Why have those on the left given Islam a protected status in debate?

Question

As an atheist, it seems odd to me that those who have traditionally been critical of religion in general have made an exception for Islam, the most intolerant of all religions. Is this not hypocritical? Please don’t insult your intelligence by denying this. Why are so many desperate to portray Islam as a "peaceful religion" despite overwhelming contrary evidence? Can we think of any other religion where suicide bombers are a regular occurrence throughout the world? I realize that individual Muslims can be peaceful, but I'm talking about ideology not a demographic group. Open your eyes to the world around you. However impolitic it may seem, modern Islam is the equivalent of 14th century Christianity. So why do we insist on giving Islam such a positive spin? Is there any other religion in the world which needs such a huge PR campaign to deflect criticism?

Answer 1

Islam was just as violent in the 14th century as Christianity was.
Be that as it may, Islamic ideology is to infiltrate and grow peacefully until their people reach sufficient numbers to sway politics. That's how they have always developed, and the way they continue to grow. The current situation in the West is a perfect example of this ongoing policy. I really enjoy my Muslim neighbors. I'm not so sure my grandchildren will be on such friendly terms with theirs, as I am with mine.

Infiltrate peacefully.
Grow unchecked.
Gain a majority.
Then demand that all submit.

It takes generations, but it works.

Answer 2

I don't think there is any denying the violence of Islam today. That is certain. Historically, however Islam was a fairly tolerant faith when the Ottoman Empire was thriving, at least compared to Christianity during the same period. It's easy to play up the more peaceful and tolerant aspects of ones faith (there's two sides -or more- to every holy book) when one lives in peace and prosperity.
But then the empire fell apart, the middle east fell victim to internal strife, poverty, colonization and a restructuring of their boarders that paid no heed to ethnic differences between kinds of Islam.
Islam does have a nasty side to it and feeling besieged and out of control of ones own existence is just the thing to bring it out.
I'm not trying to excuse suicide bombers and I don't think it does any good to be so polite about Islam. In fact, I think it might be counter-productive. We continue to mess around in the middle east (cold war, Iraq, etc) often not fully comprehending the consequences of our actions and yet domestically we feign understanding and respect for their beliefs and cultures. Bull s'''t is a pretty universal language.

Answer 3

Personally, I don't give any special protected status to Islam. The reality is that as an atheist in the US, you are more likely to come into direct contact with Christian opposition, and Christians trying to take away your rights. There really just aren't as many Muslim opponents.

Answer 4

I consider myself on the left and I do not give Islam a protected status. I think it is as misguided as Christianity and right now its followers probably even more misguided; but, as an Atheist, on a day to day basis, it is Christians that do things to cause me the most trouble, so I end up complaining about them the most.

Answer 5

Fix your ideologies concerning Islam by reading this book:
http://www.darulfatwa.org.au/content/view/83/169/

Answer 6

why when an atheist, or Christians do a crime , they never bring his religion on the news?. do you remember that guy who killed the students in Virginia Tech? did you hear what he said? he was mentioning JESUS? imagine if that guy was a Muslim and was mentioned Allah or Muhammad, then what will happen?

we are people who love our children and love our families, and want to live in peace. and our religion is about forgiveness and truth, and those who do crimes using Islam do not represent me, or represent my people or my faith.

Answer 7

No positive spin here... I think Islam is insane!!!