The West and the Rest: Is Islam Inherently Violent? Part 2
Once again, the West – or at least the USA – is throwing its weight around in smaller nations. This is a scenario all too familiar for those in many Muslim-majority nations which have historically been on the receiving end of Western imperialism and military power. Part 1 of this blog looked at some of the possible drivers of violence associated with Islam which some Christians believe to be rooted in its texts, teachings and history. Part 2 looks at some of the other explanations which Christians propose as the possible causes of such violence. This includes Western military interference and support for unjust undemocratic dictators, which smacks of hypocrisy to many Muslims.
From Badr to Bondi: Is Islam Inherently Violent? Part 1
Once again there is terrible news of innocent people killed by terrorists associated with Islamic State (ISIS), this time 15 Jews celebrating Hanukkah on Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia. Once again, the spectre of antisemitism and violence raised its ugly head. But is Islam to blame? Is Islam inherently violent? How do the majority of Muslims distinguish between what they believe to be a foundational, revered episode in Islamic history, such as the Battle of Badr, and a reprehensible, un-Islamic terrorist attack, such as that at Bondi, which they consider to be against all that Islam stands for? In this 2-part blog, Richard McCallum looks at Christian responses to these questions:
Part 1 of this blog looks at the causes which some Christians propose that may be said to be ‘internal’ to Islam.
Part 2 will look at those which are ‘external’ and rooted in international affairs.
Christian writers and leaders tend to favour one or the other explanation - internal or external causes - although the reality is always more complex.