Is Islam Really a Religion of Terror?

[Kuldeep]

Cont'd

ANNEXURE'C' Sayings of 'Koran' which Insult other Religions as also the Religious Beliefs of other Communities in India 1.Surah 5: ayat 17. Unbelievers are those who declare: 'Allah is the Messiah (i.e. Christ), the son of Mary.' Say: 'Who could prevent Allah from destroying the Messiah (i.e. Christ), the son of Mary, together with his mother and all the people of the earth?'... 2.Surah 4: ayat 157. They denied the truth and uttered a monstrous falsehood against Mary. They declared: 'We have put to death the Messiah Jesus, the son of Mary, the apostle of Allah.' They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but they thought they did. 3.Surah 5: ayats 116-118. Then Allah will say, 'Jesus, son of Mary, did you ever say to mankind: "Worship me and my mother as Gods beside Allah?' 'Glory to You,' he will answer, 'how could I say that to which I have no right? If I had ever said so, You would have surely known it. You know what is in my mind, but I cannot tell what is in Yours. You alone know what is hidden. I spoke to them of nothing except what You bade me. I said, "Serve Allah, my Lord and your Lord." I watched over them whilst living in their midst, and ever since You took me to You, You Yourself have been watching over them. You are the witness of all things. They are Your own bondsmen: it is for You to punish or to forgive them. You are the Mighty, the Wise one.' 4.Surah 98: ayat 6. The unbelievers among the people of the Book (i.e. Christians and Jews) and the pagans shall bum for ever in the fire of Hell. They are the vilest of all creatures. 5.Surah 68: ayats 8-13. Give no heed to the disbelievers: they desire you to overlook their doings that they may overlook yours. Nor yield to the wretch of many oaths, the mischief-making slanderer, the opponent of good, the wicked transgressor, the bully who is of doubtful birth to boot. 6.Surah 38: ayats 55-57. ...But doleful shall be the return of the transgressors. They shall bum in the fire of Hell, a dismal resting-place. There let them taste their drink: scalding water, festering blood and other putrid things. 7.Surah 22: ayats 19-21. ...Garments of fire have been prepared for unbelievers. Scalding water shall be poured upon their heads, melting their skins and that which is in their bellies. They shall be lashed with red iron. 8.Surah 22: ayats 56-57. ...Those that have embraced the true faith and done good works shall enter the gardens of delight, but the unbelievers who have denied Our revelations shall receive an ignominious punishment. 9.Surah 5: ayats 36. As for the unbelievers, if they offered all that the earth contains and as much besides to redeem themselves from the torment of the Day of Resurrection it shall not be accepted from them. Theirs shall be a woeful punishment. 10. Surah 15: ayats 2. The day will surely come when the unbelievers will wish that they were Muslims. 11. Surah 72: ayats 14-15. Some of us are Muslims and some are wrong-doers. Those that embrace Islam pursue the right path; but those that do wrong (of not embracing Islam) shall become the fuel of fire. 12. Surah 41: ayat 33. And who speaks better than he who calls others to the service of Allah, does what is right, and says: 'I am a Muslim?' 13. Surah: 4 ayat 125. And who has a nobler religion than the man who surrenders himself to Allah?... 14. Surah 25: ayats 27-29. On that day the wrong-doer will bite his hands and say, 'Would that I had walked in the Apostle's path. Oh, would that I had never chosen so-and-so for my companion: It was he that made me disbelieve in Allah's warning after it had reached me.' Satan is ever treacherous to man. 15. Surah 26: ayats 96-99. "By Allah", they will say to their idols, as they contend with them, "we erred indeed when we made you equals with the Lord of the Creation. It was the evil-doers who led us astray." 