I think Mr Bashir needs to watch his back. His article would surely anger the radicals.
Perhaps if Muslims want to live in western countries, it would probably be wise to do as other migrants do--keep your head down, complain less,do your best to merge in with the mores of Australian life instead of standing out always as a different tribe determined to force your unwelcome beliefs and culture on us.
If any radicals refuse to do this, moderate Muslims would be in the best situation to persuade these people to return to Muslim states where they can live life under Muslim rules instead of always being at odds with Australian laws.
A square peg will never fit in a round hole and if our way of life doesn't agree with you, go.

I agree Numbat.

Part One

To Bashir,

As a retiree who since acquiring a degree in history and politics at Curtin University, majoring in International Relations with Honours, followed by 13 years backed by Murdoch School of Humanities taking groups in the Philosophy of Western History at Mandurah Uni’ of the 3rd Age, it is both surprising and annoying that regarding the horrific problems today between mostly Middle East Muslims and Anglicised Westerners, not a jot has been mentioned how St Thomas Aquinas in the Late Middle Ages, virtually lifted Christianity out of the Dark Ages, through taking note of the teachings of the rebellious French monk Peter Abelard, whose watchword had become “The Search for Enquiry”, based on Aristotlean philososophy passed on by Muslim scholars. Put simply, in order to put Christianity on an earthly plane, Revelation had to be mixed with Reason, or as most modern scientists declare, Reason and Faith must go together.

Indeed, many historians swear by the logic that without the infusion of Greek scientific reasoning Western society might still be barbarian.

Now, rather sadly, through the dicardance of Greek philosophy, Islam itself is in a Dark Ages. Not that such proud people need to convert to the somewhat cheap Western cowboy styles of the American Way.

Part Two

In short, there has been a suggestion, not among our so-called teaching fraternity, of course, that if the above was taught in Primary schools, especially with young Muslim migrants and our Australian kids together, as well as the full logic of Aquinas Reasoning over our church pulpits, we might gradually attain far better friendliness between Westerners and Islamics.

Some call it learning from each other and sharing the blame. Maybe someone can think of a better term.

George C, WA - Bushbred

This is an excellent article which shows how Muslims themselves make Islam look bad. Just as Peter Costello's ignorance on sharia makes the Liberal Party looks stupid.

I notice coach saying that "Any 5 year old who can read will tell you how evil islam is." Thanks for telling us your age, coach.

Irfan

This is the only article I have seen on OLO that presents Islam in anything other than a favourable light. For you to agree it presents a view of one Muslim's unfavourable assessment is not an admission on your part that his views are at all accurate or representative of most Muslim's views.

I know I won't get an answer but I have to ask...What is your opinion of Bashir's view? Do you agree with all of it, part of it or none of it?
Would you mind explaining to me exactly how Peter Costello's views on sharia are ignorant?
You might also explain how his view represents the Liberal Party's policy. You won't be able to do this. Comments such as yours reveals a lack of understanding of the precepts of our political system. Such is a prime example of the things I was refering to in the forum discussing your article. Such inaccuracy from you as a well educated lawyer...well then what should one expect from the not so well educated masses?