Deadly gunbattle in Nairobi shopping mall

[fujiyama]

44. I view it the opposite way

I think many Muslims (and Christians and Jews) are peaceful, despite the writings of their religious texts.

The Koran and the Hadiths in particular do prescribe second class status for non-Muslims and violence if need be. The Bible is full of similar nasty recommendations for non-believers. And like Christianity, it's also an expansionist ideology of religious supremacism, where either you fall in line or you are a Kafir (Infidel). I suppose, as the other poster said, Christianity has a head start so most of the mass violence committed in its name (Crusades, Inquisition, Spanish Colonialism and genocide of natives) is easier to forget now. Besides, most nations with Christian majorities are secular, with state institutions not imposing any official religion on its citizens and the church taking a back seat to state and civic institutions.

Islam is particularly difficult to reconcile with in the modern world as it is really not just a religion. Many of its followers would say its a way of life. I know plenty of peaceful Muslims who would no doubt condemn these violent acts, but the fact is many would do so only with qualifiers and with hesitation, trying to bring up other non-associated injustices being committed against Muslims.

In majority-Muslim nations in the developing world (which is a majority), it's even messier. The reality is that their piousness has not brought upon material success (or even provided the basics) as their civic institutions have failed them (and the leaders have blamed others for it). Combine that with a repressive attitude toward women, alcohol, and all other pleasures and you have the potential for a lot of rage that explodes in fits of violence.