Peaceful Islam

Submitted by Donald Fry (United States), Sep 8, 2007 at 08:42

You talk about the aggression of the West. I am a Mennonite Christian and work at peace in a systematic way. While I also decry the ways of the past, I wonder if your pointing blame at the West is not a case of the "kettle calling the pot black." The Ottoman Empire conquered wide swaths of real estate and totally destroyed any hint of the existent society. Today, Muslim Imperialism destroys ancient Hindu statues and works of art that are basic to the Hindu culture when they gain control of an people. I hear about "real Muslims" versus the ones who have gone astray, yet 6 years after 9-11 wait in vain for a concerted rally that is Muslim based denouncing terrorism.

If Islam is not a closed and imperialistic society why is it Muslim nations will not allow the free exchange of ideas and allow the opinion of the masses to land where they will? The big bad western world invites in and even protects Muslims in there expression of faith. If forming a closed society based on Islam is not the goal, then why do Muslims who do criticize violence and seek openness in society get labeled as radicals by the Imams – some even fearing for their lives?

And if Islam is peaceful, why are the voices of these open and peaceful Muslims not drowning out the voice of hostility and revolution we hear on a regular basis from the Mosques of the United States and Europe? Also, I have talked with people who have been approached by Islam in our inner cities. Universally, the message they receive is one that tries to link into and fan to flame the hatred from deep hurts from the past. How is this peaceful?

I want to believe Muslim and Christian can coexist. I really want to believe this. Please give me a shred of evidence that I might deeply believe this.

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