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Let's Get Our Facts StraightReader comment on item: The Problem with Middle East Studies Submitted by Geno M. (United States), Sep 2, 2008 at 14:47 Mr. JJ- You raise several interesting points which I will respond to below. Mr. Geno, Again I would like to say that it's all about perception and the lesson which we have been taught since childhood, please just name one religion of the world which spread on dialogues, please try to read history of Judaism and Christianity. Titus Flavius Vespasianus was not a muslim and I guess Hitler was too not a muslim I do not claim that, through history Islam has held a monopoly on barbarism or brutality. However, in today's world the fact remains that, overwhelmingly, the lion's share of barbarism and brutality originate from those who follow Islam. Furthermore, acts of evil committed by Jews & Christians were done, not in pursuit of, but in opposition of the teachings of the faith. A key distinction between the Islamic and Judeo-Christian faith is that examples of brutality found in the Christian bible are descriptive, not prescriptive. In other words, nothing in the Christian bible urges followers to murder non-Christians or to consider anyone who is not Christian as sub-human. Unfortunately, the Koran repeatedly, forcefully and clearly teaches precisely these lessons. Prophet Moses left his lavish life and became a shepherd, to implicate those people who have become slave of their own wills to the track of Lord; there is no justification on Lord Commands. What did Prophet Jesus, he scarifies his life in imposing the Lord order's . Honestly, I'm not sure what you are trying to convey. As far the spreading of Islam is concerned, Islam is the fastest spreading religion of the world especially in United States, if this religion's based on terrorism then, why peace loving people of usa adapting it ? I take issue with the veracity of your statement. But asking why anyone in their right mind would knowingly choose to follow Islam is a valid question. I think there are several facets to this phenomenon. First, Islam is intrinsically duplicitous. A quick and easy example is the message that "Islam is peace" being spoken by the same people who in their next breath call for the submission or slaughter of all those who do not accept Allah. Many non-Muslims fail to appreciate the dualistic core of Islam which teaches that two contradictory statements can be equally true. For those raised in the Judeo-Christian ethos of unitary logic who subscribe to the notion that when two contradictory statements arise, one must be false, this causes a problem. In short, I think many are initially taken in by the words of peace and only later come to see the darker violent side of the faith. The other thing that is happening is that Islam is seen as a belief system to be respected and feared. This appeals to many who want to back what they perceive as a "winner". Again, I think people would think twice before joining if they fully realized that Islam offers a one-way door in with no exit possible. Mr. JJ, I can see that you are Muslim. I can also see that you believe Islam is the right choice for you. However, what I think you fail to appreciate is that the reasoned debate we are having would not and could not be possible in a Sharia-run world. To my mind, a fear of critical analysis is one of the great failings of Islam. It is also one of the distinguishing features of Western society. Critical thought allows a mind to grow, to learn, to evolve. Stifling the process, as Islam seeks to do, leads to decay and involution. I challenge you to consider the question that if Islam is the true and perfect faith, why do its texts and adherents so strenuously and hysterically fear criticism and objective analysis? Submitting....
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