You're not listening

Submitted by K.H. Ahmed (United States), Apr 8, 2008 at 09:42

Dear Infidel,

You don't get it. First let me say as an individual who no longer practices his religion I will point out I was born and raised Muslim - so I doubt seriously Mr. Pipes knows more about my religion and my people than I do - although he is one of many westerners who likes to think that they do.

As to your comments re: Islam and Evangelical chirstians - you miss the point that Muslims resent the preaching of Christians to them and their children as much as Christians resent the preaching of Imams to them and their children. It is not a question of which religion is right or who's fanatics are nicer - I personally don't like either brand of fanaticism - the issue is one of cultural arrogance - one of one culture sensing that another culture is attempting to impose its views upon another. Islam is no more a monolith than Christianity is however they both create massive problems in the body politic when they are allowed too.

You apparently are a true believer which is fine and one hope it brings you peace and contentment - but I as a non-believer in your faith really don't want to hear it - and if I was a practicing Muslim I'm certain you wouldn't want to hear a bunch of holier than thou statements from me. My point is we "Americans" and I certainly am one - born here, served in Viet Nam, worked for the US government, need to remember that our way isn't the only way. We need to hear what others have to say and let them develop and help them develop democracies of their own based upon their own cultures.

If you somehow saw my last writing as an attack upon Christianity I apologize - it was an attack upon cultural elitism, whether Christian or Muslim.

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