Islam is on cusp of change or explosive compression.

Submitted by trans-parere (Canada), Apr 24, 2008 at 18:33

Why would Christianity be more to the point? Mormonism is not Christianity per se but part of The Church of The Later Day Saints. And though they hold themselves as Christians they follow the teachings of Joseph Smith and others they hold as prophets. This sect is even a minority with in the totality of their "Church" and do not share a "school of thought' that would represent a majority as considering Shia vs. Sunni schools with in Islam. While I understand the argument your trying to make it fails in reference to Christianity. All of Christianity is not doctrinally connected or related outside of holding Jesus as Savior.

Now if Islam had more diverse "Mosques of interpretation" and independent expression then I feel that You would have a very valid comparative model for debate and could say something like, "Well if you look at the British school of Islam vs. the American school of Islam you will see a comparative interpretation of the Koran separate and more inclusive than the Iranian school or the Saudi school. Do you see what I'm trying to communicate?

The Church of Later Day Saints is not anymore like the Protestant school of Christianity than Catholicism. As Sunni is different to Shia and as the behavior of the extremist and violent jihadist is different to what the average Moslem would practice in Saudi-Arabia or Iran. To use your vernacular, more to the point would be Islam as interpreted by the Taliban and Islam as practiced by the Afghani before the arrival of the Taliban.

The unfortunate moment for Islam is that there is not enough outspoken Imams denouncing violent jihad and promoting democratic values. Too many Mosques are being led by agitators and Clerics who have an agenda separate from the fellow who has to get up in the morning and go to work and pay the bills. We see this same thing taking place in Iraq and hear it from the Iraqis when they talk about jobs and neighbourhood safety and developing harmony between Sunni and Shia.

Here is a very small sample of some of the people who are saying such things. people who are committing violence or instigating violence in the name of Islam.

"I don't feel your pain. I have to admit that I don't have any
sympathy for you. I can't feel for you because you're not a believer".
_Mohammed Bouyeri to the parents of his murder victim Theo van Gogh

"Those who die (suicide bombers) on the part of justice are alive,
and their place is with the Lord, and they receive the highest position,
because this is the highest honour".
_ Muzammil Siddiqi

"The Muslims take their religion very seriously and non-Muslims must
appreciate that and they must also understand that there may be serious
consequences if you insult Islam and the prophet.
"Whoever insults the message of Mohammed is going to be subjected to
capital punishment."
_Anjem Choudary (amongst his supporters carrying placards,"Pope go to Hell" and "Jesus is the slave of Allah)

Muslim cleric, Imad Hamto, said the Pope must "repent and ask for forgiveness" citing a phrase taken from letters sent by the founder of Islam to the chiefs of tribes in his times - when he urged them to convert to Islam in order to keep their lives.

Cheers

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