16. Surah 3: ayat 85. He that chooses a religion other than Islam, it will not be accepted from him and in the world to come he will be one of the lost. 17. Surah 8: ayat 38. Tell the unbelievers that if they mend their ways (i.e. embrace Islam) their past shall be forgiven: but if they persist in sin (i.e. idol-worshipping) let them reflect upon the fate of their forefathers. 18. Surah 31: ayat 13. Luqman admonished his son. 'My son', he said, 'serve no other God instead of Allah, for idolatry is an abominable sin.' 19. Surah 29: ayats 41-42. The false Gods which the idolaters serve besides Allah may be compared to the spider's cobweb. Surely, the spider's is the frailest of all dwellings, if they but know it. Allah knows what they invoke besides Him; He is the Mighty, the Wise one. 20. Surah 37: ayats 22-25. But We shall say: 'Call the sinners, their wives, and the idols which they worshipped besides Allah and lead them to the path of Hell. Keep them there for questioning - But what has come over you that you cannot help one another?' 21. Surah 37: ayats 26-32. On that day they will all submit to Allah. They will reproach each other, saying: 'You have imposed upon us. It was you who would not be believers. We had no power over ' you; you were sinners all. Just is the verdict which our Lord has passed upon us, we shall surely taste His punishment. We misled you, but we ourselves have been misled.' 22. Surah 25: ayats 17-19. On that day when He assembles them with all their idols, He will say: 'Was it you who misled My servants, or did they wilfully go astray?' They will answer: 'Allah forbid that we should choose other guardians besides You. You gave them and their fathers the good things of life, so that they forgot Your warnings and thus incurred destruction.' Then to the idolaters Allah will say: 'Your idols have denied your charges. They cannot avert your doom, nor can they help you. Those of you who have done wrong shall be sternly punished.' 23. Surah 7: ayat 173. 'Our forefathers were indeed, idolaters; but will You destroy us, their descendants, on account of what the followers of falsehood did?' 24. Surah 21: ayats 66-67. He (Abraham) answered: 'Would you then worship that, instead of Allah, which can neither help nor harm you? Shame on you and on your idols: Have you no sense?' 25. Surah 21: ayats 98-100. You and all your idols shall be the fuel of Hell: therein you shall all go down. Were they true Gods, yours idols would not go there: but in it they shall abide for ever. They shall groan with pain and be bereft of hearing. 26. Surah 16: ayats 20-21. But the false Gods which infidels invoke create nothing: they are themselves created. They are dead, not living, nor do they know when they will be raised to life. 27. Surah 6: ayats 22-23. On that day when We gather them all together We shall say to the idolaters: 'Where are your idols now, those whom you supposed to be your Gods?' They will not argue, but will say: 'By Allah, our Lord, we have never worshipped idols.' 28. Surah 6: ayats 40-41. Say: 'When Allah's scourge smites you and the Hour of Doom suddenly overtakes you, will you call on any but Allah to help you? Answer me, if you are men of truth: No, on Him alone you will call; and if He please, He will relieve your affliction. Then you will forget your idols.' 29. Surah 6: ayat 148: ...The idolaters will say: "Had Allah pleased neither we nor our fathers would have served other Gods besides Him.'... 30. Surah 2: ayat 221. You shall not wed pagan women, unless they embrace the faith. A believing slave-girl is better than an idolatress, although she may please you. Nor shall you wed idolaters unless they embrace the faith. A believing slave is better than an idolater, although he may please you. These call you to Hell-fire, but Allah calls you, by His will, to paradise and to forgiveness. He makes plain His revelations to mankind, so that they may take heed. 31. Surah 24: ayat 3. The adulterer may marry only an adulteress or an idolatress; and adulteress may marry only an adulterer or an idolater. True believers are forbidden such marriages.

