Those nice tolerant Muslims

**Spartacus** · 22 March 2006, 08:08

I think it's just a religion thing. Look at Chico - he professes to be a peace loving Christian yet has been observed calling for people to be killed for some reason or another.

**expat** · 22 March 2006, 08:11

Originally posted by The Lone Gunman

From the BBC. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/4831426.stm

This Muslim chap converted to Christianity
Under Sharia law he faces the death penalty.

The Koran states that any Muslim who "strays and refuses to return to the path" faces death, as do non Muslims who refuse to accept the faith.

Why are we still hearing our great and good telling us how Islam is a religion of peace and tolerance.

Are there any Muslims on this board?

Not me. My religion is "Why the hell is religion so sacred?"

But I'm reading Menocal, Ornament of the World, about the tolerant Muslim-Christian-Jewish culture of the Muslims in Spain 8th cent CE - 1492, and it's fascinating. And sad that "there are no Muslin Andalucians visible anywhere in the world today".

I wonder why that is?

**threaded** · 22 March 2006, 08:30

Originally posted by expat

But I'm reading Menocal, Ornament of the World, about the tolerant Muslim-Christian-Jewish culture of the Muslims in Spain 8th cent CE - 1492, and it's fascinating.

I would characterise that book as pretty bad history. I think it should really be placed in the section of romantic fiction.

Originally posted by expat

And sad that "there are no Muslin Andalucians visible anywhere in the world today". I wonder why that is?

There never was that many, and when a group of fundamentalists got in charge it collapsed within about 3 years.

**expat** · 22 March 2006, 08:39

Originally posted by threaded

I would characterise that book as pretty bad history. I think it should really be placed in the section of romantic fiction.

I know that, that's what I bought it for

. But it is true that much of the Cordoba Caliphate's culture was tolerant, even when their individual behaviour was as mediaeval as anyone else's. Now the reverse seems to be true: many muslims are decent tolerant people but when they reach for their culture it is one of fatwas and death-to-everybody-else.

There never was that many, and when a group of fundamentalists got in charge it collapsed within about 3 years.

La Reconquista took a little bit longer than that. And was accompanied by the rise of Christian culture, in the form of the Spanish Inquisition.

**John Galt** · 22 March 2006, 08:41

I don't think it has a whole lot to do with the religion but rather with the wingnuts that put their own twisted interpretations on the 'teachings'. Maybe people who do not follow Islam will face death but I am fairly sure the intention of the teaching was not to give carte blanche to any axe wielding homicidal maniac who fancied a bit of a spree. Religion itself I have no problem with but religion in the hands of an uneducated hysterical mass is just asking for trouble

**Antman** · 22 March 2006, 08:49

Disagree about al-andalus. The head treasurer during one of the caliph's reign was jewish. Arabs where given the choice during the reconquista convert or die. Those who converted where called 'moriscos'.

just to say agree with Expat not with Threaded

**The Lone Gunman** · 22 March 2006, 08:56

Originally posted by John Galt

twisted interpretations on the 'teachings'

I have read the Koran and researched much of the traditions.
This is not about "interpretation". The Koran says a whole host of people must die. As it is the word of God it can not be interpreted (that would carry a death sentence too) and must be obeyed.

**expat** · 22 March 2006, 09:04

Originally posted by Antman

Disagree about al-andalus. The head treasurer during one of the caliph's reign was jewish.

Maybe we should have one of those?

Edit: I mean a Jewish Chancellor of the Exchequer. Not a Caliph's reign.

**John Galt** · 22 March 2006, 09:06

Originally posted by The Lone Gunman

I have read the Koran and researched much of the traditions.
This is not about "interpretation". The Koran says a whole host of people must die. As it is the word of God it can not be interpreted (that would carry a death sentence too) and must be obeyed.

I bow to your superior knowledge LG - now where can I buy a bomb proof hat?

Those nice tolerant Muslims