The following guest post was submitted by Tossman.
Tossman is a frequent M* visitor and commenter. He hails from the Lone Star State (for those of you in Rio Linda, that’s Texas) and he currently resides in Salt Lake City.
I’m worried. I’m worried about America. I’m worried about Western society. It seems that no matter what else attracts my interest or commands my attention, my mind inevitably returns to one subject. Islam. No, not the friendly Muslim janitor at my work or the owners of the Mediterranean restaurant at the mall. I’m not worried about my several colleagues at work who happen to worship Allah.
I’m worried about Islam’s radical element. The element who unabashedly seeks to destroy Israel and America. The element who is killing our soldiers in Iraq every day. I’m worried about a spreading mindset of zombie-like possession, determined without fear to destroy me. I’m worried about Iran. I’m worried about shari’a law.
These things have been weighing on my mind the last few years and, to be honest, months of study and prayer have resulted only in a confused mind and a troubled heart. Political/News articles attempting to assess Islam’s role on the world stage abound. And I know where I personally stand when it comes to the secular politics of it all.
Unfortunately, the matter is never addressed in spiritual terms other than by the Jerry Fallwell types. We don’t talk about it in church, and, no offense intended, but for whatever reason Conference speakers won’t touch the subject. Politically, I think I have a grasp on this. Spiritually, well that’s another matter completely. I’ve been hanging out here for about a year now and I’ve discovered that many of you have a lot of good insight into gospel, political, philosophical matters. So, I’d like to appeal to those here who have perhaps done more research than I or who maybe have a better personal understanding of it.
I do not want this discussion to devolve into another political spat. Those who have read my posts here know I’m sarcastic, cynical, and partisan. This is a different kind of post for me. I am sincerely looking for answers. When it comes to world issues I tend to be more political and less spiritual. But I’ve hit a political dead end. Politically, my optimism has been drained. I must now attempt to look at this through a spiritual prism. I’d like answers to the following questions:
1) Is Islam a religion of peace? Again, I’m not talking Muslim people. I know several and they’re very good and honorable people. I’m talking Islam itself. Who is a true Muslim- the guy in the next apartment who dutifully worships Allah, but who has no desire to overthrow my government, convert by force, and introduce Shari’a law? Or the guy who walks into a pizza parlor in Israel and blows himself up? Which one would Mohammed be more proud of? What does the Koran say about the infidel and Islam’s role in the world?
2) We are told time and time again that the vast majority of Muslims are peace-loving and that the radical fringes are only a fraction of the greater number of Muslims. Ok then, so why can’t the vast majority simply stamp out the radicals? These radicals, according to what we read in the news, have hijacked Islam, resulting in all kinds of persecution and wrong-doings against regular Muslims. Since 911, America has apparently waged a crusade against Islam. It seems to me then that your average Muslim would be pretty disgusted with the radical fringe. Why then can’t they simply stamp out this small fringe? Either they will not or they cannot. I don’t know which is scarier.
3) Are principles like beating women, dhimminitude, and honor killings facets of greater peaceful Islam or simply its radical circles? What does the Koran mean in its verses on the infidel, and how does the average Muslim interpret these verses?
4) As Islam spreads and grows, will not its radical fringes also? Look at Europe. European civilization is currently not reproducing at a rate that will replace itself. Immigration to European countries is almost all from Islamic states. Muslims in Europe are the ones having the kids. Various projections differ on the years, but all conclude that given the current reproduction and immigration rates, France, the UK, and Germany will all be majority Muslim fairly soon. That’s not to say these are radicals. But take for example a recent policy in Britain to not teach about the crusades or the holocaust for fear of offending Muslims. Take for example the almost daily riots in France. Take for example a recent ruling by a German judge in favor of Shari’a law. I believe that not only will Europe become majority Muslim, I believe that one by one European countries will become Islamic States.
I know what I think politically. I think Western society will die like the frog in a pan of warming water, that doesn’t think to jump out until the water is boiling and it’s too late. We’re mired in political correctness and we have not the spine to even see- let alone deal- with radical Islam. By all means, please let me know if I’m wrong on that, because I would love nothing more than to be wrong on that. But I am also looking for spiritual answers. I hope this can be a worthwhile discussion.