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February 10, 2007

It's Time For Muslims To 'Fish Or Cut Bait' (Updated)

Topics: Understanding Islam

In his brief review of Robert Spencer's book, The Truth About Muhammad, David Thompson notes how non-Muslim commentators have routinely shied away from key aspects of Muhammad's life and teachings for fear of causing offense or inviting threats of violence.

Fortunately, there are Robert Spencers in the world that have not shied away from key aspects of Muhammad's life and teachings.

Unfortunately, it is the terrorists, not moderates and reformers, who have the stronger theological argument: "If peaceful Muslims can mount no comeback when jihadists point to Muhammad's example to justify violence, their ranks will always remain vulnerable to recruitment from jihadists who present themselves as the exponents of 'pure Islam', faithfully following Muhammad's example." Read all of David Thompson's The Other Side of Islam's Prophet.

Related memo to all Muslims from a non-Muslim: We infidels didn't just fall of the turnip truck yesterday; you can't have it both ways. Muhammad's message is either as the violent, intolerant, angry, hateful message the jihadists say and demonstrate that it is, or it's the exact opposite. Which is it?

So far, the message we infidels are getting is that Muhammad's message, or that of those who did the writing and claimed it to be his, is violent, intolerant, angry, and hateful. As Spencer says, "It is the terrorists, not moderates and reformers, who have the stronger theological." argument. It's time to fish or cut bait!

Update: Related reading - The Philosopher and the Fatwa (... statements of people who consider themselves to be pious and knowledgeable Muslims)

Posted by Richard at February 10, 2007 7:13 AM

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