Those of us who want to see an end to Islamic terrorism, yet know the terrorist bent of both the Koran and the Hadith, have struggled with whether or not Islam can be reformed. As I have written, it certainly can’t return to first principles (restoration), because it is in those that we find the blatant racism and violence. Their only moderating approach will be one of liberalism, which has a better descriptor than “moderate,’ which is nominal. Similar to “nominal Christians,” they don’t follow the teachings very closely, and merely look for a positive moral structure and humanistic ethic dressed in faith.
In fact, this truth about the rotten root of Islam is why Muslim turned atheist Ayaan Hirsi Ali, author of the new book Infidel, has called term “moderate Muslim” an oxymoron. With Islam, returning to first principles is to return to righteousness by the law, murder, deception, and control, in the name of Allah. Others have recently written about the myth of the moderate Muslim, and although this is somewhat a semantic discussion, the point is that, theologically speaking, it is very difficult to formulate a “moderate” Muslim theology based on the Koran and Hadith.
This is what separates Christianity from Islam – a return to the first principles of Christ (a.k.a. the “fundamentals”) is a return to personal piety, good works, love, and preaching righteousness, but not fear, coercion or compulsion (even though some Christian religionists may resort to such). However, I can already predict that the liberal mindset, which can’t distinguish between preaching righteousness and Islamic oppression, will not see this very significant and real distinction. But I’ll deal with that in my next post.
"Liberal mindset." You just can't resist. Everyone who may, for whatever reason, disagree with you is automatically an evil "liberal."
You don't know the meaning of the word because it has no meaning for you. In fact, it's just some vague epithet you can fling around promiscuously. I suppose it's a synonym for "evil" in what passes for your mind.
However, I can already predict that the liberal mindset, which can't distinguish between preaching righteousness and Islamic oppression, will not see this very significant and real distinction.
Saying this and using Ayaan Hirsi Ali to support it is a real head scratcher considering she is a liberal with a liberal mindset. Here is a video of Ayaan Hirsi Ali on Real time with Bill Maher speaking about this very subject!
Is Islam a religion of peace? Panel members Steven Weber, Ayaan Hirsi Ali, and Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) discuss terror, religion, and freedom in this clip.
Bill Maher, another liberal, agrees with her. Also Seeker, she distinguishes between Islam and Muslims. She makes the case that Muslims CAN be moderate but Islam cannot.
"I suppose it's a synonym for 'evil' in what passes for your mind."
If his mind is not actually a mind, but merely passes for a mind, then what exactly do you suppose that it really is?
I agree with your point about his use of the word "liberal", but you're not helping your case by being guilty of meaningless statements yourself.
"…then what exactly do you suppose that it really is?"
A black hole? A vacuum? A coiled snake ready to strike?
Beats me.
More on Ayaan Hirsi Ali who has been accused of being an “enlightenment fundamentalist” (like me) by the European left wing! I get the impression that she is so far to the left that conservatives have the false impression she is in the right wing :)
Europe can’t grasp Hirsi Ali, who has the gall to speak her mind
It is an interesting post – how about spending half the time that is spent arguing about it praying for our muslim brothers and sisters. Paul clearly states that the war is NOT against flesh and blood. Do you think Paul would not have join the zealots in fighting the Romans if that would have achieved anything…
Islam is not something to fear – it is something that gives us opportunity to pray for people through.
As far as the comments about moderate muslims it is quite obvious that that person has never met a muslim or travelled in the middle east. A lot of them live more Christ like lives then "Christians" in the west. Showing love to strangers, helping their neighbour and being generous. Does that sound more like Jesus or by calling ourselves Christians does that quantify that we are Christ-like in our living?
Basically what I am saying is pray for our brothers and sisters whenever you think about them – that is what will effect change.