The US will never understand Islam....

[JMD]

One thing I do agree with however is my disappointment that the world's Muslim leaders, the majority of whom are peace loving, don't band together and form some sort of global committee to address the problems caused by the radical factions of their religion.

I was going to say the same thing. The fact that there hasn't been a resounding condemnation of these terrorist acts by the Muslim community, makes it hard to believe that this really is a peaceful religion that opposes these extremists.

 

[Papa Deuce]

Bigoted much?

no. not at all, thanks.

 

[bicker]

And Christianity used to be the religion of the most number of violent terrorists. It's not the religion that's the problem. The problem is the political and socio-economic situation in Muslim countries.

Well said!

 

[bicker]

That leads me to my belief that a lot of the violence is really stemming from desperation. Imagine living in a third world country where you struggle everyday to live. Basics like food, clean water, and medical care are almost impossible to attain. You see America and the abundance of wealth and what your leaders call decadence occuring in that country. You are very easily convinced that they are your enemey and having little to live for you are a very easy convert to radical Islam.

Desperation -- or more properly, the sense of urgency -- takes on many forms. I see no difference between the application of Islamic fundamentalism and the application of Christian fundamentalism. Both have been (ab)used to rationalize immoral behavior which has let to bloodshed, based solely on the erroneous assumption that one's personal beliefs and values should be applied and/or imposed on others.

 

[bicker]

no. not at all, thanks.

Well then you probably need to explain your earlier comments, since that's the conclusion that many folks reach when reading what you wrote.

 

[eclectics]

I was going to say the same thing. The fact that there hasn't been a resounding condemnation of these terrorist acts by the Muslim community, makes it hard to believe that this really is a peaceful religion that opposes these extremists.

I think they just don't know how to go about it. Considering the volitility these days, I"ll bet they feel like they are between a rock and a hard place. Moderate governments like Jordan and Egypt should step up to the plate and get the ball rolling.

 

[DawnCt1]

That is all well and good, and I have "some" knowledge of Islam..... not a ton, but I also took a college course called comparative religions. Funny though, how Islam is the religion of the most number of violent terrorists. And, from what I can see, the preachers of the fanatical Islam are turning the tide to the way they want it.

i addition, the later surahs supercede the surahs that are focused on "peace and love. it is those later surahs that call for jihad against the infidels. (9/29)

 

[DawnCt1]

Desperation -- or more properly, the sense of urgency -- takes on many forms. I see no difference between the application of Islamic fundamentalism and the application of Christian fundamentalism. Both have been (ab)used to rationalize immoral behavior which has let to bloodshed, based solely on the erroneous assumption that one's personal beliefs and values should be applied and/or imposed on others.

there is a huge difference because there are no Christian fundamentalist leaders that would not condemn violence and conversion "by the sword". the islamic world is silent on that issue and in fact, Sharia law, based on the Koran, demands violent punishment in many cases.

 

[Papa Deuce]

Well then you probably need to explain your earlier comments, since that's the conclusion that many folks reach when reading what you wrote.

Not really. Islam DOES curently sport more terrorist actions than any other religion. Simple. Not my fault if the moderates or "true" Islamist aren't willing to step up to the plate and do something about it. Or at least say something about it....

 

[DawnCt1]

Here is an interesting web site on Sharia Law. Many Muslims are seeking to have Sharia Law instituted in western countries. this clearly is the law in many islamic countries. pay particular attention to law breaking in host countries. these laws are based on the Koran.
www.answering-islam.org/Sharia/

 

[letterdavidman]

Desperation -- or more properly, the sense of urgency -- takes on many forms. I see no difference between the application of Islamic fundamentalism and the application of Christian fundamentalism. Both have been (ab)used to rationalize immoral behavior which has let to bloodshed, based solely on the erroneous assumption that one's personal beliefs and values should be applied and/or imposed on others.

Well said, as usual, bicker!

 

[letterdavidman]

no. not at all, thanks.

Oh. You could've fooled me.

 

[Papa Deuce]

Oh. You could've fooled me.

Easily fooled.

 

[salmoneous]

there is a huge difference because there are no Christian fundamentalist leaders that would not condemn violence and conversion "by the sword".

Ann Coulter:

We should invade their countries, kill their leaders and convert them to Christianity. We weren't punctilious about locating and punishing only Hitler and his top officers. We carpet-bombed German cities; we killed civilians. That's war. And this is war.

List of Christian Fundamentalist Leaders condemning Ann Coulter:

.
.
.

 

[Papa Deuce]

Ann Coulter:

We should invade their countries, kill their leaders and convert them to Christianity. We weren't punctilious about locating and punishing only Hitler and his top officers. We carpet-bombed German cities; we killed civilians. That's war. And this is war.

List of Christian Fundamentalist Leaders condemning Ann Coulter:

.
.
.

Yes, but that is Ann Coulter... consider the idiotic source. Somehow though, I don't see HER holding a sword and chopping off anybody's head. And, the more controversial she is, the more $$$ cash she makes. She probably doesn't believe HALF of what she says.... but laughs all thew way to the bank.

 

[basas]

Bigoted much?

It's called reality.

 

[DawnCt1]

Ann Coulter:

We should invade their countries, kill their leaders and convert them to Christianity. We weren't punctilious about locating and punishing only Hitler and his top officers. We carpet-bombed German cities; we killed civilians. That's war. And this is war.

List of Christian Fundamentalist Leaders condemning Ann Coulter:

.
.
.

ann coulter is a satarist. as far as i know ann coulter hasn't invaded countries, killed their leaders and converted them. islam has. in fact, most islamic countries have become so by the sword. if you are a woman in saudi arabia, try driving a car or reading a BIBLE. in fact, try smuggling a BIBLE into the country.

 

[basas]

Not really. Islam DOES curently sport more terrorist actions than any other religion. Simple. Not my fault if the moderates or "true" Islamist aren't willing to step up to the plate and do something about it. Or at least say something about it....

Exactly...I don't see why people can't admit what they already know. You just don't see Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, or Hindu terrorists every night on the news participating in suicide bombings, supporting terrorist activity, announcing to 'wipe another country off the map", etc,etc,etc,etc (it goes on and on and on).

The religion itself (at its very core) may be 'peace and love', but to say there isn't a problem with the religion RIGHT now (I don't care if Christianity had similar problems in the past...we're talking about the present), is just being too scared to admit the truth.

 

[salmoneous]

Yes, but that is Ann Coulter... consider the idiotic source.

What exactly should I consider...

That she is a Christian?

That our Fundamentalist Christian President listens to her?

That our Fundamentalist Christian President speaks of our battle against Muslims as a "crusade"?

That our Fundamentalist Christian President has ordered the bombings and killings of Muslims?

That no Fundamentalist Christian leads have condemned the President or Ann Coulter?

 

[salmoneous]

as far as i know ann coulter hasn't invaded countries, killed their leaders

No, but President Bush who listens to her has.