A Discussion of Islam

This past weekend, a friend of mine named Jerome Stafford called me. Jerome is a strong-willed, proud black man, with deep-seated beliefs by which he feverishly stands by. Jerome is also the son of a pastor and loves Jesus Christ.

I mention this because we spoke about many of the day’s troubles, including the crisis occurring in the Middle East. In the discussion several intriguing points arose.

It has been said often that Islam is a wonderful religion but that the extremists are simply perverting it. I am not doubting that Islam is a good religion, but surely you will remember the case of the Christian Crusades. Have you ever heard anyone say, “The Crusades weren’t a real reflection of Christianity, just a perversion.”?

I know I never have. In fact, the Crusades are still used as a good starting point for those contesting Christian ideals. Once again, I’m not a Muslim, nor am I a good practicing Catholic. However, it’s hard to ignore double standards like this one.

For those who have little or none of the Koran (or Qur’an, etc.), here is an excerpt from Islam’s holy book. The Christian bible is not perfect either, but this should give you some brain food next time you want to know how extreme the extremists are:

(On how to treat your woman if she seems disobedient) – “If you fear desertion on their part, put them away in the sleeping places and beat them.”

That quote from the Koran was first recited to me last summer by Jerome, who is somewhat a theological scholar. He pointed out this next interesting, if not obvious, detail about Islamic code.

As I have lightly referenced before, Pope Benedict XVI, a few weeks back, referenced a statement made by a previous pontiff (some 600 years ago, mind you) who said that Islam was a faith “spread by the sword.”

Okay, maybe he shouldn’t have said that, but within the context of what he was talking about, it wasn’t all that inappropriate. At any rate, how do Muslims respond to this insult?

That’s right, with threats of violence and arson.

That’ll show ‘em.

Jerome said about this, “I know it’s a cultural thing, but you have to wonder where they get their ideas, their ideas that these are okay things to do.”

Millions of people were killed long ago. Every group killed their opposition, whether or not it was real. But eventually, time caught up to them, and worldwide religious struggles ceased. But the extreme Muslim groups can’t let go of this medieval mindset.

I write this, not as a man who hates, but as a man who seeks understanding.

So, until next time, I am out.