to Justme

Submitted by Leah (United States), Sep 1, 2006 at 09:13

Before I make my rebuttal, I will acknowledge that Shariah Law, being religious law, is barbaric from an American perspective; from a religious perspective, American Law is illogical. Thus, it is difficult to compare these two legal systems.

An example: to say that disbelief in G-d is a sin is, to the American legal system, abhorrent. It violates separation of church and state.

However, to say that disebelief in G-d is a sin is, from a monotheistic perspective, perfectly logical. If there is one true G-d, and life's purpose is to worship Him, it is evil not to believe in this G-d.

That difference acknowledged, perhaps some kind of legal technicality should be set up to show more tolerance to those who convert from Islam. In Judaism, a legal technicality was arranged so that paying interest was legal. Many legal experts believe that it is OK to use a technicality to disobey the letter of the law so that the spirit of the law (in this case, love and protection of Islam) is upheld. Indeed, one could even argue that killing converts is against Islam: "Let there be no coercion..." " to each people have I sent a messenger..."

In Judaism, the punishment for adultery is, as in Islam, stoning to death. Are you implying that Judaism is inferior to Christianity? If so, I take offense. Additionally, a literal interpretation of the hChristian Bible would tell us that the Christian G-d is also quite barbaric: those who don't believe in Him are tortured in Hell for all eternity.

You said that my protest against scant clothing in houses of worship is feeble. Perhaps. But you cannot deny that Westerners are messed up about women. You cannot deny that:

- often have as many marriages as Muslims, only consecutive rather than simultaneous. The divorce rate is 50%.

- the female body with little or no clothing is often broadcasted on the cover of a magazine or from a TV set with no other reason than to make money. At least in Islam, they have a sense of the sanctity of the human body and the importance of modesty.

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".