When I Use The Word "Jihad" It Means Exactly What I Choose It To Mean

Once again, the humor of the west is appropriated by Islamists in a manner that neglects to carry much humor.  It was Humpty Dumpty who admonished Alice, during her sojourn in Wonderland, that "when I (Humpty Dumpty) use a word, it means exactly what I mean it to mean -- neither more nor less."

That seems to be the logic of CAIR (Committee on American Islamic Relations) when they offer their explanation of the meaning of the word, "jihad."  From their point of view all Americans should understand that jihad refers to the struggle for self improvement.  You're trying to lose weight?  You're on a diet  jihad.  You're trying to develop better relations with your children?  You're on a child psychology jihad.

The problem with this explanation is that the most common use of the word has been that favored by the salafist as they go on jihad against infidels who resist Sharia (Islamic law)  -- you know -- the law that calls for thieves to lose a hand, single women who goes out with a man un-chaparoned to be stoned to  death.  "People of the Book" are to be treated as second-class citizens.  Oh, did I forget, no dancing, no popular music and no gay men or gay women?

I'm not saying that absolutely no Muslim in any of America's 50 states does not see their weight loss program as a "jihad," but I would venture to say the number of such Muslims is statistically inconsequential.

When it comes to language, I find Christians to be more honest.  Have you ever heard of the song. 'Onward Christian soldiers marching as to war, with the cross of Jesus going on before"?  I have.  It was quite popular at one time.  In fact, it was sung by a choir of servicemen when FDR met with Churchill on the HMS Prince of Wales in 1941 to enter into the Atlantic Charter Agreement.  I believe it was also sung at Eisenhower's funeral.  But, it isn't sung much anymore.

The Christian community is sensitive to the militaristic echoes that ripple forth from the words of this song.  I haven't heard it sung in years.  Sure, I can understand that the word, "war," in this song could easily refer to the "war on poverty," or the "war against drugs."  But it just doesn't have the proper ring to it.  The same thing can be said about "jihad," especially since it continues to be used with gusto by terrorists.  But, perhaps, because Islam is Islam it can find no place for such sensitivity.