Theology v History

Submitted by Sword of Islam (United Kingdom), Feb 26, 2006 at 18:54

One thing that occurs to me, of late, is that many people (on both sides) seem to be operating under the premise that a) Islam is one giant, united religion and that, b) Christianity is one giant, united religion. Obviously that isn't the case. As we know, Christianity consists of many, many, different groups with a slightly different 'interpretation' of how they should live their lives. These 'apparently minor' differences of opinion have 'major' repurcussions historically so I think it would be a good idea for people did a little research into the historical evolution of the different sects in Islam, ie Sunni, Shia, Sufi, Wahhabi, etc.

Perhaps one of our more learned friends (yes, I'm looking at you 'another one'!) might be able to educate us on the subject. And maybe even offer some insights on whether militant Islamic rhetoric tends to originate from one group more than another and the differences in their interpretation of The Prophet's teachings that inspire them to act more militantly. I think that it would certainly go some way to stop everybody being 'tarred with the same brush' when their religion is referred to.

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