| Joelcool7 said:
The Crusades were started to recapture Christian territory. As Sapphi pointed out those Christian's fought each other. But they saw Islam as a bigger threat then one another and teemed up. A few elitist Catholic's told the people that God would forgive all their sins if they fought in the Holy War. The acts of the Catholics were fighting to recapture Christian land. However I must agree and say that the Catholic church lied to the people and got them to do unspeakable things in the name of what they thought was God. Today we know from the teachings of Jesus and because everyone has access to the Bible that Christianity does not support genocide or horrible acts commited by a few Crusaders. 5. I know that the Qur'an teaches Jews and Christian's are people of the book but many Muslims I talk to do not even know that. Here in Canada I have a moderate or at least semi-moderate Muslim friend who tells me that it is not in the Qur'an. He says Jihad is. But guess what he himself hasn't read the Qur'an he said it is an insult to translate it to english. He basis his beliefs on the teachings of his Imam and what his family has taught him. Fact is just like the Christian's were decieved by fakers telling them lies about their faith today Muslims across the globe are being dooped the same way by religious extremists.
P.S- SuperChunk are you Muslim? I've always wondered something even after talking with some Imam's who didn't give me a good answer. If Islam is being hijacked by extremists and Muslim people are being decieved into persecuting and killing Christian's and all other non-believers. Why aren't the real (Moderate) Muslims over in the Middle East and North Africa trying to set them streight and educate them? Why is it that the moderate Muslim's aren't joining the army to go help liberate Iraq, Afghanistan. Why aren't moderate Muslims out their preeching peace to the masses. Why is it I hear about Fatwa after Fatwa being issued against free thinkers in North America while the moderate Muslim community sits back and does nothing. Why is it Muslims aren't fighting these misguided fools to free those being oppressed? Why is it that these extremists actually have sway over so many muslims. Why is it that a Mosque in Vancouver got found to have Jihadist speakers and none of the moderate Muslims said a thing to condem him? Why are muslims sitting idolly by as their religion is tainted and sqewed and turned into a horrible weapon of war? I've always wondered if Islam truly preaches peace (Which from what I've read it does) then why don't Muslims across the world help their fellow Christian's , Jews? Why do Muslims allow their faith to be used against them? I guess democratic movement in Libya, Egypt and Tunisia is a good start but why aren't muslims lining up to join Nato and/or fighting terrorists in other ways. I just can't understand if Islam is so nice and compassionate and understanding of Christian's and Jews. Why aren't the majority if many at all doing anything to help their brethern? |
I'm glad you agreee with my overall point to this entire thread. Yes, I am Muslim by choice, not birth. I am white and coverted to Islam when I was in my early 20's after many years of read every major world's religious books and histories.
The 'why' is a relatively easy answer. Fear. I tried having more open conversations within my own American community and constantly felt backlash and while I never was physically threatened, I was an outcast. However, its due to the fact that the Mosque I frequented was on a University campus with many foreign born Muslims and they were not extremist, however, they didn't agree with my Hadith (throw them out) beliefs as well as smaller discussions on woman's head scarfs, etc.
There are plenty of groups and even entire sects that believe in the ways I do. However, there exists a large mass of idiots who only listen to the Mullahs and Imams of the extremists who are in control of every major Muslim nation as well as Islamic laws. However, that was well over 10 years ago.
I've strongly considered writing books or at least starting a website that focused on Islamic reform, however, it takes a lot of bravery as the extremist element is just so violent. I always consider the backlash and the harm I may or may not be putting my family in the way of.
Then there is the fact that it really doesn't affect me. I live in the US where freedom reigns. My children can worship as they see fit. I firmly believe in the Qur'an when it says there is no compulsion in religion. My children don't have to worry about religious persecution, unless all the conspiracies are right, lol. So I also ask myself is if its worth it for me when that element of Islam doesn't and foreseeable won't affect me? Maybe that's just being selfish, but that is my situation in life.
Additionally, you're ignoring who is propping up these rulers in these countries. US and other western powers have sold plenty of arms to these dictators as well as given them a lot of support. Hell, the West gave each and every one of them the power they have in the first place. So, to most of these populations, why would they fight against it when even the freer parts of the world support those who keep them down? US should have been far more focused on freedoms and democracy during the cold war instead of keeping its allies in power and the price of oil cheap.
At the end of WWII, the Western powers really should have focused not on granting royal bloodlines (that didn't even exist as historically Muslim lands had no Kings, but Caliphates that were actually democratically chosen) and dictatorial control, but starting open democracies. We probably wouldn't be in the situation we are in now. At least not in as many locations.
