A most helpful clarification

Submitted by Roger WT Wilkinson (Australia), Feb 2, 2005 at 23:36

This article has been most helpful to understanding the Pipes position, since I had been simply confused about the idea of 'moderate Islam'; however, given the perspective that Mr Pipes, in using the term moderate, means, in essence, politically, pragmatically, moderate, and that he is simply not concerned with the religious aspect, all becomes clear.

Many, myself being one of this many, approach the whole subject of Islam from the point of view that Islam is simply untrue in its religious aspect, and that millions of people are following a lie; with the necessary corollary that values etc. must be twisted, inclining the whole body of Islam towards extremism. Naturally this can lead in the many of whom I am one towards an over readiness to harsh response.

Perhaps to view Islam in the more pragmatic light is a useful way to temper one's thought. Under the terms of this article it is possible to accept the term 'moderate islam', which had previously seemed rather difficult.

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