Moderate versus extremist Islam

Submitted by Doug Mayfield (United States), Jan 21, 2013 at 13:08

I like your columns but I find one distinction which you make, moderate versus extremist Islam, quite puzzling.

To me, in general, any movement goes in the direction dictated by the most extreme elements. The 20th century is rife with examples of exactly that in Communist and Fascist countries around the world.

And Islam is no exception. For example, the Pew Organization did a study in December 2010 (available on line) in which they asked people in Pakistan about what should be the penalty for apostasy/leaving Islam. 7 out of 10 people answered that apostates should be put to death. This is not 'a few extremists'.

In my view, Islam as an ideology poisons the minds throughout any country in which it takes hold. Pakistan is a good example of a clash in microcosm between Western values and Islam. The few Pakistanis who stand firm against the worst of sharia are often murdered for speaking out.

I appreciate any comments you may have but I must say that to me, the concept of moderate Islam is simply not valid.

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