TurnRightThenLeft, “moderate muslims appear to be hesitant in their denunciation of radical elements of the religion.”

The problem faced by the tolerant and moderate practitioners of any faith is

How to counter the excesses of their more zealot brethren without appearing to become one?

I figure the only way is to publicly denounce extremist actions, promptly and loudly.

It is often contrary to the views of moderates, out of respect for others, to promote their view but if someone is making a mess in the name of your faith, the moderate has a responsibility to defend the good name of that faith and make a stand for it.

They will have their work cut out though, the actions of radical extremists always makes better “news” than those of the moderates.

Fair enough Col - I agree. But should Christians make the same efforts?

Is it okay for them to 'pussyfoot' around people like Mercy Ministries?

Mr Right - I looked through your posts. A litany of half-arsed one-eyed anti muslim sentiments. Fair enough, condemn fringe movements, but get an understanding of the real issues before you insult others.

Start with this article:

http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=6107

As far as debating goes, just insulting your opponents as not understanding the situation doesn't actually prove anything, it merely acts as a smokescreen for ignorance.

Perhaps you should try making rational arguments instead.

In earlier posts, I've outlined complexities of what I think causes Islamic extremism and the real problems:

http://forum.onlineopinion.com.au/thread.asp?discussion=1180#21169

You, haven't. As it stands, you look more like a yahoo banging a drum, so it's a bit rich for you to pretend to be some all-knowing arbiter. Perhaps if you respond a little more calmly with a bit more reasoning, you'll come across a little more persuasively.

And gibo, as far as your demons, prophecies and concern over the downfall of the west go, this NSW man believed in all three of those things. His warnings over the future of the west, right down to his belief in prophecies and the muslim menace, all sound quite similar to sentiments you have expressed.

http://news.smh.com.au/beheading-accused-suffered-delusions/20080317-1zvv.html

He decapitated his step-grandfather because he believed he was in on the prophetic conspiracy.
He was found not guilty by reason of insanity.

I'm not saying you're insane, but perhaps the fact that other people who believe in prophectic conspiracies of doom tend to be unbalanced, should be a wake up call.

Come on TRTL.
Just admit you dont like christians and wanted to unravel their day a bit.
I used to write against local christians in a country town I lived in...I loved it...then I got saved by the Lords Grace and realised how wrong I was.
You write the same as I used to write, thats how I know you.

". I know the spirit world. Demons and evil spirit powers are the root cause of such things as eating disorders, anxiety etc. You can also include lust (porn and masturbation young fellows), fear, all other addictions and many other life troubles in this cluster." (Quote: Gib)

I am now VERY worried.

Are you saying that doing in the bath WILL make you go blind??

(Gropes way to kitchen for coffee...).

URGENT CORRECTION: "Doing IT in the bath."

I couldn't see the keys......

Gibo, I've no issues with Christians. Most are very friendly, reasonable people. Heck, articles by Alan Matheson are fantastic, and Foxy is quite possible the most restrained, reasonable person in these forums.

Whoever you are or were is your business.

I just don't like nutjobs of any creed. I'll condemn fringe nutjob movements of Islam, just as I'll condemn fringe nutjob movements of Christianity.

The reason why I don't criticise Islam in its entirety is the same reason why I don't criticise Christianity in its entirety.

Both have ugly things in their books. I put the blatant cruelty and ugliness of god in relation to the Job affair to boaz in this thread and asked how he could justify it:

http://forum.onlineopinion.com.au/thread.asp?discussion=1343#26409

He couldn't. The answers were as evasive as any muslim trying to justify the heinous actions of mohammed. Boaz couldn't criticise god any more than they could criticise their prophet, even when it was abundantly clear the actions being discussed were immoral.

Despite the cruelty of god toward Job, I don't have an issue with Christians, because I judge them on how they live their lives and how they treat others.

I was putting it to boaz in an attempt to make him see that to the balanced perspective, using these texts as a basis for judgement is wrong, because they're interpreted in a manner that suits the individual anyway.

The vast majority of the world's muslims live their lives peacefully. Thus, I've no problem with them, just as I've no problem with the Christians.

The lunatic movements of either creed however, I'll condemn. What I want to know, is whether the same can be said of Christians who lean toward a more fundamentalist interpretation.

And if not, then I'd like them to understand that while I can accept that, they should bear this in mind next time they assume muslims who aren't criticising beliefs share those beliefs.