Does Islam create a whole other species of violence that, but for Islam, wouldnt exist?

Question

Muslims arent the only religious people to do violence, in fact, every religion, including Budhhism has followers who do violence.

The problem is, most people dont understand the real issue behind religious violence. The issue is not whether all religions have people who can do violence but whether some religions create a whole other "species of violence" that otherwise wouldnt have existed.

You can tell a person who doesnt understand the issue by remarks such as "every religion has extremists". Remarks such as this imply that all religious doctrines effect people the same way, which is of course absurd. If different religious doctrines can affect people different, which of course they can and do, then we must expect some to inspire less..and more levels of violence and peace.

Only an idiot would deny the Buddhism, generally, gives rise to a more peaceful people, and only an idot would deny that Islam gives rise to more "religious violence" by comparison.

Many of us wonder why some people deny what is so plainly obvious. My explaination (dont know for sure) is some combination of political correctness and Disney/Christian/Freedom of religion upbringing.

What gets me the most frustrated is that everyone who defends Islam, hasnt studied it. Yea...EVERYONE. I know far left wackos, who came to detest Islam more than anything else in the world ONCE THEY ACTUALLY STUDIED IT.

Please..please...please...(pretty please :)) just study the issue:
The most popular Islamic website in the Islamic community (read the Quran) http://www.islamicity.com/

Islamic TV. What Muslims say to Muslim audiences - http://www.memritv.org/

What Ex-Muslims say about Islam - http://www.apostatesofislam.com/

Answer 1

Now this is a MUCH better put question or posting. I can't disagree with you here.
True, i guess Islam has its own type of violence and in general, has and does, inspire more violence in its followers than other religions, but only if we look at the world today. In the past, i would have said the same thing about Christianity.
Would you argue that an extremist Christian nut is any less violent than you typical Muslim fanatic? The only problem is that there are a lot more Muslim fanatics than there are Christian fanatics.
I always argue that Middle Eastern culture in itself is violent and that this was reflected on Islam. The society in Arabia at the time of the rise of Islam was very, very violent, so it is no doubt that the interpretations of the religion were affected by this. On the other hand, the Quran itself is not any more or less violent that any other religious text.

Answer 2

I wouldn't say that Islam directly creates a "species" of violence. However, I see that people have used Islam as a tool to build hate and as an excuse to create violence.

Also, I do not see violence as a bad thing. It usually is a bad thing, but not necessarily always. Imagine for a second that the American airline transportation systems did not require its passengers to disarm themselves before flight entry. It is quite possible that one or more passengers on the hijacked flights of 9/11 would have been able to use violence to save an entire plane full of people as well as the people who were killed or wounded at the crash site(s).

You cannot put out a fire by being nice to it and trying to reason with it. You must use some kind of force. Just the same, force of violence is sometimes necessary for a greater good.

The real problem is not the violence, but the reason behind the violence. Islamic violence, for the most part, is completely unnecessary and irrational. If the removal of Islam from the people would also remove the unnecessary and irrational violence acted out in the name of Islam, my suggestion is to go ahead and do it.

People should have the freedom of religion, but with any freedom or privilege comes responsibility. If people cannot be responsible with their religion(s), then they deserve to have these religions taken away.

Answer 3

Islam is not a violent religion, and Muslims are prohibited from killing innocent civilians unjustly (whether those civilians are Muslims or non-Muslims). In other words, the suicide bombings that are taking place throughout the world (in the West and also on a daily basis to the civilians in Iraq) are not justifiable under Islamic teachings. It is possible for Islam to co-exist with other religions in harmony. However, as with any other religion, Muslims have the right to defend themselves if they are being attacked (Muslims are not allowed to attack others), and so killing is only permitted in this instance (and this would be in response to a direct attack). If you genuinely want to know more about this, then please refer to the Holy Qur'an and not to what other people tell you (or what other people quote to you from the Holy Qu'ran, which is deliberately taken out of context in order to mislead).

Answer 4

Buddhism - 3 main branches , dozen sects has told evil desires and violence are worse than Satan/ the ones which allow violence is too small to count and the records are not clear! Your idea is so unreal~
Islam - rise by executing Christianity and war - remain strong by forcing people to abandon their former faith - and hundreds of militant groups use Koran to be a weapon to rebel against other government - terrorize people and burn down other religion's facility! Facts are there!

Answer 5

I think it's fairly fashionable to speak harshly of Islam these days.

It's understandable, to some extent, but it's probably more important to understand the conflict in the Middle East as a political one, rather than a religious one.

Islam is ideologically (fairly) peaceful.
Have you seen the film "Kingdom of Heaven"? The depiction of Saladin & his people as gracious & noble when victorious is pretty accurate, historically speaking.

The West has long, I'm ashamed to say it, pursued its political (dare I say, 'colonial') interests in the region in profoundly unethical ways, and when there is backlash, looks surprised, indignant, and blames 'Islam'.

Is this not hypocrisy?

Answer 6

Your question has merit in that we should study Islam.
Women and men are supposed to seek knowledge.
Yes, I am studying Islam and in fact starting next week,
I will be taking an introduction class on Islam here in Germany.

Edit:
Islam is a peaceful religion and everything that I study about the religion makes sense to me and backs up that claim.

Answer 7

Islam, (according to the Holy book Quran and Traditions of prophet Mohammad peace be upon him) denounces violence. It is unfortunately some mullahs who have misinterpreted the teachings to their own benefit.

I do not agree to what you say, and I ask you to bring your allegations one by one and have them answered.

It would be unjust to judge Islam by the actions of Muslims or their preachings. Judge Islam by the teachings presented by Qur'an or by the actions of prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him). In this day and time, no one has damaged Islam than so called muslims.

Answer 8

I don't believe that religious fanaticism gives rise to a special species of violence, I believe it can give excuse to those who would have been violent anyway, and even allow them to take it further than they otherwise would have. Someone who would have thrown rocks can now justify bombs.

Answer 9

Ah yes, behold everyone, the ignorant moron who never read the Qur'an.

Why is it that when I read the Qur'an, all the verses that says "Kill" was followed by a verse that said "God will give you permission ONLY if you're oppressed and they attacked you first. Other than that, resort to peace."?

Makes you wonder.

Answer 10

man creates the violence, using religion as a catalyst