[alexGERMAN]

all i say is, define terrorist. One mand terrorist, is anothers freedom fighter. Americans dont know why most middle-easterners hate america, because MTV and FOX dont tell them why. For the most part all they are told is "they hate us because we are free". Yes thats right, Islam cant bear the thought of millions of americans running free, running too and fro from McDonalds to Wal-Mart.

I believe that islam radicals are fighting a noble fight. They are defending there honor, and the honor of there ancestors. What the americans really hate about them in there gut, is that they wont just give up, because they dont have the stomach for the fight.

[Fonceai]

That's how I feel, too, alex.

It doesn't justify what they do, but it matters when you take the time to understand their motivation.

@Kuldeep

I don't know about all of those, but there are many concepts in Arabic that don't translate well to English.

The overlying sense of the Arabic, before translation, isn't calling on Muslims to just go ape-shit and slaughter "infidels". Instead, it addresses more of how a Muslim should respond against people violent towards Islam.

Does that make sense?

[RickSp]

Quote by: Kuldeep I have received an e-mail from one of friends (in confidence) giving some Quotes from the Holy Kuran, which clearly shows the Holly book preaches hatred and blood shed.

Similar verses are found in Bible. If they prove that Islam is a religion of terror, then Judiasm and Christianity must be as well.

[Apokalupsis]

Quote by: alexGERMAN all i say is, define terrorist. One mand terrorist, is anothers freedom fighter. Americans dont know why most middle-easterners hate america, because MTV and FOX dont tell them why. For the most part all they are told is "they hate us because we are free". Yes thats right, Islam cant bear the thought of millions of americans running free, running too and fro from McDonalds to Wal-Mart. I believe that islam radicals are fighting a noble fight. They are defending there honor, and the honor of there ancestors. What the americans really hate about them in there gut, is that they wont just give up, because they dont have the stomach for the fight.

Ah, another "blame America first" member. OK, so Islamic radicals are fighting the noble fight. It's noble to blow up children on school buses, old ladies, students trying to educate themselves, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters trying to earn a buck. Got it.

Since it is not the case that radical Islamofascists hate America for freedom, and is merely defending itself (by blowing up people children and others who are non-combatants who are not a threat in any way, shape or form) in other countries), why do radical Muslims hate the US?

The obvious follow-up question would be: Why does the US hate radical Muslims? Is it because the US hates their wardrobe? Is it because they generally suck in baseball? What exactly?

[Apokalupsis]

Quote by: RickSp The so-called refutation is funny, at least to me,

You need to watch more Monty Python then. Your funny-odometer needs tweaking it seems.

as is all the hysteria by Christians denying the obvious truth that Hitler was a Christian, specifically a Catholic, and that Germany was indeed a Christian nation when it exterminated 11 million Jews, Romanies and others. It is however typical of the sort of blinders worn by certain Christians when they launch a wholesale attack a religion like Islam, a religion that they clearly do not understand, nor really care to.

Feel free to offer a legitimate rebuttal when you can.

[Apokalupsis]

Quote by: pahl @ApokalupsisIts the same God, atleast according to Islam.

They share the same history, but Islam dramatically split in its interpretation of Jehovah.

The Islamic religion belives that jesus was a great prophet and that the bible is a holy scripture to begin with, but that it has been changed by humans. They still belive in the original message of the bible. Ask a christian if you want an answer to what that is.

The "original message"? THE message is that of redemption and salvation of mankind through God in human form, the Christ.

Do you admit that the followers of Islam belive that they worship the same God as Christians?

No. All 3 religions agree that this one being is the mechanism for their faith, but that's about it. The attributes and characteristics, history, teachings, purpose, morals, traditions, etc... of this being all differ between the 3 major religions. Judaism and Christianity are much closer. Christianity says that the God of Judaism is as described in Judaism with ADDITIONAL properties

And that they share the same basic values with christianity?

What values are those?

Do more research on Islam on neutral sites and you will find that the main message of Islam is acctually one of peace.

I've done my homework pahl. There is no doubt that most Muslims are not violent. This has never once been my argument. There is quite a bit of selective reading of my posts by Islamic apologists here, don't get wrapped up in their error.

The key word to note is "enough". There are "enough" Muslims advocating and engaging in violence to warrant the claim that Islam is a religion of terror as that is what Islam PRODUCES. TODAY, it is the single most violent religion in the world. There are more Muslims killing people in the name of their faith, than any other religion.

-------

In respect to Allah being Jehovah (since it is apparent that a new thread will not be started for this topic):

God is knowable (John 17 : 3), Allah is unknowable
God is spoken of as a personal being. Allah is not understood as a person.
God is a Trinity (1 John 5 : 7). The Quran explicitly denies the Trinity.
God is trustworthy (Psalm 62 : 8) Allah is not trustworthy.
God loves His creatures (John 3 : 16). Allah does not.
God became flesh (in Christ) (Philippians 2 : 7). Allah never became flesh.
God exhibits grace (2 Corinthians 8 : 9). Allah does not

Allah was the moon god of Muhammad's father's tribe. His father practiced polytheism. Muhammad rejected the other gods, took Judaism, slapped Allah as the one true God behind the Jewish religion, found a sword and voila! Islam was born.

ALLAH

The crescent moon? Pagan symbol of moon God. Facing Mecca to pray? Traditional practice of pagans who worshipped the moon God Allah. Making the pilgrammage to Mecca? Yup, it was the pagan's practice before it was Muhammad's. Islam is nothing more than a revival of the ancient Moon-god cult. It has taken the symbols, the rites, the ceremonies, and even the name of its god from the ancient pagan religion of the Moon-god. Muhammad worshipped Allah, a false God from one of the 360 deities of the Ka'ba, pahl.

