83. lola
I agree. The main difference centers on the core of their religious beliefs. In the 21st century, Christianity teaches us to educate ourselves and develop a belief in the religion before taking it on fully (thus religious education classes). Islam, on the other hand, centers on actions preceding belief. If you practice all the symbols of Islam, it is accepted that you will eventually believe. The core of their entire religion is based on accepting everything they are told by their religious leaders as fact. NOT questioning the logical, moral, ethical, or common sense basis for any action is, therefore, the key flaw in their belief system (which is enforced by any Muslim person who shames others for exercising their human right to free will). I admit some extreme Christian religions also encourage their followers not to question their religion; however, at least these people do not force their beliefs on others or make elaborate displays of themselves (minus the former Hitler youth pope). There is no convincing radical Islamists because they cannot think for themselves. They are like rapists – mentally flawed yet perceiving themselves to be correct in their flawed beliefs.
For “normal” Islamic believers, who recognize that rational thought plays a major role in day-to-day living, they are just like the rest of us. I respect their decisions as long as they are based on educated critical thinking. I have friends who wear hijab when they go out in public. They wear it because they feel more comfortable in public that way, not because they feel pressured by Muslim men. I know they are smart, educated women so I respect their choice as a personal decision rather than something forced upon them by a religion or men.
