brink of a precipice. Humanity is threatened not only by nuclear annihilation but by the absence of values. The West has lost its vitality, and Marxism has failed. At this crucial and bewildering juncture, the turn of Islam and the Muslim community has arrived."

Qutb's writings proved a fertile soil for the growth of an Islamic dream. Moslems desiring a future free from the worst aspects of western culture have rallied to his call.

John Doyle's four-part TV drama Turning Point, which featured on ABC recently, raised a range of issues relevant to all Australians, but especially young ones. The story is about Hal and his peers, who finished school last year and are not all gainfully employed. They are nevertheless able to party often, enjoying alcohol and other drugs. These are easily available in their town. Many of Hal's peers use the 'f' word as their only adjective and recreational sexual relationships are constantly discussed. Apart from cars, there is little else.

Hal's misfortune is that he falls in love with Randa who is doing her HSC. She is a boat girl, on a Temporary Protection Visa, she wears the hijab, and is a target of taunts and highly suspicious to many of the locals. If he is to get closer to her, Hal needs to learn about Afghanistan, the Taliban and Islam. Meanwhile 9/11 and the Tampa crisis, being the seminal events they were, conspire to drive her and her father from the town. So Hal's quest begins. How is he to bridge this widening gulf and connect with Randa?

Doyle's story is a paradigm for the world situation. Every young Australian needs to be able to understand and critique the views of those who see the world differently. How else can they defend their values, and their perhaps competing hopes for the future? It is a time for clear thinking and honest talking. There is much that is objectionable in the excesses of our culture. Australians of atheist persuasion will need to provide a sound foundation for a better and less prodigal future. We Christians are accountable for our shallowness and complicity.

The Islamic vision will not be defeated (or attained) by military might. As school children in the USA recently proclaimed (about a different issue), 'A bullet can't kill a dream'. Or as the apostle put it in 2 Corinthians 10:4 'The tools of our trade aren't for marketing or manipulation, but they are for demolishing that entire massively corrupt culture.' (The Message)

Randa's world needs to be understood if the gulf between her and Hal is to be bridged without the story devolving into tragedy. Young Christians must demonstrate the values of the kingdom of God. For myself, and the Scotch Family, I would hope for a fresh and powerful rearticulating of the Christian vision by the rising generation. Let us help our sons in this spiritual task.

Graham Bradbeer