Unfortunately, Mikk, there are important differences between Christianity and Islam. After five hundred years of internal schisms and struggles against science, Christianity has become so attenuated that it exerts very little authority over most of its nominal followers: take the proportion of self-proclaimed Catholics who practice birth control, for instance. Islam is much stronger and more authoritative for most of its believers, as shown by polls of what Muslim immigrants and students believe is acceptable, and the outrageous statements which its religious leaders are allowed to get away with here and overseas. This means that an expansion of Islam results in much greater erosion of individual freedom than a corresponding expansion of Christianity.

I have no doubt that if humanity survives and progresses for another hundred years or so, then Islam will be in much the same position that Christianity is in now. But an awful lot of suffering and misery -- mainly on the part of Muslims themselves -- will take place before that day is reached. Christianity has largely outgrown its megalomaniac delusions: Islam has not.

<"Unfortunately, Mikk, there are important differences between Christianity and Islam">

The only important difference between the three factions of the Abrahamic cult is the time line, other than that, they are one and the same. When you have a history only exhibiting violence and suppression, no amount of excuses can overcome the factual reality. As they say, if you support terrorist organisations in any way, you are guilty by association. Continuing to excuse the actions of so many believers from all factions is no different to providing monetary, physical or emotional support and guilt by association. The belief in god is psychologically destructive, a refuge for all the evil despots of the world and the excuse they use to continue terrorising the planet in the name of their mythical god.

Let me put it this way: in an Islamic society, people like runner would be in charge.

An interesting and informative article that provides a fascinating insight into how some Muslims categorise variations of their faith and communities. It's certainly a refreshing variation on the usual monochromatic (and usually negative) version we tend to get from most non-Muslim authors writing about contemporary Islam.

Some excellent comments, particularly the last couple from stormbay and Jon J - the latter of whom is frighteningly (and hilariously) correct, I think :S

Thanks, Teuku Zulfikar.

Most reasonable people would agree and accept that Muslims like any other religous people are not homogenous and their beliefs can manifest in many different ways. Look how many sects exist under the umbrella of Christianity all with their own interpretations of the Bible.

The unfortunate reality is the growth of fundamentalist Muslims over the past 20 years due to a number of global political and economic stimuli, not least including the failure of the West to address the issues concerning Palestine.

Whatever the factors that feed fundamentalism - poverty, injustice, political and cultural characteristics - the fact is that the world watched when thousands of Middle Eastern people were televised cheering when the planes flew into the twin towers.

While the West has been guilty of many horrific crimes either overtly or covertly (under the guise of Christianity), the fact is that our thoughts and attitudes are shaped by various events and our perceptions are very much in the eye of the beholder.

Of course, it is unfair that moderate Muslims are not separated from the more radical elements. We in the West, seem to have no trouble distinguishing the more radical groups within Christianity but perhaps it is because we know them better and with integration and education those prejudices will be diffused.

I wouldnt have expected anything less from you runner. Pray for my soul did you?