Opinions on how Islam and Western culture can coexist.?
456806
If you want to follow the path of France you can capitualte and "hope" that the moderates in Islam will become tolerant of anyone that does not believe their way;\n\nOr you can follow the path of the conservative leadership in the USA which will use weapons, money, and power to impose a western type democracy in Islamic countries in hopes that moderates will prevail there?\n\nEither way its a tough road.  As to the capitulation; I'm quite certain the majority of both Islam and Christianity or the West would gladly tolerate each other.  I know there are some Christians that seem to "hate" those outside their religon, but it seems as those only those in radical Islam are violent and unwilling to tolerate anything but their way.\n\nSadly; I think until we defeat an intolerate, hate filled, extremist Islam there will be no peace in the world.  Hopefully moderate Islamist will defeat them from within.
893051
You live in the West, you abide by Western laws. It's really that simple. If you want to walk around in a Darth Vader outfit, move to a Muslim country.
283436
The whole Islamic world is not even, or will ever be, allied with itself.  I realize that American public education and our universities fail miserably at teaching the truth about other cultures, so here is a run down.\n\nThere are two main sects in Islam (not Muslim as being "Muslim" is a state of Islam, akin to "Nirvana").  These are the Sunnis and the Shia.  The Sunnis think the Shia are aposates and traitors to Islam.  Within the Sunni sect, there are several other subsects of which Whabbasism is just one.  Trying to get all these sects to agree on what day it even is is difficult enough.  Having them unite as one is almost impossible.  \n\nThis is further complicated by the fact African, Far Eastern, and Indonesian Islamists don't like the Arabs, or each other.  Al Qeada's pay and command structure further infuriated non-Arab Islamic people.  Old Bin Lying doesn't pay non-Arabs as much as Arabs or let them be as high ranking in his clubhouse.  Plus, the genocide in Sudan and othert parts is being caused by Islamic Arabs killing Islamic Africans, along with Christian Africans.  BTW, Islam refers to Jesus Christ as a prophit and pays homage to him (Guess Bin Lying forgot to read that part of the Quran!).\n\nMixed into this further the tribal and clan nature of the Middle East and Africa.  The US, USSR, UK, and others have always been able to fracture the alliances by either buying off a clan or allowing the clans to fight themselves, which is usually what happens without Western involvement.\n\nAnd to top it off, a large and growing number of Islamic peoples do not hate America or what it is doing.  Efforts in Afghanistan, Kuwait, Indonesia, Pakistan, and other areas where the US Military and NGOs go in are paying monumental dividends.\n\nIraqis are siding with the USA, as are Jordanians, as are the oppressed people of Iran (they just can't do much about it right now.. such is what always happens when you disarm the people).  Then there are the Pastdun people of Pakistan, who, after Al Qeada abandoned them following the massive earthquake that killed 80,000+, saw the ones who rushed in was...come on, guess....That's right, the USA!  And who sent massive aid to Indonesia, dispite the lies from leftists in the UN?  The USA wins there too by sending very high level, and possibly vulnerable assets to the disaster area.  Just like we did for Katrina later, the US military sent assault ships, one of our two hospital ships, and an aircraft carrier without its fighters but loaded with supplies and helos (the USS Kittyhawk) to the area.  These efforts speak volumes to the people of the area and cause a rift between them and our enemies.\n\nSo, yes, we stand a great chance since the Islamic world is difficult to unite and easy to fracture.
6307
As long as you're okay with being suspected of being a terrorist every time you travel, life is just fine for Muslims in western countries.\n\nedited to add:\nMost people understand that most Muslims don't support terrorism or want to destroy the West.  And I don't think there's widespread discrimination in day-to-day life.  America is a melting pot, so there are lot of people from different backgrounds.  But if you're a "Middle Eastern looking" male, and you try to drive a truck across a bridge or through a tunnel in NYC, you'll be stopped.  If you get on a plane with a few friends, other passengers will get nervous.
122521
There're many diffrents between Islam and Moslem.\nThe solutions is teach the moslem to know deeper to Islamic rules.\nIslam is one of the world solution. Even for their believer.
644421
Christianity and Islam, ironically come from the same "parents" if you will. They are like feuding brothers. Many of the beliefs in both religions are very similar, with the exception of who they chose as their saints. The problem with islam in my humble opinion is that the religious people in charge dont try to conform to modern standards, rather they want to keep people lost in 2 A.D. Christianity isnt entirely better mind you, while it has to a large degree adapted to the modern world there are still many people who believe in antequated ideologies. \n\nThere are many kinds of christians, each with their own varaition of Christianity. Some believe in the trinity, God, Jesus and the Holy spirit. Some pay tribute to saints or holy people sent by god to do his work on earth. And some still have many varying beliefs that are not all the same. \n\nIt would not be a wise judgement to say that all christians are the same, as I've just pointed to you theyre not. I don't know enough about muslims to make a similar remark, however when you begin generalizing people you make really gross assumptions that arent necessarily true of all people.\n\nIn my opinion, education rules supreme above religion. I also think that everyone should have some kind of faith, and we should stop persecuting eachother for being different and having different beliefs.\n\nLove thy neighbor etc.\nLive and let live. etc etc
1108285
I think that many of us are interested in learning about other cultures and religions, but few of us have time or passion enough for classes.  I think that is why this venue is so popular.  By talking to people from different faiths and cultures you can see different sides of the same issue.\n\nIt is true, that we know very little of Islam here (USA) - and while I am interested, I get the most out of the conversational answers than the 'teachy preachy" ones.  I am very happy in my own Faith and am not looking to convert, but I am always happy to discuss ideas and learn a dfferent point of view.\n\nThank you so much for taking the time to state (and I imagine, restate) your point of view and for trying to help us all to learn more about your faith.  I am sure that it is as beautiful and beneficial as a faith can be, and I am looking forward to learning more about it.\n\nPeace!
