“You will find extremists on both sides of the debate”

Exactly, and that's why I respect Ayaan Hirsi Ali- she wants nothing more than to PEACEFULLY make Islam at least as debatable as Christianity is, she wants Muslims to be free to criticise Islam without having to fear for their life.
She wants freedom of religion. (And I dare say, freedom FROM religion).

The problem is that there may be many Muslims who don't agree with Islam or parts of the Koran but who are too fearful to speak out. Ayaan wants to change that- it should be safe to leave Islam.
Ayaan does not want war- she loves democracy and promotes peaceful debates so that Islam can be reformed. Reformation is her goal, not abolishment.

For some perspective, remember that In the past, Christianity hasn’t been openly debatable either (e.g. Spanish Inquisittion, more recently the Catholics and Protestants).
We should also keep in mind that even today there are a few fundamental Christian cults and sects to which we turn a blind eye because of their lowish numbers. Nevertheless, if they grow, they can potentially just be as dangerous to society as Islam. Religious extremists are always dangerous, whether they branch off Islam or Christianity.
Excommmunication from sects such as (my favourite cult to bash) the Exclusive Brethren has very negative ramifications especially for children.
For members of these sects it is very hard to leave even though there generally is no life threat, whereas for ex Muslims there can be the same difficulties plus a life threat.

I mentioned in an earlier post that organised groups of Muslim atheists from several European countries will soon meet in Amsterdam to sign the Freedom of Religion declaration.
Do Australian Muslims have such opportunity, to safely sign such declaration?

My Dear Logic, the broad view of history is like the broad view of the weather. Mainly cloudy with thunderstorms followed by periods of intermittent sunshine. I'm happy for you that you have found some sun shine.

I may be wrong but, Christianity is not exclusive in the sense that for example is Judaism. :-)
One can not easily convert to Judaism but, anyone can become a Christian at any time. Even upon ones death bed. ; ;-)

TRTL,

“And if you're going to therefore blast science, perhaps you'd better suggest another means of proceeding with discovery, or I can only assume you're advocating humanity remain in the dark ages.”

I don’t recall ‘blasting’ science at all. Science is there to discover God’s creation as He put humans in charge of managing and prosper the earth.

God’s mysteries like His eternal existence, omnipresence, triune reality, etc… cannot be proven by science. It transcends our human and technical capacity.

Yabby,

Thanks for the laugh. Actually I enjoy God’s sense of humour.

If you want to be technical, humans do have the remnant of a tale (coccyx), as well as many other features that may lead a scientist to deduce “evolution”.

However as you said we share 98% DNA with animals. The theory (no rational evidence) that one species can magically become another has eluded science for centuries.

Humans are above all other creatures, and this is God’s purpose by design.

If my humanity is linked to the extra 2% DNA so be it.

Fellow_Human,

There are different expressions of Islam but one Qur’an, one supremacist teaching.
So unless someone goes in there with a big PERMANENT red marker pen and delete all the bits that provoque radicalism and murder of innocents, we cannot trust you or any person who continues to use the Qur’an as their justification for a religion.

Logic,

Jews (today's remnant) are God’s chosen people since the beginning of recorded history. Jews have no need for change.

Christians (from Jews or non-Jewish people) who accept the Jewish Messiah Jesus become spiritually grafted to God’s "people".

That explains Judeophobia in Islam; (they) believe they could by-pass the "only" way to God: Jesus - a Jew.

As for the trinity in OT, you won’t find that “word” – what you need is an understanding of Hebrew grammar. E.g. The word Elohim used throughout is the plural form of Eloh (God).
Elohiayim – means duality - is never used.

All elements of the one triune God entity although present in the OT become fully explained in the NT.

aqvarivs

The point is that Jews do not believe that there is any special advantage in being Jewish. Why bother on your deathbed? Basically Rabbis would want a proper commitment before conversion, otherwise what is the point?

coach

Yes Elohim is a plural word, but Judaic tradition is that it is not the name for God, just a substitute. The other name used is Adonay, which is singular. Some Jewish scholars take the plural form to mean that God is everywhere. Who knows, I frankly do not care. To use it as a prophecy for the Holy Trinity sounds to me like a bit of sophistry.

Coach,

1. I appreciate your improved tone.
You need further education on Islam and 'redmarker'

Watch the following link in a interview on how Muslims should respect others: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ut-bvt0NdVw&NR=1

On the contrary, Rev Floyd (in the video) accuses Muslims of paganism.

2. Your comment to Logic "Elohim" the 'im' is a plural of respect (or plural of numbers) in Hebrew and Arabic languages. This is why Jewish people like Logic believe in only one God.
I thought you understood Arabic:-) apologies.

Peace as always,

"The theory (no rational evidence) that one species can magically become another has eluded science for centuries."

On the contrary, thats quite well understood. If you are interested,
learn about ring species, that gives you a clue. But then I doubt
if you are really interested in understanding these things.
Thats cool, life is about being happy.

"Humans are above all other creatures, and this is God’s purpose by design."

Above in what way? A larger brain sure. Thats just our evolutionary
niche. The most destructive species on the planet? quite possibly.
A species smart enough to invent interesting things, stupid enough
to wipe themselves out in the end? Highly likely. Thats the problem
with religion, they call it judgement day. I guess planet earth
might one day spin with little more then ants and cockroaches on
board. Shame about those mammals...

"If my humanity is linked to the extra 2% DNA so be it."

Well yup, that leaves you 98% common primate. So what is amazing?