Balanced perspective?

Submitted by John Lombard (China), Sep 26, 2004 at 10:28

I am writing not to disagree directly with Mr. Pipes' arguments -- although I do have some concerns/questions about them -- but rather to consider the logical ramifactions of his arguments, if we take them as essentially true. (For the record, I am Canadian, and an atheist)

So far as I can see, this article identifies two key threats to the United States, and all other non-Muslim nations:

1) That they want to convert as many people as possible to Islam, and

2) That they want to change the U.S. government and its laws to reflect Islamic values and beliefs.

While Mr. Pipes does not actually come out and suggest/condone taking action against these Muslims, it would certainly seem to be a logical conclusion that, if one agrees with what he has written, and considers it a true threat, then one MUST take action. The only question is what KIND of action -- do we try to keep all Muslims out of the U.S.? Do we change our laws to prohibit Muslims from participation in government? Do we pass laws to restict their freedom to promote their religion?

That question -- how we should RESPOND to this threat -- is one of the problems I have with Mr. Pipes' article. However, as I said, we will continue with the assumption that the threat that he has outlined is real, and that we must respond to that threat.

Well, it is a logical conclusion that if this argument holds valid for the United States, it holds true for all nations. Thus, if any OTHER nation finds that someone has an active agenda to A) change the predominant religion within their country, and/or B) change the government/laws of their country to conform to that of another, outside nation's views of proper government, then they should consider those people as a threat, and respond accordingly.

The United States is one of the most "Christian" nations in the world, with over 80% of the population at least claiming some sort of Christian affiliation. The United States government, laws, and consitution are based on Christian precepts.

Now consider all of the above from a MUSLIM point of view -- if you are a Muslim, living in an Islamic country.

It is a stated goal of Christianity to convert others to their religion. There is nothing "secret" about this...the United States sends thousands of Christian missionaries overseas every year, many of them to Muslim nations, with the express goal of spreading their religion, and converting those of other faiths to Christianity.

In fact, one of the core tenets of Christianity is the belief that ALL OTHER RELIGIONS will some day be destroyed, and their followers annihilated. (Rather shockingly similar to Muslim goals in that regard)

So, if I'm a Muslim, how am I supposed to perceive this? If it is legitimate to consider Muslims a threat because they seek to convert others to their faith, is it not legitimate for Muslims to consider Christians a threat because they see to convert others to their faith?

And what about government? There is NO government in the world that I can think of that has a MORE PLAINLY STATED AGENDA of trying to change Islamic governments. They use economic pressure, diplomatic pressure -- even military pressure -- to achieve this goal. There is no desire for "peaceful coexistence" -- the desire, plainly stated, is to change the governments of Islamic nations to conform to American (and, generally, Christian) standards and values.

I can easily envision an Islamic version of Mr. Pipes speaking to his people in some Islamic nation. Pointing out that the American government wants to make them change their system of government to conform to American standards and beliefs. Pointing out that American Christians have a stated agenda and goal of converting them to Christianity, and that they actively send missionaries to their countries to accomplish that goal. That the final goal of BOTH the U.S. government and American Christians is the eradication of Islamic government/law, and the elimination of the Islamic faith.

His arguments, sadly, would be every bit as legitimate as those made by Mr. Pipes. And they are, in fact, the very arguments being raised today by many Muslims throughout the Islamic world...

Why do so many Muslims regard the United States with distrust or hatred? ...

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