909399
When you say "many", how many are you talking about?\n\nI don't see it the way you see it. Islam promotes friendship and trust between Muslims, and the mosque is a secure sanctity where people can go to worship God.\n\nThe mosque should not be used as a country club, but I can understand what you are talking about. To Westerners, it may seem that way, but in Islamic cultural societies, the Mosque is like a smaller pilgrimage ecosystem, where Muslims have an opportunity to get to know one another between prayers, and share in the knowledge and blessings that Allah has bestowed upon them and their communities...
101019
hi \ni totally understand what u are sayin, see the main problem is that most ppl who read the Quran, interpret it in the wrong way, or sometimes they just make up stuff, like some say that killing others will lead u to heaven, that is made up stuff, Islam teaches us to accept all other races, religions and to respect them, no matter what the religion, if the person worships God, respect them, If the person worships the devil, respect them and their religion.\n\n\nif u have anymore questions or r confused feel free to reply
113560
I notice that Muslims in the West are more naive and believing. Many of them are either extremely religious or liberal. Many of them would study the history of Islam, and the Life of the Prophet Muhammad, amongst many Islamic resources, as they progress, or before they convert.\nThey focus less on the rituals (like which foot goes into the bathroom, which side is better to sleep on etc, more on theoratical and scholarly side.)\nHowever, Muslims in Asia are in both extremes. Extremely religious, or extremely non-religious. Many of the non-religious people don't even know their own religion at all, they're only born Muslim.\nMany are rather moderate and practice their religion so personally you'd never know they were really muslims, even if the women in the family wore headscarfs.\nMany are nice, ordinary people.\n\nHowever, they focus more on the "physical", the rituals, less on the history, mostly by route memorization of specific texts and verses picked here and there rather than knowing the full meaning and verse, sentence, paragraph or origin of the text. This could be because they were born Muslim and many have read the Qu'ran by memorization only.\n\nThis isn't counting the extreme-thought Muslims who are holier-than-thou with their attitudes but still sleep around and drink alcohol - like my Saudi friend.
503981
I have learned a lot from my new friend about Islam. I am especially thankful for her tolerance of me as a Christian.\nI have a whole lot to learn and our relationship will grow through our teaching each other.
155044
The west is already at war with a small segment of Islam. The question is, will Islam go to war with itself and extinguish the radical element, or will mainstream Islam join the radicals.\n\nPeople should recognize that huge percentages of muslims are non practicing and don't even go to mosque. This is especially true in Europe where some estimates show 80% of the muslim population not really formally participating.
862936
Why must the West provide an external solution to what is an internal problem?\n\nRadicalized Muslims can only dissuaded by fellow Muslims.\n\nThe West has had enough, and a peaceable context may  very well be impossible if they are attacked again--  force is what Islamic extremists will find from the Western countries.\n\nThe person below me is correct.\n\nIt's not that your suggestion is a bad one.\nExtremists have ventured beyond the bounds of reasoning-- it's what makes them dangerous.\n\nI don't wish conflict with anyone, but if it's  demanded of me, then I have no choice.
136147
I don't think westerners are antagonistic to Mohammad. We're antagonistic to those who perpetrate violence in his name. These people are evil and must be called such by Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
747976
Islam has yet to reach its peak. It came into existence roughly 400 years after Christianity and is making steady progress. By the time it is matured it will probably be the dominant religion (and a new one will be in its infancy)
773227
Of course if I though Islam was the correct (or most correct) religion I would join it.  As it is, though, I cannot be separated from Christ.\nI very much want to learn more about Islam, and I am gradually and steadily learning about it.  \nI believe it is good to know how others think and what they believe.
131020
No. Its not fair to play with anyones religions. Have the decency and respect peoples faith. Islam by itself respects all religions. (Its just some muslims who are extremists dont respect, but most 90% muslims do respect). \n  I beleive peace and harmony would spread if other religions respects Islam as well as other religion.\n  If you knew Islam, than you would know the rules. Muslims dont commit sins freely. \nIf they do, than they are definately sinning and that is not allowed in Islam.\nPlease dont blame religion for what people do. \nSince you said that, I am free to say that chritianity is a GAY religion and it promotes people being GAY. How do I know that? Look at the actions of most of the Bishops and Fathers of the church. Not only are they GAY, but also Child molesters. I dont think i would want to stay in that religion. However, I know its only the people and not the religion.\nKnow your facts before yo make a statement. \nIslam is not a man made religion. If it was, it would not be the fastest growing religion on earth.\nMay God spread peace in this world. AMen