Organized Religion And The 21 Century Analysis

Great Essays
Monica Frackowiak
Rhetoric 102-001
Critical analysis Organized religion and the 21 century issues Alan Keyes, debated against Alan Dershowitz regarding the topic, if “organized religion hold answers to the problems of the 21st century?”. I am going to organize a summary of both Keyes, and Dershowitz side of their debate. Concluding with an analysis, this will evaluate and break down the debates information. Both Alan Keyes and Alan Dershowitz had strong points during their debates, although Dershowitz was more clear and concise. Dershowitz balances his main points from being fair minded, provides clear and concise arguments, explains that there's different ways to solve issues than relying on religion to answer all of America's issues.
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Dershowitz Points out the correlation of invoking Islamic rhetoric in Keyes debate. ” He would be talking about the great needs of Islam. He would be talking about how when our young people go to war and kill Iraqis or kill Jews, they are doing it in the name of Allah.” Yes, Keyes is a great individual but he needs to note that god has been used for both good and evil appeals. Dershowitz adds that he was not quoting George Washington, but only Joseph Lieberman from the New York times.Dershowitz states that the founding fathers were ordinary individuals that would talk about sexism, racism, and slavery. The British did not agree for a reason, the founding fathers were not clear. Dershowitz claimed that Keyes insulted so many individuals that fought against cruelty, those who may have been Christians, Buddhists, Shintoists, or atheists. Keyes is attacking great individuals thinking somehow religion has a correlation with human rights. “Look, I don't know whether God exists. I don't know that. And I tell you one thing, I am not frightened of my beliefs”. Organized religion is not an excuse to apologize for what occurred and to continue with the wrong doings. Religion did not solve our problems before and it will continue to fail to do …show more content…
Keyes goes on to stating that is the glass half empty? Is it half full? He continues by adding how many issues were already faced in the 20th century, the ups the downs. Will we continue this route in the 21 century? Keyes insists religion will override all our issues, constantly focusing on religion probably affecting his logos since a lot of people don't believe in any religion. Another flaw in Keyes debate was his attempt to constantly attack Dershowitz’s views and arguments, constantly bashing Deshowitz definitely doesn't do him any justice, and it only questions Keyes’ character affecting his own credibility. Keyes also explains what our world went through, the tragic events that occurred in the past trying to implement pathos during his debate. At times he seemed much unorganized; he would jump from one topic to another which made his debate seem put together last minute. Keyes attempts to aim towards more of an ethical approach which I feel like he did not accomplish at all. Keyes constantly seemed as if he had to bash, and attack Dershowitz to gain popularity from the audience.
Analysis
Dershowitz
Alan Dershowitz challenges the idea of organized religion, stressing that it did not solve any issues in the past, and it will continue to fail to answer any of our issues. Dershowitz was aiming for an ethical approach which he delivered very well. His approach was clear, concise, and to the

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