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**Matt W** · Jun 9, 2005, 05:56 am

Fair enough, tb - but other religions have also driven people to violence - and it's important that is acknowleged. I mean, Islam is only 1400 years old. 1400 years into Christianity...well. Just look at the Middle Ages and the horrible things being done in the name of Christ for that. Islam has yet to have it's Reformation - and if they continue to perceive themselves as being persecuted, the hardliners will always have a voice disproportionate to their actual power.

tinybear · Jun 9, 2005, 06:05 am

Oh, of course. Christianity has driven people to violence and terrorism. But lately, Islam has excelled in this regard against all other religions. That's why I've always been of the view that institutionalized religion is a dangerous thing.

**Matt W** · Jun 9, 2005, 06:41 am

I'm with you on that one - I just dislike your singling out of Islam, as it's proffessed views like that which lead to religious persecution and discrimination against Muslims as a whole. Which is a goal to be avoided, in my opinion!

tinybear · Jun 9, 2005, 06:46 am

Can't help that. Islam has been particularly active in this regard for the past couple of decades and Islamic terrorists are now America's No. 1 enemy.

**Matt W** · Jun 9, 2005, 06:50 am

*shrugs* That's as maybe - but that is no reason to stereotype 25% of the world's population.

tinybear · Jun 9, 2005, 07:03 am

I did not stereotype all Muslims (or at least I didn't mean to). I might have given you that impression, for which I apologize. If you accuse me of stereotyping their religion though, I might think about pleading guilty.

**Matt W** · Jun 9, 2005, 07:38 am

Ah, the subtleties of the written word....glad that's been cleared up.

Jun 9, 2005, 05:56 am	#81 (permalink) (top)
Matt W Moderator Location: Reading, UK. Posts: 6,782	Fair enough, tb - but other religions have also driven people to violence - and it's important that is acknowleged. I mean, Islam is only 1400 years old. 1400 years into Christianity...well. Just look at the Middle Ages and the horrible things being done in the name of Christ for that. Islam has yet to have it's Reformation - and if they continue to perceive themselves as being persecuted, the hardliners will always have a voice disproportionate to their actual power. I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered. -George Best, on being asked what he did with his footballing fortunes.

Jun 9, 2005, 06:41 am	#83 (permalink) (top)
Matt W Moderator Location: Reading, UK. Posts: 6,782	I'm with you on that one - I just dislike your singling out of Islam, as it's proffessed views like that which lead to religious persecution and discrimination against Muslims as a whole. Which is a goal to be avoided, in my opinion! I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered. -George Best, on being asked what he did with his footballing fortunes.

Jun 9, 2005, 06:50 am	#85 (permalink) (top)
Matt W Moderator Location: Reading, UK. Posts: 6,782	shrugs That's as maybe - but that is no reason to stereotype 25% of the world's population. I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered. -George Best, on being asked what he did with his footballing fortunes.

Jun 9, 2005, 07:38 am	#87 (permalink) (top)
Matt W Moderator Location: Reading, UK. Posts: 6,782	Ah, the subtleties of the written word....glad that's been cleared up. I spent a lot of money on booze, birds and fast cars. The rest I just squandered. -George Best, on being asked what he did with his footballing fortunes.

Jun 9, 2005, 06:05 am	#82 (permalink) (top)
tinybear Volcanic Erupter Location: Hong Kong (for now) Posts: 7,100	Oh, of course. Christianity has driven people to violence and terrorism. But lately, Islam has excelled in this regard against all other religions. That's why I've always been of the view that institutionalized religion is a dangerous thing.

Jun 9, 2005, 06:46 am	#84 (permalink) (top)
tinybear Volcanic Erupter Location: Hong Kong (for now) Posts: 7,100	Can't help that. Islam has been particularly active in this regard for the past couple of decades and Islamic terrorists are now America's No. 1 enemy.

Jun 9, 2005, 07:03 am	#86 (permalink) (top)
tinybear Volcanic Erupter Location: Hong Kong (for now) Posts: 7,100	I did not stereotype all Muslims (or at least I didn't mean to). I might have given you that impression, for which I apologize. If you accuse me of stereotyping their religion though, I might think about pleading guilty.