Open to Change??

Submitted by J.S. (Canada), Jan 17, 2006 at 14:54

I have been hearing more and more frequently that Islam cannot change, and that there is no difference between "moderate" and "radical" Islam. For these interpreters of Islam, Islam is locked into a 7th century mode of thinking, thoroughly resistant to change.

Anthony Flew (early on in this debate) denounced all of Islam -- writing Islam off as virtually a lost cause -- incapable of modernization. Flew also stated that Islam was Islam with no real difference between "radicals" or "moderates."

I have also read articles stating much the same (see, for example, Colby Cosh's article: "The Enlightenment that may never come," published by the National Post, May 19, 2005).

Cosh noted that the Koran is believed to be "inerrant in its received form," and "sufficient and complete." How then can mere mortals improve on that which is already "perfect?" Where is there room to believe that humans can "better" the text? Islam, given certain premises, seems to be highly resistant to change.

I don't know how this religion can change its parameters...(and I'm also beginning to doubt if its adherents even *want* to change...far too many appreciate and even admire suicide bombers...)

Given these circumstances, I'm also beginning to doubt the wisdom of making (what in my opinion, anyway) excuses for Islam (such as, "It's just radical Islam -- radical Islam -- that's the problem.") Well, maybe it's far worse than just a "few" radicals. (The other day I heard Shimon Peres on CNN suggesting that he doesn't believe that Hamas will make an appreciable showing in the up-coming Palestinian elections...well, what if Peres is wrong? What if the Pals decide that they want a Hamas led, terrorist government? What will the Bush administration do then? still promote democracy?? give the Pals millions??) All of this is coming to a head...and I don't think it's leading to peace.

---

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".