The following quotes from this story makes statements that need more factual backing up instead of the typical anti-Islamic generalizations that attempt to demonize Islam and ıts Prophet and make a whitewashed Christianity the sole possessor of the truth, all the virtues and the root of democracy when history has shown otherwise.As an American born Muslim, I believe the threat you speak t...more

The following quotes from this story makes statements that need more factual backing up instead of the typical anti-Islamic generalizations that attempt to demonize Islam and ıts Prophet and make a whitewashed Christianity the sole possessor of the truth, all the virtues and the root of democracy when history has shown otherwise.As an American born Muslim, I believe the threat you speak to America about can also be made about Christian fundamentalism.Love, forgiveness and tolerance are also Islamic virtues but like Christians,Muslims do not always live up to the best of what is recommended. Islam does not recognize a separation of the spiritual and the civil although Muslims can live in a democratic and secular country in harmony with other faiths and beliefs. Muslims try to mold themselves usşng Muhammad as an example and to
equip themselves with the attributes of the Compassionate and Merciful Creator who is also Just and rewards and punishes here and in the hereafter. Jesus, a prophet recognized by Islam is also an example but one who is above most ordinary believers but who can also be a model for Muslims.
"By contrast, Christianity offers truth claims that sharply contradict those asserted by Islam. In asserting truth, Christianity affirms the virtues of love, forgiveness and tolerance. It may also be why, in the face of the looming threat posed by Islamic fundamentalism, America would do well to cling to its Christian heritage. Having jettisoned its Christian roots, Europe may soon find itself recast in the mold of Muhammad.less

Part 2 Judaism and Islam both reject the concept of a Trinity or the need for a savior from original sin. Does this mean that they are not believers in the same deity even though they may differ regarding how they perceive the nature of the Creator? Roman Catholicism tended to promote the idea that the Jews killed Christ and this produced a virulent and violent anti-Semitism that also continued ...more

Part 2
Judaism and Islam both reject the concept of a Trinity or the need for a savior from original sin. Does this mean that they are not believers in the same deity even though they may differ regarding how they perceive the nature of the Creator?
Roman Catholicism tended to promote the idea that the Jews killed Christ and this produced a virulent and violent anti-Semitism that also continued in Protestantism with Luther.
Islam rejected Jesus as the son of God and the third person of the trinity but reveres him as a prophet and accepts the virgin birth but denies the crucifixion.
Christiandom made a jihad against Muslimdom and promoted the idea that killing the “infidel” was an obligation free of any sin and this included Jews as well. Islam, its Prophet and its holy scripture were maligned and insulted and rejected as false and the work of the devil. Today, Pat Robertson, Franklin Graham and their associates are of this class and preach their message outside of Muslim lands using this venom..
Chrisitian missionaries try a softer sell even though they may have similar beliefs but feel a positive approach about the value of the Christian message rather than attacking is abetter way to gain converts. Some monks in Algeria and elsewhere only serve the community without even talking about theolgical matters unless asked.
Despite the fact that Muslims feel that the oneness of God has been compromised by making Jesus the son of God and part of a trinity, we can respect the devotion of sincere Chrisitians but reject those who wish to use any and all methods to destroy Islam as a danger to mankind.
We are told to argue with the People of the Book in the best way.
Our common enemy is a militant atheism and narrow secularism that considers God a delusion and even in the political area it is not uncommon to join with a lesser enemy to fight a greater one and after its defeat then we can deal with each other as during and after WW II/
To use expressions like the “Axis of Evil” may express out beliefs but prevent any further communication except as enemies committed to the total surrender or dectruction of those who we have condemned as heretics. It allows the other to paint us as evil as well, without any hope of redemption.
Ignorance and stereotyping exists both among Christians and Muslims and what is needed at the minimum is common courtesy and mutual tolerance. This does not mean that we cannot clearly express our beliefs and disbeliefs but with the desire to arrive at some modus vivendi so that peace and harmony can thrive without having to resort to provocative words, acts and violence to spread our creed of love.and peace. Both Christians and Muslims have used nd misused their worldly power to support stated religious goals but if we wish to avoid a “War of Civliztions” that is not in the interest of mankind we have to find ways of mutual understanding rather than mutual condemnation.less

To establish diplomatic relations one has to be able to use diplomatic language as long as there is a committment to have peaceful relations. If one side only wishes to demonize the other and not enter into a productive dialogue on common problems or attempt to solve misunderstandings then there is a risk that there may be an escalation leading to violence. We have carried out relations with cou...more

To establish diplomatic relations one has to be able to use diplomatic language as long as there is a committment to have peaceful relations.
If one side only wishes to demonize the other and not enter into a productive dialogue on common problems or attempt to solve misunderstandings then there is a risk that there may be an escalation leading to violence. We have carried out relations with countries that our diametrically opposed to our ideology and have competed or debated with them in the political, economic, social, religious and philosphical arenas. There have been propaganda campaigns using the media and where possible in open debate to try to convince the other about the truth of our position. Sometimes some countries use censorship or exclusion to try to keep information from their citizens.
In the case of religious ideology, we cannot expect the other to accept our point of view but we would at least like to be given a fair hearing. The agree to disagree principle should allow this. Preachers in trying to win points may make accusations or comments that surround the truth they believe in, in a manner that incites,insults,demeans and produces hatred that prevents a proper evaluation of the core message. This obviously is unproductive in trying to produce some understanding of the position of the other.
MuslimAmerican residing in Turkeyless