Understanding Islam

Submitted by gingersnap (United States), Aug 16, 2010 at 22:18

1) I disagree with point one on the grounds that moderate muslims are very aware of fundamental extremist islamist/terrorists and their subsequent characteristics and actions. Moderate muslims are treated as "infidels" which in any term is know by muslims as a " unclean", "hater of islam". Moderate muslims have assimilated into American culture and do not ask to wear scarves (hijab) or burkas or the like. They are comfortable with American freedom of speech and are not offended by cartoons of Mohammed. They do not try to preach their beliefs on others and are often quite opposed to human rights offenses, particularly when Islam enables them.

2) I disagree with point number two because this is not religion vs. religion, but a way of life vs. a way of life. It cannot be taken into consideration what they rally about as far as our sentiments go. This is our country. America is a plural secular democracy - this does not exist in a Muslim nation. What if they judge us for this? They may try, but what are we trying to do? Preserve our way of life and not allow Islam to infiltrate our democracy. The best defense for this is to proactively confront their reaction by educating the people of America regarding the truth about Islam. Get it in the papers, the news, the radio, the churches, the textbooks at our schools and in our University programs and put an end to the liberal interpretation of everything. Some things are black and white. Others are good and others are bad. The truth is that Islam is not a religion and that the majority of followers do not like the west. Interfaith dialog does not work if the "faith" is not a religion. There is little common ethos between radical Islam and Christianity. Even humanists may argue this point about Islam. Ex - Muslims will, however, agree. Yet this arguement could go hand in hand with the question. "Is the innate nature of man good or bad"?, which is arguable.

Interfaith dialog started with Fethullah Gulen in the 70's when he met with Pope John Paul... It is a pretense for dawa and jihad to promote his movement. Educating America about the many sects of Islam and their respective affiliations and histories will make a difference in what "they" may think of us because for once, America will know and understand more than islamists would ever wish. The more one knows, the more dangerous they can be. Haven't we seen the extensive value that the Islamists like Fethullah Gulen place on education? They know much. We are just promoting dialog and tolerance, all the while our plural democracy dillutes and our freedoms are much less significant. I think it is time for an educational overhaul and a fresh, firm grip on a new reality.

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