Fitna

Over the past few years, I have paid more attention to an aspect of Islam that is very disturbing. I recall starting from the basic position that Islam is inherently good, but the Koran can be abused as is the Scriptures. Then, slowly I started to read more and watch events with a different mind set. I realized that there was some hatred evidenced in the Koran that was inherent rather than a warped interpretation. Granted, there are many Muslim leaders who reject violence against those who are "unbelievers", but it is their ability to reinterpret the Koran that permits them to disregard the actual content. And, then, as opposed to Jesus, it is hard to discount that Islam was founded by a violent warrior.

It is important to put the views of religious texts within the wider view that religion does appear to present a rather negative perspective on life. Without minimizing the positive words, even the Jewish and Christian scriptures contain much that has to be either discounted or reinterpreted to avoid falling into the same extremism associated with those who practice jihad. The writings of Sam Harris ("End of Faith" and "Letter to a Christian Nation") that I referenced in another blog in February 2007 describe in detail the various texts that have to be "reinterpreted" in order to satisfy the expectations of modern man.


I could not resist watching YouTube's english version of Fitna, the Dutch short film by Geert Wilders, the well-known Dutch politician who has taken on the cause of addressing what he sees are the inherent hatred and violence associated with Islam. It is hard not to give some credence to what is portrayed since we know that it exists. Admittedly, there is much other that warrants support, but unless Muslim leaders come out strongly to condemn Muslim extremists, it is hard not to include the religion in one's condemnation.