Explosions at the Boston Marathon

[PhilsFan]

Because the broader point should be that religion breeds extremism and ultraconservatism, not specifically Islam.

[The_Pac_Mule]

Not to the extent that Islam does.

The extremists in Christianity pales in numbers and general ideology to that of Islam.

People like to bring up the WBC a lot.... as sick as they are, and I have many personal reasons to despise them, they're not on some brutal crusade to kill the unbelievers. They may preach hate, but they do it peacefully.

[LuckyNumber7]

Well I mean... we're not predator droning the shit out of the Westboro Baptist Church so there's that...

[The_Pac_Mule]

Look at Egypt. They elected the Muslim brotherhood into power. The women there better get the burkas out!

[PhilsFan]

Originally Posted by The_Pac_Mule

Not to the extent that Islam does.

The extremists in Christianity pales in numbers and general ideology to that of Islam.

People like to bring up the WBC a lot.... as sick as they are, and I have many personal reasons to despise them, they're not on some brutal crusade to kill the unbelievers. They may preach hate, but they do it peacefully.

No, not to the extent that Islam does, but I think that has much more to do with the geopolitics of the Middle East than it does with the actual values of Christianity vs. Islam.

[Irvine511]

Originally Posted by The_Pac_Mule

Not to the extent that Islam does.

The extremists in Christianity pales in numbers and general ideology to that of Islam.

People like to bring up the WBC a lot.... as sick as they are, and I have many personal reasons to despise them, they're not on some brutal crusade to kill the unbelievers. They may preach hate, but they do it peacefully.

Could it be that the economic conditions of these countries -- and their historic exploitation by the West -- is what has allowed more extreme forms of Islam to flourish there? And perhaps if a Christian country were as poor as Afghanistan you'd have the same hideous aspects of Christianity on display as well. Muslims in America are moderate and prosperous and successful immigrants.

No question, the treatment of women is deplorable. But I view Islam and Islamism as a symptom and not a cause.

Also, the WBC wants me dead, so there's that.

[Jive Turkey]

Originally Posted by PhilsFan

Because the broader point should be that religion breeds extremism and ultraconservatism, not specifically Islam.

This

[Jive Turkey]

Originally Posted by The_Pac_Mule

Not to the extent that Islam does.

The extremists in Christianity pales in numbers and general ideology to that of Islam.

But also this

[The_Pac_Mule]

No, not to the extent that Islam does, but I think that has much more to do with the geopolitics of the Middle East than it does with the actual values of Christianity vs. Islam

Geopolitics definitely don't help, but these two brothers spent most of their lives here in America. Their radicalization took place while they were here.

[PhilsFan]

Originally Posted by The_Pac_Mule

Geopolitics definitely don't help, but these two brothers spent most of their lives here in America. Their radicalization took place while they were here.

The older brother did not spend most of his life in America.

[Jive Turkey]

Originally Posted by PhilsFan

No, not to the extent that Islam does, but I think that has much more to do with the geopolitics of the Middle East than it does with the actual values of Christianity vs. Islam.

It has more to do with the tenants of Islam (which I admittedly am far from an expert on). Spreading religion by the sword and what not. If we're going to argue that gun culture in the states fosters violence, then we should recognize that the 'culture' of the quran has the same affect (and vice versa)

[The_Pac_Mule]

Could it be that the economic conditions of these countries -- and their historic exploitation by the West -- is what has allowed more extreme forms of Islam to flourish there? And perhaps if a Christian country were as poor as Afghanistan you'd have the same hideous aspects of Christianity on display as well. Muslims in America are moderate and prosperous and successful immigrants.

No question, the treatment of women is deplorable. But I view Islam and Islamism as a symptom and not a cause.

Also, the WBC wants me dead, so there's that.

Most Muslims in America are extremely liberal, as far as Islam and its interpretation goes. Perhaps you should browse through the Koran. Basically it spells out that women are objects, to be treated as slaves. And a lot of other violent beliefs.

And yeah I know the WBC wants you dead, but my point was they're not going to come into your home and shoot you. But hey they also want me dead too, so there's something we have in common!

[Irvine511]

I agree that there's a warped Islam out there in a way that Christianity right now is not.

But, also, the Crusades. The Inquisition.

Religion is, itself, one big problem with potential for infinite terror.

[The_Pac_Mule]

The older brother did not spend most of his life in America.

I realized after I posted that. But even still, everything I've read about him said he didn't become fervently devout until only a few years ago.

[Irvine511]

Originally Posted by The_Pac_Mule

Most Muslims in America are extremely liberal, as far as Islam and its interpretation goes. Perhaps you should browse through the Koran. Basically it spells out that women are objects, to be treated as slaves. And a lot of other violent beliefs.

The Bible has a pretty crappy view of women as well, if you want it to.

And yeah I know the WBC wants you dead, but my point was they're not going to come into your home and shoot you. But hey they also want me dead too, so there's something we have in common!

[The_Pac_Mule]

I agree that there's a warped Islam out there in a way that Christianity right now is not.

But, also, the Crusades. The Inquisition.

Religion is, itself, one big problem with potential for infinite terror.

Oh I agree. But Christianity was able to move forward. Islam is still living in the 1200's

[The_Pac_Mule]

Celeste and Sydney get an inspiring visit from the Marines - YouTube

A Marine who had his legs blown off visited a woman in the Boston hospital who also lost both of her legs. Very moving.

I posted this a few pages back, but wasnt able to figure out how to embed it. Help please?

[Jive Turkey]

Originally Posted by The_Pac_Mule

Oh I agree. But Christianity was able to move forward. Islam is still living in the 1200's

Islam is about as old now as Christianity was during the Spanish Inquisition. Perhaps not so coincidentally

[Jive Turkey]

Celeste and Sydney get an inspiring visit from the Marines - YouTube

[The_Pac_Mule]

Thanks!