Reply to What does it mean that ISIS "beheads" its victims?

Forum Index » Political Discussion

Reply to "What does it mean that ISIS "beheads" its victims?"

Subject:

Emoticons





More smilies

Text Color: Font: Close Marks

[quote=jsteele][quote=Anonymous][quote=jsteele][quote=Anonymous]

It really is sad and pathetic how liberals such as yourself use variation in the individuals who identify themselves as Muslims to ignore the things that Islam painly says and the effect those things have on people's behavior. Here is an article written with people like you in mind:

https://richarddawkins.net/2014/10/can-liberalism-be-saved-from-itself/
[/quote]

Yes, I understand that you believe that every Muslim should be blamed for every idea or action that any other Muslim has. The pride you take in your bigotry is familiar to us. You proudly call yourself an atheist, while just as proudly tout your particular dislike for Islam. When we are in need of atheist Islamophobes to advise us on Islam, I'm sure you will be the first we call. 
[/quote]

As usual you completely fail to understand the distinction between the person and the belief system. I am saying that Islam should be blamed when Muslims act in accordance with the reactionary, illiberal, violent dictates of Islam, particularly when those same Muslims cite Islam as the justification for their actions. Islam is not an identity. It is a belief system that anyone can choose, or reject. Unless, of course, you are surrounded by Muslims who will cut your head off if you leave the religion because Islam tells them to do just that.[/quote]

There are a number of contradictions in your thinking, but the first one I will address is the fact you are an atheist who believes that Islam is a "lie", yet seem to bestow it with divine powers. From an atheist's point of view, words on a paper are simply words on a paper. There is nothing special about them. What is important is what people believe those words to mean. That is not always as simple as it sounds because the words can be unclear -- particularly in Arabic which is probably the least definite language in existence -- and interpretations of the words' meaning can change over time. For example, if the Quran says to behead enemies, does it mean to literally cut off their heads, or does it simply mean to kill them? The Quran was written at a time when the state of medical knowledge didn't allow for checking things like brain activity or other signs of life. Hence, beheading was a practical way to ensure death (and was widely used by members of all religions). So, both interpretations of what is meant by the Quran's reference to "beheading" are possible.

If you say that Islam requires that those who leave the religion be put to death, then what do you say about those who have left Islam with full knowledge of other Muslims, yet live? Have those Muslims who failed to kill them been poor Muslims, or are they Muslims who practice Islam differently than how you would expect? As you say, Islam is a "belief system". But, contrary to what you believe, it is not an "all or nothing" system, despite that many practicing Muslims may claim otherwise. Someone can choose to be a Muslim, yet choose not to kill someone who leaves the religion. Someone -- even one of the greatest Muslim heroes -- can choose to be a Muslim and choose not to kill the population of a conquered city as was the case with Saladin when he captured Jerusalem. Was Saladin a bad Muslim because he didn't behead every male he captured or enslave every woman?

Again, because you are an atheist, I don't understand why you believe that religion has any power beyond the power people choose to give it. Some people who call themselves Muslims (and there is no reason to argue that they aren't) justify terrible deeds on the basis of their religion. I condemn such people and their deeds as vehemently as anyone else. But, there are a others -- a large number of others -- who also call themselves Muslims but who do not believe their religion requires such actions. I stand with that group in arguing against your attacks on their religion.

[/quote]

Options

	Disable HTML in this message
	Disable BB Code in this message
	Disable smilies in this message

Review message

Search Recent Topics Hottest Topics