Again, why? The point of the religion (of any religion) is the individual's relationship with God. Why does the random Indonesian care if the west respects his or her personal faith?
It is ironic to me that as Americans we declare that Muslims need to restore a moderate tone to the American perception of Islam. It's the US that embraced the modern era of Islamic extremism as a tactic to fight off the Soviets in Afghanistan. We trained these radicals, we funded these freaks, and we armed them as well. Everyone in the Middle East warned us about it but we did it anyway. Now that these mujahedeen we helped create are world wide criminal masterminds, it's on Muslims to be introspective about Islam. In the meantime, we have through our vast ineptitude put Iran in position to not only get nuclear weapons but to also be the most influential nation in the Middle East and there's not much we can do to stop them at this point.
Because organized religion isn't just about an individual's relationship with god. that's what your interpretation is...but religion is also a community that people identify with. They have an interest in making sure that community has a positive perception in the world.
I don't need to. He said it himself: "No but the legions of terrorists hiding behind the Muslim faith is a fairly recent event." So which is it, guys? You can't have your cake and eat it too. Is Islam inherently evil? If so, why is this a recent phenomenon?
I searched the thread. You are the only one who used the word inherently to describe the evilness of Islam. I know that you are not suggesting that but perhaps neither are they.
Not really. Islamism was really born as a movement in the early 20th century to emphasize the need for a movement to counter the failed secular institutions leading their respective countries. In their minds, those secular leaders have done the Muslims a disservice, and have "conspired" against Islam and the interests of Muslims. Their philosophy generally emphasizes the need to "go back to Islam" and possibly even unite Muslims under one banner -- a new 'Caliphate' or some other body (OIC may be). Beyond that, they hold a variety of views, some of them do support any form of resistance (using terrorism or not) and hold a pan-Arab or pan-Islamic view, while others (the majority) are more interested in working within their societies, gaining political influence, and/or attempt to do everything they can to influence the decisions made by their governments; in that sense, they are not much different from the so-called "Christian Right" in America, which has tried to organize its efforts to gain power in government or at least force politicians to take up their agenda (i.e. the Christian Coalition or some other organization). They certainly do believe that Islam is the solution to what currently 'ailes' the Muslim world, but that shouldn't be confused with 'advocating terrorism', although some of them certainly do just that.
The first post is suggesting that there is something wrong with Islam. The word "inherently" was my own elaboration.
I do not think there is anything wrong with Islam (well not anymore than any other relgion), but I do think there is something wrong when the Immans and religious leaders do not take charge of their own religion and stop the terrorists from Hijacking it. Agreed? DD
