She has shared some startling statistics in the book. I would be very appreciative if there is a Muslim woman who can speak to her experiences compared to the author’s experiences.

Thanks for all the comments!

I invite you to peruse my latest blog. I hope this provides more context.

Frankly, I must dissent from your apparent view that a lack of religious conviction means better people, and agree with Dennis Prager. Seeing a group of tough-looking kids approaching me on a ghetto street would make me nervous, but I would–justifiably–feel relieved if I saw them carrying Bibles.

When I was in the Middle East, I also felt relief–again, justifiably–whenever I saw people carrying copies of the Holy Quran.

so-called moderates like CAIR, ISNA, et al say NOTHING denouncing the terrorists? Or have you not read in the quran the use of the word jihad, and how in over 90% of its uses it is used to denote violence against infidels?

I don’t presume that the “so-called moderates” speak for all Muslims. It doesn’t match the experience that I have had personally with them.

The number one searched topic on the internet in the middle east? Why that would be sex, followed closely behind by sodomy.

I expect that sex is probably the number one search for anywhere with the internet. That’s a human problem, not a Muslim one.

I don’t for a minute thing all Muslims live their religion, or are admirable. But, this is a thread about what is admirable about Islam, and there is a great deal that is.

And of the 2.5% alms, most of that goes to fund terrorists.

Call for references. How on earth would you know what several hundred million Muslims do with their alms?

That sentiment is wishful thinking at best. Or have you not noticed how everytime there is a terrorist attack, so-called moderates like CAIR, ISNA, et al say NOTHING denouncing the terrorists? Or have you not read in the quran the use of the word jihad, and how in over 90% of its uses it is used to denote violence against infidels?

As for muslims caring about personal morality, they are even more hypocritical than Christians. Human trafficking, prostitution, and slavery all run rampant in the middle east. The number one searched topic on the internet in the middle east? Why that would be sex, followed closely behind by sodomy.

And of the 2.5% alms, most of that goes to fund terrorists. Just look at Gaza, where Hamas cries that people are starving, running out of fuel, yet they seem to have plenty of money to buy rockets, launch them at Sderot, and shoot farmers across the border in Israel.

…don’t mention jihad

“Jihad” is a term that is, as I understand the matter, much debated among Muslims. Not all (and, I would venture to guess, MOST) do not see it as an invitation to armed conflict against others (e.g., “the west”)

Many see it as the command to struggle against evil within themselves and the world. Christians have similar rhetoric (”put on the whole armor of God”) that could be likewise (mis)used to justify violence.

Muslim readers can doubtless correct me if I’ve gotten that wrong.

Greg

Interfaith dialogue is so important. Keep up the good work.

Steven Danderson: I recall President Hinckley, during the Southern Baptist Convention in Salt Lake City, UT, telling Larry King that there were some Latter-day Saints who had lost their faith, and maybe the Baptists could salvage some of it.

Would you happen to have the exact quote or know where I can find it?