Muhammad blended his tribe's faith and the dominant faith in the area at the time (Judaism) for unification. He wanted to unite people under the same faith, what better way than to say that both religions are really the same or have essentially the same beliefs or traditions? You know, sort of like what the Islamic apologists are attempting to do now, in this thread? :)

And for such a great prophet who allegedly believed in the law of the alleged same God, why did Muhammad break every single one of the 10 Commandments? It's quite an accomplishment to say the least. We all fall, but all 10? That's pretty impressive.

[Fonceai]

So what if he broke all ten?

Hell, given my teen years and my time in the military, if you want to get technical I've broken all ten.

All it tells me is that Muhammed was a man, a prophet, and I respect him more for that.

If anything, Jesus was full of crap. Sure he sacrificed himself, but he knew that he was God Incarnate.

If I knew I wouldn't die and I could convince people to believe me by shooting myself in the face, then pass me the 9mm.

This concept was touched on in Memnoch the Devil by Anne Rice. Strip away the vampire stuff and you have a conversation between the Devil and Jesus where the Devil tells Jesus that what he's doing is immoral because he already knows the answer to a question that other people are asking.

Muhammed and Jesus both said to believe in them and their words. But Jesus went and proved he was divine. That makes him lose credibility, in my book.

[RickSp]

Quote by: Apokalupsis The crescent moon? Pagan symbol of moon God. Facing Mecca to pray? Traditional practice of pagans who worshipped the moon God Allah. Making the pilgrammage to Mecca? Yup, it was the pagan's practice before it was Muhammad's.[b] Islam is nothing more than a revival of the ancient Moon-god cult.

Here we go again. The old Allah the moon God bullshit. Damn this stuff gets old. I guess bigotry and being being uninformed go hand in hand. Early Muslims had no distinctive symbol. When the Turks conquered Constantinople in 1453, they adopted the city's existing flag and symbol, a crescent and star. Associating Islam with a Moon-god cult is ridiculous.

[Apokalupsis]

Quote by: Fonceai So what if he broke all ten? Hell, given my teen years and my time in the military, if you want to get technical I've broken all ten. All it tells me is that Muhammed was a man, a prophet, and I respect him more for that.

I know, I know. It's better to subscribe to violence, hate, hostility than it is to peace, we get that already Fonc.

Quote by: Rick Here we go again. The old Allah the moon God bullshit. Damn this stuff gets old. I guess bigotry and being being uninformed go hand in hand.

Ad hom. Unsubstantiated claim (you are on quite the roll lately).

When the Turks conquered Constantinople in 1453, they adopted the city's existing flag and symbol, a crescent and star.

One of but a many different theories. Yet another unsubantiated claim however.

Associating Islam with a Moon-god cult is ridiculous.

What is ridiculous, is attempting to debate while being incapable of supporting any claim whatsoever, that is made (even by a single source).

Why so emotional Rick? Both you and Fonc get so worked up whenever anyone starts a debate about Islam, yet have no problem when Christianity is under fire, which is abundant in most debate communities, Volc not being an exception. It would seem then, that it is unfair to criticize any belief system that was not in alignment with your own view for some reason. Thus more evidence that the charges of "bias" against your opposition are rubbish and hypocritical.

You are aware that it is at least possible to discuss topics in a rational, non-emotionally invested manner, and that it is even possible to take a position that you do not even agree with, for the purposes of debate, right? I mean, you do understand that in public debate, this is common practice?

This is one of many reasons why it is absurd to attack the person vs the argument. One's personal views on the position are irrelevant to the argument itself in debate.

[RickSp]

You are funny Apo. You quote a nut-job bigoted web site to claim that Islam is a moon cult then call the history I cited unsubstantiated? That is ridiculous. Easy enough to look up, but as I know you won't bother, here are few references.

Star and crescent
Crescent Moon: Symbol of Islam?
Star and crescent of Islam

Claiming that Islam is a moon cult based on the star and crescent is about as absurd as suggesting that the "Protocols of the Elders of Zion" is real and not a Russian forgery. It just demonstrates ignorance, willful or otherwise.

