Religious Freedom

Submitted by skyhigh555 (Japan), Jan 8, 2010 at 01:11

As for the question whether Islam can co-exist with other religions, believers of ANY religion must allow religions that are different from theirs to co-exist. This has to be possible, since freedom of religion, which is the most important thing in discussing religious matters, clearly promotes religious diversity.

Japan experienced a terrorist act that killed dozens of people in 1995. The terrorists were believers of a cult called Aum Shinrikyo (please Google). They were arrested, tried, and sentenced to death (though some are still at large), with virtually all Japanese supporting the verdict. It goes without saying that terrorism under the guise of a religion must NEVER be allowed, I emphasize.

Thus, what I advocate and protect is the peaceful co-existance/diversity/freedom of religions, INCLUDING ISLAM. I am against Islamites/Christians/Buddhists, etc. who abase other religions.

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".