Reply #31: Why would you put words in my mouth? [View All]

[msmcghee]

Let me be as clear as I can.

I personally don't believe any religion is "fundamentally" anything. Like most religions whose writings were created by many different people over several centuries the "fundamental" beliefs of the religion can be interpreted in many ways from benign and pacifist to extremely violent and whole passages, books and chapters can be ignored or get eliminated - just like Christianity. I'd say the only truly fundamental belief of Islam is that Allah is the one true God and that Muhammad was his prophet. The rest is up for grabs and interpretations will change both with time and in response to political pressure - just like Christianity.

Note that I accept the proposition that political pressure can cause a religion to be interpreted and delivered to its followers in different ways. Look at the changes in Evangelical Christianity in this country over the last three decades. But, the question was whether or not Islam is currently a source of antisemitism sufficient for planners to account for it in a strategic sense - the question was not about the cause of any antisemitism coming from Islam.

My actual words were, "Either mainstream Islam is or is not a significant source of antisemitism and a strategic threat to Israel. IMO the preponderance of available evidence says that it is."

It would have been clearer if I had said, "Either mainstream Islam, as currently being interpreted by Israel's Islamist enemies, is a significant source of antisemitism and a strategic threat to Israel or it is not."

However, I thought it was clear that I was referring to Islam as practiced by Israel's enemies - not worldwide Islam. I support moderate Muslims - those who interpret Islam in non-violent, non-antisemitic and peaceful ways. I don't see them as enemies of - or posing any strategic threat to Israel.

In summary, I believe that, mainstream Islam, as currently being interpreted by Israel's Islamist enemies, is a significant source of antisemitism and a strategic threat to Israel. I do not believe there is anything fundamental to Islam that accounts for that. IMO it is the result of how Islam is currently being interpreted by those enemies of Israel.