And Apo. You continue to go off on silly rants suggesting that I am emotional. Why? I may alternate between being amused and annoyed at the nonsense that you keep posting, but I am not emotionally involved in your particular bigotry. I am just not afraid to call it what it is.

[Apokalupsis]

Quote by: RickSp You are funny Apo. You quote a nut-job bigoted web site to claim that Islam is a moon cult then call the history I cited unsubstantiated? That is ridiculous.

If it is so "ridiculous", why do you have such a tough time refuting the source's argumentation?

Star and crescent Crescent Moon: Symbol of Islam? Star and crescent of Islam

Wikipedia is great as a community project, but not as a source. Hell, even I've written articles for Wikipedia. Surely I'm an "untrusted" source, right Rick? The fact is, that Wiki is an open project for anyone to contribute to. It isn't exactly a source for more involved discussions, but rather one that gives the laymen bits of general information about numerous topics.

About.com is a collection of well written articles on a great number of topics. Unfortunately, it is lacking as well in quality of information in many areas. It fails to cite and source its articles. Case in point: both articles you posted from them.

Regardless, merely making a non-argument and saying "nuh-uh" by posting a link, hardly is proper debate. Either refute the claims in the previous post, or create a compelling argument. Link wars doesn't win you points.

Claiming that Islam is a moon cult based on the star and crescent is about as absurd as suggesting that the "Protocols of the Elders of Zion" is real and not a Russian forgery. It just demonstrates ignorance, willful or otherwise.

Then it should be easy for you to prove. Why is such a simple task, something so self-evident according to Rick, so difficult, Rick?

And Apo. You continue to go off on silly rants suggesting that I am emotional. Why?

Because you appear to be very agitated, very sensitive, quite upset, and very insecure and thus, project your emotions through attempts at dialog with your opposition. It isn't just with me of course, it's in most posts you create it seems. Anyone who does not hold your own position on any given topic, really, really upsets you. It makes one wonder why such a person would be interested in debate.

We know you are highly sensitive and emotional due to the constant ad homs and silly notion that merely because one disagrees with a particular position of yours through argumentation, it means that 1) they are a bigot somehow and 2) the argument magically reflects the person's depth.

Those who show emotion in debate, are those exposing their true positions regardless of the argument provided.

Here's a tip Rick, since you are so hyper-sensitive to the issue and just haven't soaked up the obvious clues yet:

Apok doesn't REALLY BELIEVE on a personal level that Islam is a religion of terror. Apok doesn't REALLY BELIEVE on a personal level that the religion of Islam is a menace to the world.

For some reason, the idea that people simply enjoy debate, either by taking a controversial position, taking a contrary position and arguing from that perspective, simply escapes you. Perhaps you are new to debate? I don't know. But what I do know, is that it is absurd and sophomoric to attack someone personally in a DEBATE for the argumentation they provide.

I may alternate between being amused and annoyed at the nonsense that you keep posting, but I am not emotionally involved in your particular bigotry. I am just not afraid to call it what it is.

Your repeated ad homs and extremely sensitive nature does indeed beg the question as to why someone in such a state tries to engage others who posit arguments contrary to their own. It seems rather self-destructive. It definitely is not healthy.

[Fonceai]

Quote by: Apo I know, I know. It's better to subscribe to violence, hate, hostility than it is to peace, we get that already Fonc.

I disagree. I was refuting the idea that Islam is bad because Muhammed broke the Ten Commandments.

I'm still incredibly interested in your response to the following question:

Terror, from Dictionary.com, means to cause fear and/or violence. Since every religion can be summarized quite easily (i.e. Christianity is living the way Jesus lived in order to go to Heaven) then tell me, in the shortest possible sentence, exactly how the sole purpose of Islam is to cause fear and/or violence. Then give support from ONLY the Islamic holy texts and nothing from the actions of its extremist practitioners.

Answer from scratch, please, and not by referencing the derailed material from earlier in the thread.

[Apokalupsis]

Quote by: Fonceai I disagree. I was refuting the idea that Islam is bad because Muhammed broke the Ten Commandments.

But I wasn't claiming it was bad because he broke the 10 Commandments. I was merely illustrating the point that it is rather peculiar that such a person who is so exonerated by Muslims as the great example of Islam, not only strays, but strays to extraordinary lengths.

I'm still incredibly interested in your response to the following question: Answer from scratch, please, and not by referencing the derailed material from earlier in the thread.

