In contrast to their self-proclaimed agenda of defending Islam, in reality today's conservatives are actually diminishing Islam, reducing it to small things that are inadequate or irrelevant in the face of the challenges of modern life or development. Ask the conservatives questions that reach beyond their favorite topics of gambling, alcohol and head scarves, for example about how their interpretation of religion can promote or support the reconstruction of Aceh, or Aceh's political and economic development and they are unable to answer.

Never have truer words been written, on the conservative elements of any religion. Reminds me of the reason why attending the private Christian highschool I did inspired me to quit being Christian. They were much more interested in condemning rock music and Magic: The Gathering cards as being satanic, and teaching us about the evils of premarital sex, than teaching us about forgiveness, mercy, charity...you know, all those things Jesus went on about?

I know, I know. But getting that camel through the needle's eye is HARD and banning Magic cards is EASY.