No matter how violent it was during its inception (and let us be honest about how Muhammad himself conducted violence), many variations of Islam have developed. Many are peaceful. The problem is not Islam, but rather Fundamentalism.

I agree that the title is offensive and trolling - but that's not Pritchke's fault because it's the title of the book, so it was valid to entitle the thread as such.

And this shows the tone of the book - it is not an honest attempt to analyse Islam; but instead proffers a poorly researched opinion that is 'populist' and selective in its approach.

The title of the book was designed to upset people, stimulate fierce public debate and therefore increase book sales.

<font face="Verdana" size="3" color="#00FF00">First, off I didn't mean to offend anyone with my thread, it was just the title of the book. I doubt anyone could offend me by saying things about my religion I am quite secure in my beliefs, they have grown beyond the point of being offended, yet I still ask questions, yet my beliefs grow and develop over time like that of a child learning to walk. It isn't important to me that every one believe as I do. What is religion? Religion to me is what is in your heart, and how you treat others. Some might think it is what the priest tells you on Sunday, or what is in a book written thousands of years ago. Maybe, but these are things of organized religion and all religions have problems when it comes to these things. If people stopped thinking that they are always right and telling others that there beliefs are wrong, and just listen than maybe we could start to grow as individuals and people. Sharing beliefs is a positive thing as it helps every one grow and change as individuals. Oppressing people, by saying this is the way it is and how it must be, is negative as no one can grow or change and we become stumps like that of a sawed off tree. All organized religions seem to have this problem. They forget to give water to the seeds. Has anyone ever forgotten to water there plants before? Our minds are like that as well when we stop asking questions and thinking for ourselves.


Maybe change is what religious leaders are afraid off. Do you ever fear what will happen to the Oak next to your house if it grows to big? Will it blow over and knock over the house that you have built?"
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[ 10-27-2003, 12:35 PM: Message edited by: pritchke ]