Fair enough Fonc. I promise my next response in this thread will be addressing your point here.

[RickSp]

Pathetic Apokalupsis. You post garbage from a looney site and then dismiss the three reference I post. I guess if you want to deny easily verifiable history because it doesn't fit your biases, that is entirely your problem.

And the endless verbiage saying nothing, well, why waste the bandwidth?

[Apokalupsis]

Merely copy/pasting Fonc, doesn't really count as my "next post". Just felt it was necessary as Rick continues to fail to read what is written by his opposition (very poor debate form IMO).

Here you go Rick:

-----

Here's a tip Rick, since you are so hyper-sensitive to the issue and just haven't soaked up the obvious clues yet:

Apok doesn't REALLY BELIEVE on a personal level that Islam is a religion of terror. Apok doesn't REALLY BELIEVE on a personal level that the religion of Islam is a menace to the world.

For some reason, the idea that people simply enjoy debate, either by taking a controversial position, taking a contrary position and arguing from that perspective, simply escapes you. Perhaps you are new to debate? I don't know. But what I do know, is that it is absurd and sophomoric to attack someone personally in a DEBATE for the argumentation they provide.

[alexGERMAN]

Quote by: Apokalupsis Ah, another "blame America first" member. OK, so Islamic radicals are fighting the noble fight. It's noble to blow up children on school buses, old ladies, students trying to educate themselves, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters trying to earn a buck. Got it. Since it is not the case that radical Islamofascists hate America for freedom, and is merely defending itself (by blowing up people children and others who are non-combatants who are not a threat in any way, shape or form) in other countries), why do radical Muslims hate the US? The obvious follow-up question would be: Why does the US hate radical Muslims? Is it because the US hates their wardrobe? Is it because they generally suck in baseball? What exactly?

#1 Eveything you named, blowing up buses, killing children and seniors, and students, all this the Americans had no trouble doing in Vietnam, and alot of the war crimes they are commiting in Iraq dont reach america for obvious reasons, so dont act like those events are one sided.

#2 They hate the US because since before you were born the US has been screwing the arabs left and right in every trade agrement, and not only that, the US supports Israel. Best way to make an enemy out of an arab, help a jew.

#3 Your the American, you tell me, why you personally hate Muslims

[Apokalupsis]

Quote by: alexGERMAN #1 Eveything you named, blowing up buses, killing children and seniors, and students, all this the Americans had no trouble doing in Vietnam, and alot of the war crimes they are commiting in Iraq dont reach america for obvious reasons, so dont act like those events are one sided.

1) America targetted school buses as a military tactic? Support please.
2) Fallacy of tu quoque.

#2 They hate the US because since before you were born the US has been screwing the arabs left and right in every trade agrement, and not only that, the US supports Israel. Best way to make an enemy out of an arab, help a jew.

How horrible it must be, to help a dirty jew, right? What trade agreements specifically have the US screwed the arabs in? "Every" is a pretty bold claim, but one that should be quite easy to support.

#3 Your the American, you tell me, why you personally hate Muslims

I don't. And now the claim is all Americans hate Muslims? Wow.

[RickSp]

Quote by: Apokalupsis For some reason, the idea that people simply enjoy debate, either by taking a controversial position, taking a contrary position and arguing from that perspective, simply escapes you. Perhaps you are new to debate? I don't know. But what I do know, is that it is absurd and sophomoric to attack someone personally in a DEBATE for the argumentation they provide.

And now you have moved to merely tedious. Congratulations.

[brien]

All of the people who have killed in the name of religion are killers. This business of offense / defense is merely semantic. All of the people who have died in the name of religion are just as dead as if they died from a natural cause. So what is the reason for their premature death? I can't find one sane reason at all. There are no virgins waiting for you anywhere. There is no sitting at the right hand of God. You get one life and then you die. Those who live through violence are morally corrupt people who know not the true value of human life. Violent people are ignorant people.

All organized religion is horseshit and so are their books like the Quran and the Bible. It can create fanatics out of what otherwise may be peaceful people. How does this benefit mankind? It never has and it never will. It divides people and creates violent situations by pitting one fanatic's reason against another's. What purpose does this serve? It certainly doesn't serve any peaceful purpose.

I have no problem with people wanting the crutch of their religion, so long as it is a peaceful one, but I'll never ask for your crutch and I won't expect for you to ask me for mine.