Faith,
quote:
If it is their religion that is "oppressed" then that complaint is already a suggestion that Islam and the US are at odds, don't you think? However, I'm well aware that the average Muslim may have no aspirations to take over the world, because their religion is a matter of daily life for them more than an overriding ideology. Nevertheless the writings of Islam give plenty of inspiration for zealots who want to fulfill everything they understand Allah desires of them, the major goal being subjugating the world to Allah. There are also different ways "jihad" is interpreted by different Muslims, but the fact is that the interpretation of violence against the infidel has a long history and is quite orthodox.
One rule when discussing something with those with a different religion is to never assume you know what they believe more than they did.
I acknowledge that you were being careful with your words, and directly pointing at zealots using Islamic teachings as an excuse for their agenda. But I must correct you on the interpretation of jihad. The rule for the use of violence in Islam is for self-defense. The Qur'an does encourage Muslims to strike back when persecuted, but does not endorse unprovoked aggression.
Of course historically there has been Muslim aggressors. But these were politically motivated (you know, people, sometimes they're hungry for land and riches), and sometimes they used religion to support and justify their actions. Christian kingdoms also do this in the past.
quote:
Sure, it is possible to get a Muslim president who serves the Constitution fairly, either from a less zealous religious spirit or from a pragmatic attitude, but Islam itself promotes a strong sense of allegiance to Islam that refuses allegiance to any nation. The problem would be in the blindness of the American public to this tendency in the religion, or the growth of a pro-Islam attitude in the nation, or the advantage given to the zealous Islamists by such a political situation.
I'm not concerned with the issue of American nationalism since I'm not a US citizen. Well you know better what makes someone a president in the US. You might know why more people choose GW Bush than John Kerry. Now just imagine a scenario where a similar victory by a Muslim candidate is possible. Try to think of circumstances that can make this happen. Change in religious composition? Competence of the candidate? Public opinion becomes more positive to Muslims?
Also, it is unfortunate that the opening post specifies a Muslim president scenario. I'd like to expand that question. What will happen if:
1. a Jew, or
2. a Hindu, or
3. an atheist
gets elected as the US President?
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