september
21, 2005
The Difference
Between Islam and Christianity
I just received the following reaction to yesterday's
blog from a reader describing himself as "Muslim-American."
Pay particular attention to the last paragraph, which
I've boldfaced:
Mr Stakelbeck,
I am a Muslim-American who converted to Islam, and
I must say that in part I agree with your comments. There
are two dimensions to Islam. A Christian once asked me:
"Is Islam a religion of peace or terror?" I
said: "That depends on you." -He seemed confused.
I continued...
If people can at us (Muslims) with love, respect,
and peace, then you will find Islam as being a religion
of peace.
However, when invaders come into our countries,
bulldoze our houses, rape our economies and resources,
as well as our women and children. THEN, my friend, you
will find Islam as being a religion of terror.
I think this statement pretty much sums up the difference
between Islam--where violent jihad is encouraged against
non-believers--and Christianity, where Jesus encourages
us to turn the other cheek and love our enemies. As for
the line about "invaders, bullldozers, rapes,"
etc., it's simply outrageous and not even worth adressing.
Frankly, it just regurgitates the incendiary, anti-Western
rubbish that's found in Al-Qaeda propaganda tapes. What
is important--and chilling--is the closing sentence: "THEN,
my friend, you will find Islam as being a religion of
terror."
If I didn't know any better, I'd say this is an outright
threat, and I've noted it accordingly. Notice also how
the reader refers to "invaders" coming into
"our countries" Our countries? Why, I thought
he said he was AMERICAN. Surely loyalty to America comes
before loyalty to his Muslim brothers overseas? I would
hope so, since he currently lives in America and all.
Unfortunately, this "Islam before country"
sentiment is common among a disturbing number of Muslims
in Western countries. Take, for instance, a poll conducted
shortly after July's London bombings, which found that
46 percent of British Muslims identified themselves as
Muslims first and Brits second. This is simply unacceptable--and
it helps explain why each new terrorist attack is greeted
with silence rather than immediate condemnation by a significant
portion of the Muslim world.
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Erick Stakelbeck With Your Comments ...