Debate on Islam

Submitted by Melinda Stein (United States), Aug 13, 2002 at 12:17

Frankly, the debate on whether radicalism is "real" Islam, a modern corruption, or whatever is a waste of time. We could spend equal hours on the Bible and whether it does/does not promote violence (a case for each viewpoint could certainly be made). The point is, when horrid events in the name of religion have occured, the Crusades, the Inquisition, pogroms, the topic to consider is not whether the religious dogma condoned these events, but rather -- did the majority of the populace accept such interpretation.

If millions of Jews or Christians believe that the Old or New Testament states that Muslims be killed, for instance, then it's moot whether the Bible actually says so, it becomes de facto a Judeo-Christian value.

Based on the world-wide Muslim silence on terror (save for token and qualifying murmurs of dissent) the current wisdom must be that The Koran as widely interpreted by its practitioners does promote suicide bombings and the rest of the jihad actions under certain circumstances.

Your use of Turkey is not the best example of liberal possiblities for the Muslim world. Its past traditions including centuries of enlightened leadership, its sociology (Ottomanic rather than Arabic) and its desire to join the Western world distinguish it from the rest of the Middle Eastern crew.

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